How much do phlebotomists make?
Phlebotomists earn a median of about $43,660 per year, which works out to roughly $21 per hour (BLS, May 2024). Pay ranges from under about $34,860 for the lowest earners to over $57,750 for the top 10 percent.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (lowest 10%) | Under ~$34,860 | About $17/hour; new and part-time phlebotomists (BLS) |
| Median (national) | $43,660 | About $21/hour; median for phlebotomists (BLS, May 2024) |
| Top earners (highest 10%) | Over ~$57,750 | About $28/hour; experienced staff in high-cost areas (BLS) |
| Hospital and lab settings | ~$40,000 - $52,000 | Often pays above outpatient clinics, with shift differentials |
| Higher-cost states | $48,000 - $58,000+ | States like California and the Northeast pay above average |
Typical phlebotomist pay
The median annual wage for phlebotomists is about $43,660, or roughly $21 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Median means half of phlebotomists earn more and half earn less, making it a reliable midpoint for the field.
Earnings fall in a fairly narrow band compared with higher-skilled health roles. The lowest 10 percent earn under about $34,860 per year, while the top 10 percent earn over about $57,750. Pay tends to rise with experience, certification, and the setting where you work.
What drives earnings
The main factors are the work setting, location, experience, and certification. Hospitals and diagnostic labs often pay more than physician offices or outpatient clinics, and shift differentials for evenings, nights, or weekends can add to take-home pay.
Geography is significant. Higher-cost states such as California and parts of the Northeast pay well above the national median, while lower-cost regions sit closer to the entry-level figure. National certification can also help with both hiring and pay.
Outlook for phlebotomists
Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow about 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with roughly 18,400 openings projected each year. Demand is driven by ongoing need for blood draws in hospitals, labs, and clinics.
Because the role requires a relatively short training program, it is a common entry point into healthcare. Many phlebotomists use the position as a stepping stone toward higher-paying roles such as medical or lab technician.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median phlebotomist salary?
- About $43,660 per year, or roughly $21 per hour, according to BLS data (May 2024), with half of phlebotomists earning more and half earning less.
- Where do phlebotomists earn the most?
- Hospitals and diagnostic labs, and higher-cost states such as California and parts of the Northeast, tend to pay above the national median, with shift differentials adding more.
- Is phlebotomy a good entry into healthcare?
- Yes. Training is short, demand is growing about 6 percent through 2034, and many use it as a stepping stone to higher-paying technician roles.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.