Life As a Phlebotomist
Example of Phlebotomist Job Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
List of Phlebotomist Job Duties
- Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.
- Administer subcutaneous or intramuscular injects, in accordance with licensing restrictions.
- Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.
- Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.
- Calibrate or maintain machines, such as those used for plasma collection.
- Determine donor suitability, according to interview results, vital signs, and medical history.
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Skills Needed to be a Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Phlebotomist
- Phlebotomist, Medical Lab Assistant
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Long Term Care Phlebotomist
- Laboratory Phlebotomist
- Phlebotomy Supervisor
Are There Job Opportunities for Phlebotomists?
There were about 122,700 jobs for Phlebotomist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 24.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 30,100 new jobs for Phlebotomist by 2026. The BLS estimates 16,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Phlebotomist are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make?
Phlebotomists make between $25,020 and $49,060 a year.

Phlebotomists who work in California, District of Columbia, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Phlebotomists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,420 |
Alaska | $42,290 |
Arizona | $32,810 |
Arkansas | $28,690 |
California | $45,030 |
Colorado | $35,800 |
Connecticut | $39,310 |
Delaware | $39,120 |
District of Columbia | $41,600 |
Florida | $32,280 |
Georgia | $32,190 |
Idaho | $31,920 |
Illinois | $36,090 |
Indiana | $34,290 |
Iowa | $30,760 |
Kansas | $32,890 |
Kentucky | $31,130 |
Louisiana | $29,970 |
Maine | $31,190 |
Maryland | $39,760 |
Massachusetts | $39,970 |
Michigan | $32,450 |
Minnesota | $38,630 |
Mississippi | $29,460 |
Missouri | $31,320 |
Montana | $32,240 |
Nebraska | $32,000 |
Nevada | $38,320 |
New Hampshire | $39,870 |
New Jersey | $38,090 |
New Mexico | $29,700 |
New York | $40,630 |
North Carolina | $32,070 |
North Dakota | $33,340 |
Ohio | $34,230 |
Oklahoma | $31,570 |
Oregon | $39,150 |
Pennsylvania | $34,370 |
Rhode Island | $39,930 |
South Carolina | $31,180 |
South Dakota | $27,670 |
Tennessee | $30,090 |
Texas | $33,000 |
Utah | $31,290 |
Vermont | $35,740 |
Virginia | $35,960 |
Washington | $39,410 |
West Virginia | $30,200 |
Wisconsin | $35,530 |
Wyoming | $32,160 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Phlebotomists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Phlebotomists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Outlook
- MEDITECH software
- Scheduling software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Laboratory information system LIS
- Iatric Systems MobiLab
How to Become a Phlebotomist
Are there Phlebotomists education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Phlebotomist?

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

Phlebotomists work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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