Phlebotomist Jobs

What Does a Phlebotomist Do

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, and blood donations. They verify patient identity, label and process specimens, answer questions to help patients relax, and keep their work area clean and stocked. Most work in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, clinics, and blood donation centers.

Salary and Job Outlook

Phlebotomists in United States earn a median wage of about $21 per hour and $43,660 per year, based on May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay moves up with experience, shift differentials, and setting: hospital, laboratory, and travel roles usually pay more than entry-level or outpatient positions. Most phlebotomists work full time, and hospital and lab roles often include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Certification Requirements

most employers expect a phlebotomy certification such as the CPT from the NHA or ASCP. A state-approved training program that includes supervised clinical draws plus a passing exam covers most requirements, and some states add licensing or registration on top of certification.

Where Phlebotomists Work

Phlebotomists work in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, doctor's offices, outpatient care centers, and blood donation facilities. About a third of phlebotomists are employed by hospitals, and another third work in medical and diagnostic laboratories.

How to Find Openings

To find phlebotomist jobs, check hospital and lab career pages, use location-based job search, and filter by shift and pay. Applying with a current certification, a clean background, and a resume that highlights your draw count and patient experience makes your application stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions