A phlebotomist is an expert medical professional who obtains blood samples and lab tests. Lab tests are the foundation of many medical diagnoses and treatments, and phlebotomists play a crucial role in quickly, accurately, and safely obtaining them.
An expert phlebotomist makes a difficult skill look effortless. While nobody enjoys having their blood drawn, phlebotomists can make a difference in the lives of their patients by performing an often dreaded procedure quickly, professionally, and with as little discomfort as possible. No one forgets a phlebotomist who can draw blood so well you hardly feel it!
Does this important and rewarding medical specialty sound like it could be for you? Be sure to look at our Phlebotomist Career Guide for more information. And how much does a phlebotomist make? Keep reading, our phlebotomist salary guide will tell you everything you need to know about phlebotomist pay.
How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make?
A phlebotomist makes an average annual salary of $38,530, with pay ranging from $30,250 to $51,610 or more per year.
How much does a phlebotomist make an hour? The average phlebotomist salary per hour is currently $18.53 and ranges from $14.54 to $24.81 per hour. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Phlebotomists with advanced education, experience, certification, and additional skills, as well as travel phlebotomists, can earn more. Some phlebotomists advance their careers by moving into leadership and management roles, and others use phlebotomy as a starting point to move into other medical specialties. Some phlebotomists further their education to become CNAs, RNs, or more.
What are The Top-Paying States for Phlebotomists?
Phlebotomist pay varies by region, and areas with higher living costs typically pay higher wages. Supply and demand also influence phlebotomist pay, with areas experiencing a shortage of phlebotomists seeing higher pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying states for phlebotomists, by average yearly salary, currently are:
- California
- Massachusetts
- District of Columbia
- Washington
- New York
Salary Range Considerations
It is important to remember that your total phlebotomist technician salary depends on several variable factors. Phlebotomists can work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and doctors' offices. Pay varies slightly from facility to facility. Each area of phlebotomy has pros and cons, but outpatient phlebotomists tend to enjoy more traditional working hours.
Hospital phlebotomists can work early morning, day, evening, and night shifts, as hospital labs need to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most hospitals pay a higher hourly wage for night and weekend hours, which increases your earning potential.
Does Seasonality Impact Pay for Phlebotomists?
Staff phlebotomy technician pay is stable year-round, but travel phlebotomy techs can see differences in pay depending on demand throughout the year.
Phlebotomists are needed at all times, and some types of phlebotomy work can see increased demand during different times of the year. Routine lab work can increase towards the end of the year, as patients often try to get routine medical care before their insurance deductibles reset in January.
While children and adults of all ages need bloodwork done at times, older Americans account for the highest number of lab tests and bloodwork. Areas of the country with warmer weather often see an increase in older Americans during the winter months. These locations may see an increased demand and pay for travel phlebotomists during the winter.
What is the Job Outlook Like for Phlebotomists?
Phlebotomists have a great job outlook! Did you know that over seven billion lab tests are performed each year? (American Clinical Laboratory Association). Phlebotomists' specialized skills are needed throughout the United States, and demand is only expected to increase over time. Phlebotomy career options abound, and phlebotomists can also take their skills on the road and begin a lucrative career as a traveling phlebotomist!
Travel Phlebotomist Salary
Travel phlebotomist techs are often the highest-paid types of phlebotomists. Compared to staff phlebotomist pay, travel phlebotomists typically earn more. Travel professionals can also enjoy unique benefits such as tax-free stipends and housing allowances. To take a closer look, we’ll use New York as an example.
Travel phlebotomists in NYC currently have an average salary slightly above the national average of $40,000, making around $43,000 annually, with the highest-paid travel phlebotomists making upwards of $47,000 annually. (Salary.com)
Find a Phlebotomist Job with Trusted Health
For those of you who feel the call to take your phlebotomy skills on the road, there's never been a better time. The demand for phlebotomists, particularly in travel roles, is on the rise. With Trusted Health, you have a unique opportunity to maximize your earnings while enjoying the flexibility and adventure that comes with travel positions.
Start your journey today. Sign up with Trusted Health, explore the travel phlebotomist jobs we offer across the country, and step into a future where your skills are not only valued but also rewarded!
