Phlebotomist Salary - Plus Tips To Double The Pay!
A phlebotomists salary can vary widely depending on several factors, but before we dig into the average phlebotomist salary (and tips to maximize it), let's quickly look at the career outlook.
Phlebotomists fall under the medical and clinical laboratory tech occupation, which has a very bright job outlook through 2024.
In fact, from 2014 - 2024, phlebotomy jobs are expected to grow 25%, a rate that is much higher than the national average. Not only will this create more job opportunities, but the increased demand could potentially raise the average phlebotomy salary!
So, we know the job outlook is good, but how much do phlebotomists make?
Phlebotomist Yearly & Hourly Wage
Like most jobs, a phlebotomists salary is dependant on several factors, such as:
- Location - salaries vary widely depending on city and state
- Experience - salaries typically increase with experience
- Education & Training - Getting your certificate from an accredited certification agency can increase your dollar per hour wage in most cases. And may even be required depending on the state you live in.
Plus, each individual company has their own idea of how much money a phlebotomy technician should make.
With that said, the average phlebotomist salary is $32,230 per year as of January 30th, 2017 according to Salary.com. So, how much does a phlebotomist make an hour? An annual wage of $32,230 would equate to roughly $15.50 per hour.
Here's a visual representation of the average phlebotomist pay range:
On top of the average salary, there are certain benefits that many companies offer, such as:
- Health care
- Pension
- Education reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Paid education
- Sick days
- Bonuses
- Insurance
- Continuing education
- And more
According to Salary.com, this can increase the average salary by 33.8%, bringing the annual average pay to roughly $48,810.
Maximizing A Phlebotomists Pay
Some people may have concerns about the average phlebotomist pay scale, since whether you're just starting out or near the higher end, their salaries are less than the national average wage.
In fact, in 2012, the average salary of a phlebotomy technician was over $12,000 less than average national wage.
But, that doesn't mean you can't maximize your salary! With the right training, you could actually earn double the national average!
Certification
The first step you'll want to take if you haven't already is to get your phlebotomy certification through an accredited certification agency, like the NHA or ASCP. A certified phlebotomist salary can be considerably higher than one without a certificate, plus it can open up better and more lucrative career opportunities for you. Some states even require certification.
Continuing Education
Completing the proper training program and advancing to a higher paying medical position, like a nurse or clinical lab technologist, you can actually double your annual salary. Earning a 2 or 4 year degree in a medical field like nursing, for example, is a natural and common progression for a phlebotomy technician.
Benefit packages
When choosing or looking for a new phlebotomy job, be sure to carefully examine any added benefits the job might include such as Employee Stock Options (ESOP), a matching 401k, health benefits, and so on, which could net tens of thousands per year. When it comes to your career, it's not always about the dollar per hour.
Promotions
With experience and proper training can come promotions, and by accepting a job promotion to a supervisor level phlebotomy technician, you can reach the higher end of the pay scale. Keep open lines of communication with your higher ups at work and let them know that you're interested in taking on the responsibility.
Contract work
While working in a hospital, clinical laboratory, or non-profit type setting, you can also find contract jobs on the side to help supplement your income. Many life insurance agencies and companies that require drawing blood for drug screens, for example, will hire certified phlebotomists on an as-needed basis.
Here's a visual representation of our tips to maximize your phlebotomist salary! Feel free to pin or share this image to help others!
How To Double Your Phlebotomy Technician Salary
Along with the above tips, you can maximize your pay by having options! Be sure to interview with several companies including hospitals, family practices, health agencies, private companies and so on. Find the career opportunity that fits you and keep in mind that pay shouldn't be the end all, be all of finding the right job!
Become A Phlebotomy Technician
Are you ready to take that first step to become a phlebotomy technician? If so, you're in the right place!
To get started, jump over to our phlebotomy school directory and find the program nearest you. These specialized programs typically last less than a year and come complete with classroom and laboratory training (performing blood draws, etc). Upon completing the education portion, you'll then be able to test to get your certificate from a certification organization like the NHA or ASCP. There are a few states - California, Lousiana & Nevada - that require certification.
Remember, the outlook for phlebotomy jobs has never been brighter. And a career in this growing health and medical field is as rewarding as a job can get!
Reviewed on June 4, 2019