If you're considering a career as a phlebotomist, one important question you’ll be asking is how much you can expect to earn. This article will explore phlebotomist salaries, industry trends, and factors affecting your earning potential.
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Phlebotomists perform blood draws from patients for testing, transfusions, or donations. As a Phlebotomist, you ensure the blood samples are properly labeled and stored for further testing. Your role is vital to helping doctors and other medical professionals diagnose and treat patients.
As a Phlebotomist, your salary can vary depending on location, experience, and education level. The mean annual wage of phlebotomists in May 2022 was $40,580, and the mean hourly wage was $19.51.
The median annual salary for phlebotomists in May 2021 was $37,380, at which half of the Phlebotomists earned more and half made less. The median hourly wage was $17.97.
Here are the top five highest-paying states for Phlebotomists in the US in May 2022:
1. California
Hourly Mean Wage: $24.27
Annual Mean Wage: $50,470
2. Massachusetts
Hourly Mean Wage: $22.85
Annual Mean Wage: $47,530
3. District of Columbia
Hourly Mean Wage: $22.67
Annual Mean Wage: $47,160
4. Washington
Hourly Mean Wage: $22.64
Annual Mean Wage: $47,090
5. New York
Hourly Mean Wage: $22.58
Annual Mean Wage: $46,960
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salaries of phlebotomy technicians may vary by industry due to some factors. It includes the demand for phlebotomy services, the level of skill and education required, and the employer's location. Read our blog post on where a Phlebotomist works so you can decide which facilities you would most likely want to work at.
These are some examples of how salaries may differ by industry:
Healthcare industry: Phlebotomists who work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings may earn higher salaries than those who work in other industries due to the higher demand for phlebotomy services in these settings.
Diagnostic laboratories: Phlebotomy technicians who work in diagnostic laboratories may also earn higher salaries due to the specialized skills and knowledge required to perform venipunctures and handle specimens.
Blood and organ banks: Phlebotomy technicians who work in blood and organ banks may earn higher salaries due to the importance of their work in ensuring the safety and quality of blood and tissue donations.
Other industries: Phlebotomy technicians who work in other industries, such as nursing care facilities or educational services, may earn lower salaries due to the lower demand for phlebotomy services or the lower level of skill and education required.
Here are your potential annual average earnings as a Phlebotomist if you work in any of these industries with the highest levels of employment (based on May 2022 data):
1. Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
Employment: 46,780
Annual Median Wage: $42,220
2. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Employment: 45,760
Annual Median Wage: $39,600
3. Other Ambulatory Health Care Services
Employment: 20,650
Annual Median Wage: $38,310
4. Offices of Physicians
Employment: 9,950
Annual Median Wage: $38,030
5. Employment Services
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Having additional education and certification can also impact your income. While certification is not a requirement in all states, it can lead to higher pay and better job prospects. As you become a Phlebotomist, certification options include the following:
Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification
Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification
There are several ways for you to advance your career, including:
Higher education: Phlebotomists can pursue further education by enrolling in a bachelor's degree program in a related field, such as medical technology, nursing, or healthcare administration.
Gaining work experience: Phlebotomists can gain experience by taking on additional responsibilities in their current role or seeking out opportunities to work in different healthcare settings.
Networking: Building professional relationships with colleagues and attending industry events can help phlebotomists learn about new job opportunities and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
You might be wondering about the difference between salaries and the healthcare roles you may consider taking. Here’s a preview of the median annual wage of CNAs, CMAs, and Phlebotomists, including their median hourly wage and their respective job outlooks based on May 2021 data.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Annual Median Wage: $33,250
Hourly Median Wage: $15.99
Job Outlook (2021 - 2031): 5% increase
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Annual Median Wage: $37,190
Hourly Median Wage: $17.88
Job Outlook (2021 - 2031): 16% increase
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
Annual Median Wage: $37,380
Hourly Median Wage: $17.97
Job Outlook (2021 - 2031): 10% increase
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
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The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of phlebotomists will grow 10% from 2021 to 2031— about 135,500 employees in 2021 will be about 149,400 by 2031. There is also an annual projected job opening of 21,500.
The growing and aging population is expected to increase the demand for medical services in the coming years. With this rise in demand comes an increased need for essential medical procedures such as blood testing. It means that phlebotomists will continue to be in demand as doctors and other healthcare professionals rely on them to obtain accurate and reliable bloodwork for diagnosis and treatment.
Phlebotomy is a growing field with many opportunities for career advancement. Salaries can vary depending on location and education, but the future of phlebotomy as a career choice is still promising. With the demand for phlebotomists increasing in the coming years, you would want to take advantage of the opportunity to start your career as a Phlebotomist now!
Catch more information about being a Phlebotomist and other careers from our blogs below!
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