What does a phlebotomist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, research or donations, and they help anxious patients stay calm. A certificate program of under a year is the usual route. BLS reports a median pay of $45,230 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 31-9097 |
| O*NET code | 31-9097.00 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Median annual wage | $45,230 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 7 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 143,900 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a phlebotomist do?
BLS says phlebotomists draw blood for purposes such as tests, research or donations. They explain procedures to ease nervous patients, verify identity and label samples, enter sample information into a database, collect urine or other samples, prepare and dispose of needles and vials, and keep work areas clean and sanitary.
Work environment
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories and doctors' offices. Hospitals employ 36 percent, medical and diagnostic laboratories 33 percent, all other ambulatory healthcare services 16 percent and offices of physicians 9 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says phlebotomists usually need a certificate from a program of under 1 year at a community, vocational or technical school, though some employers hire high school graduates and train them on the job. States may require an accredited program, a license or certification, so contact your state licensing agency. Employers may prefer certification, and Basic Life Support certification may be needed.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, compassion, attention to detail, dexterity, interpersonal skills and physical stamina as important qualities for this work.
How much does a phlebotomist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $45,230 for phlebotomists (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of phlebotomists to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 18,000 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Ask your state licensing agency whether an accredited program or certification is required.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Medical assistants, Dental assistants, Medical records specialists, Veterinary technologists and technicians.
Frequently asked questions
How long does phlebotomy training take? BLS says a phlebotomy certificate program usually takes under 1 year, and some employers hire high school graduates and train them on the job.
Do phlebotomists need certification? It depends on the state. BLS says states may require an accredited program, a license or certification, and employers may prefer professional certification.
How much do phlebotomists make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $45,230 for phlebotomists (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is phlebotomist a good career? BLS projects 7 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 18,000 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Medical Assistant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Dental Assistant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Medical Records Specialist Do? Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Veterinary Technician Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Phlebotomists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 31-9097.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9097.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.