Phlebotomists’ salaries vary depending on the area you are working in, the type of phlebotomist you are and how much experience you have. If you are looking for a job that provides a good basic salary and a solid future, then a career as a phlebotomist is an excellent choice.

The difference in pay between a new phlebotomist and an experienced one is not as high as you may think. So, phlebotomy isn’t a career that with a vast pay difference between entry-level and experienced phlebotomists, however, one thing you can be sure of is job stability.

Phlebotomy is a skill that is in increasing demand so you will not struggle to find jobs. Whether you live in an urban area or a rural area, there is always a doctor, a clinic, a hospital or a medical center that requires phlebotomists.

Phlebotomists are extremely important members of any medical team. They draw blood for tests, donations, research and they administer blood transfusions. Phlebotomist technicians also help patients recover if they have adverse reactions to any of these processes. They ensure that all samples are carefully and correctly labeled and dispatched to the relevant testing laboratory according to protocol. As such, phlebotomy is a great career choice if you are looking for job stability because phlebotomists are always in demand.

Other than the stability of the phlebotomy field, major advantages are the fact that you can launch your career quickly without spending years and years training or breaking the bank. Additionally, the fact that phlebotomists are needed everywhere, you can pretty much choose where you’d like to live rather than have your job limit your choice of geographical location.

Read on to find out more about what phlebotomists earn.

What Is the Average Pay Rate for Phlebotomy Technicians?

Within the field of phlebotomy, there are various areas of specialization with different salaries. You can specialize in donor phlebotomy, cardio phlebotomy, EKG phlebotomy or hematology phlebotomy, for example. There are also different levels of phlebotomists. You get supervisors, trainers, assistants, and managers.

Average phlebotomy hourly pay rates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage is $15.10. If you’re just starting out your earnings per hour will range between $10.46 and $12.27. With the right certification and experience, you can earn around $20.77 per hour.

Annual average salary for phlebotomy technicians

The average annual salary of phlebotomy technicians in the US is about $32,020 per year or $18,28 per hour. Depending on your experience and location this can go up to $43,190 per annum or $24,66 per hour.

Starting Pay for Phlebotomists

When you are just starting your career as a phlebotomist the average salary is about $12.95 per hour or $22,684 per year.

Registered phlebotomy technician salary

A registered phlebotomist has official certification and more training which means that they are able to train and supervise ordinary phlebotomists. Most health clinics, hospitals and laboratories have both phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomists on their staff. 

The national average salary for a Registered Phlebotomist Technician in the US is $28,722 per annum or $16,40 per hour. 

Highest Paying Phlebotomy Jobs

The highest paying phlebotomy jobs are those that are a bit more specialized. Phlebotomy supervisors, trainers and co-ordinators as well as EKG, cardio and haematology phlebotomists earn more than ordinary phlebotomists. There is not a huge difference in pay but it is a marked difference. Specialist phlebotomists who have more than 10 years’ experience earn the most.

The introductory pay for a phlebotomy specialist is around $15 per hour which is about $31,000 per year if you are a full-time employee. A haematology technician with several years’ experience can expect to earn over $60,000 per year which is about $34,25 per hour.

Hematology phlebotomy technician salary

A hematology phlebotomy technologist is a step up from most other phlebotomist jobs. An associate’s degree is required as is previous experience as an ordinary phlebotomist. A hematology technologist does not only draw the blood but also analyses it for any abnormalities or blood-borne diseases.

The average annual salary of a hematology phlebotomy technician is around $64,421 but can go up to $76,000 depending on experience and the institution you work for.

Phlebotomy supervisor salary

Phlebotomy supervisors direct and oversee their team’s blood-collection functions. They are generally responsible for interviewing and employing team members as well as manage blood drives and setting and meeting monthly goals for blood collections. They are responsible for ensuring that all safety and quality standards are met. 

In addition to a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and previous supervisory experience, phlebotomy supervisors must also be computer literate, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel. They need to be good with people, work well under pressure and be able to be on their feet for long periods of time. 

The average salary of a phlebotomy supervisor is $19.64 per hour but some companies like the Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) and Quest Diagnostics pay up to $24.96 per hour which equates to approximately $43,800 per year.

Phlebotomy instructor salary

A phlebotomy instructor is a registered phlebotomist who lectures at a medical school where phlebotomy is studied. Phlebotomy instructors can generally earn an average salary of about $36,000 per annum. This obviously depends on the school or institution you are working in as well as the number of courses you are facilitating. The salary of a phlebotomy instructor will be higher than that of a phlebotomy technician.

A Phlebotomy Instructor earns, on average, $43,972 a year In the United States. Salaries can be as high as $64,500 and as low as $31,500 per annum.

Phlebotomy coordinator salary

A Phlebotomy Coordinator is more of a managerial position and involves a lot of administration. You will need to troubleshoot problems and provide instructions to staff on complex testing procedures. A Phlebotomy Coordinator is usually also responsible for the training of company procedures to new phlebotomists on the team. A phlebotomy co-ordinator works closely with the phlebotomy supervisor who is responsible for the smooth running of the entire laboratory.

