Phlebotomists
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
Also called: Certified Phlebotomist, Certified Phlebotomy Technician (Certified Phlebotomy Tech), Clinical Phlebotomist, Lab Liaison Technician, Lab Phlebotomist (Laboratory Phlebotomist), Long Term Care Phlebotomist
Median pay
$45,230
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,780 – $58,780
People employed
143,540
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Long hours on your feet
Phlebotomists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What phlebotomists do
- 01Confirm the identities of patients by verifying their personal information.
- 02Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
- 03Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
- 04Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
- 05Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
- 06Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from phlebotomists
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians86% · +64%
- Neurodiagnostic Technologists82% · group pay
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists81% · group pay
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians81% · +77%
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses80% · +42%
Change into phlebotomists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Pharmacy Technicians84% · $45,750
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists81% · $50,290
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians81% · $47,380
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians80% · $45,570
- Neurodiagnostic Technologists78% · $50,290
Majors that lead here
- Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.