Phlebotomists
SOC Code: 31-9097Also known as:
Certified Phlebotomist, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Clinical Phlebotomist, Collections Technician, Lab Liaison Technician
Median Annual Salary
$43,660
+5.6% growth (2024-2034)
18K
Openings/Year
140K
Current Jobs
What Phlebotomists Do
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
💰 Salary
$43,660
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.6%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
18K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
139,700
Projected Employment (2034)
147,500
Related Careers
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Medical assistants
$44,200 •
+12.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
- Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
- Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
- Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
- Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.
- Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
- Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.
- Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.
- Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Phlebotomists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a phlebotomists:
Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist
9,347 degrees awarded •
319 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Phlebotomists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become phlebotomists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do phlebotomists make?
The median annual salary for phlebotomists is $43,660.
What education do phlebotomists need?
Most phlebotomists positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist.
Is becoming phlebotomists a good career choice?
Phlebotomists is projected to see +5.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 18,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for phlebotomists?
Top colleges for aspiring phlebotomists include
Traviss Technical College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton, Mountainland Technical College, Front Range Community College, Davis Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to phlebotomists?
Phlebotomists may also be known as: Certified Phlebotomist, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Clinical Phlebotomist, Collections Technician, Lab Liaison Technician, Laboratory Phlebotomist, Long Term Care Phlebotomist, Mobile Examiner, Mobile Phlebotomist, Outpatient Phlebotomist, Patient Service Technician (PST), Phlebotomist, Phlebotomy Services Representative, Phlebotomy Services Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Phlebotomy Technologist, Registered Phlebotomist, Research Phlebotomist, Travel Phlebotomist, Venipuncturist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.