A phlebotomy co-ordinator assigns daily tasks and sets deadlines according to the instructions of the phlebotomy supervisor. They can also still be needed to form phlebotomy procedures.

The average pay of a phlebotomy co-ordinator is around $37,246 per annum although salaries can be as high as $56,000 and as low as $22,000.

Phlebotomy Salaries & Pay Rates by Job Type

One great thing about phlebotomy is that it does not cost a lot nor take a long time to become a registered phlebotomist. If you are looking to change careers, phlebotomy is an excellent option due to these factors. Within a matter of months, you can be fully trained and working in your new job.

Phlebotomy specialist salary

All phlebotomists are essentially phlebotomy specialists. Advancement from the entry-level salary will require gaining experience over a number of years. The average annual salary of a phlebotomy specialist is $28,722.

EKG phlebotomy technician salary

Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians play an important role in health care. They are responsible for, among other things, administering electrocardiograms to patients and assisting in the administration of the phlebotomy department.

An entry-level Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician with minimal experience can expect to earn an average of $13.24 per hour. This can go up to $14.19 with a few years’ experience and $16.54 per hour with over 10 years’ experience.

Clinical phlebotomy salary

A clinical phlebotomist generally works in an environment where blood is drawn and tested on the same premises. They therefore need experience in drawing blood and in analyzing it. 

The average Clinical Pathology Laboratories Phlebotomist hourly salary in the US is around $14.27 per hour which equates to approximately $25,000 per year.

CNA and phlebotomy salary

Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) who also have a phlebotomy qualification provide care to patients in health facilities like hospitals and nursing homes. They assist patients with basic needs like bathing, dressing, eating, and grooming as well as administering medication and monitoring the patients. Their job obviously also includes collecting samples for testing like blood and urine and then processing them to be sent to the relevant laboratory for testing.

CAN phlebotomists earn an average of $12.80 per hour but can earn as little as $10.93 an hour at some institutions.

Cardio phlebotomy salary

A Cardio-Phlebotomy Technician is trained in both Phlebotomy and EKG procedures. Their job includes drawing blood, testing specimens, infection control and performing EKG procedures. They need to know how to operate and adjust EKG heart monitors as well as be able to interpret the results of the electrocardiograph recordings. 

The average annual salary for a Cardio Phlebotomy Technician in the US is $45,778 a year. It can, however, be as low as $22,500 and as high as $105,000 per annum.

Donor phlebotomy technician salary

A donor phlebotomy specialist works with potential donors at sites such as Red Cross donation centres where they will decide whether a potential donor is suitable to participate. This makes the job a far more inter-personal job than an ordinary phlebotomist as they will need to go through the potential donor’s medical history, draw initial samples and assist with the donation process.

A donor phlebotomist earns an average of $13.13 per hour or $23,000 per annum.

Laboratory phlebotomy technician salary

A laboratory phlebotomy technician focuses more on the analysis of specimens drawn by other phlebotomists rather than the actual drawing of blood for the test. This position requires additional training as it involves precise recording and analytical skills. They also need to know about the different blood types, how they interact with each other and how to use the different machinery and lab equipment used in the storage, transportation, and analysis of blood samples and other bodily fluids. 

The average laboratory phlebotomist salary is around $32,230 per year which is approximately $15,50 per hour.

Phlebotomy assistant salary

A phlebotomy assistant is someone who is not trained in phlebotomy but assists certified phlebotomists by helping prepare equipment and communicate with patients. This is an excellent position took for if you’re wanting to study phlebotomy but still need to work. The hours you put in will count in terms of hands on experience even though you are not yet registered.

The average salary for an assistant is $31,508 per annum in the US. 

Mobile/Traveling phlebotomist salary pay

A traveling phlebotomist travels to different sites at nursing homes, clinics, blood drives, or at individual patients’ homes to draw blood. They do not do as many procedures on a daily basis as a phlebotomist that is based in one place, but they do have the challenge of drawing blood in different environments and situations. 

The average annual salary of a traveling phlebotomist in the US is approximately $40,920 but this can go up to as high as $76,000 per annum.

Phlebotomy Job Salary Benefits

Phlebotomy jobs do not only pay a fair salary, they usually also have retirement and health benefits, opportunities for further training and the opportunity to work in a range of different environments. 

Typically these benefits amount to approximately $20,000 per annum and will include, depending on the organisation, the following:

• Health Insurance – packages usually include medical, dental and vision insurance and, in certain instances, life and disability cover.
• Retirement Pension – 401K and 403B retirement plans are generally a standard benefit.
• Social Security – some organizations offer social security instead of the 401K and 403B retirement plans. This entitles you to benefits when you retire or if you become disabled or in the event of death.
• Paid Sick, Holiday and Vacation Leave – these benefits usually comprise about 8% of your salary package.
• Tuition Assistance – Certified Phlebotomy Technicians need to do continuing education and employers will give you leave to study and will often fund your fees.

Advancing Your Phlebotomy Job Salary

Experience in the field is your best asset when looking for a pay raise or a promotion to a more lucrative position. Phlebotomy is also an excellent platform for pursuing other avenues in the medical field as most generally require some form of experience.