What Phlebotomists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Phlebotomists this way: "Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Collect fluid or tissue samples, using appropriate collection procedures"; "Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies"; "Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies"; "Document route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis"; "Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award.
Job outlook for Phlebotomists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 143,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 153,700 in 2035, an increase of 9,800 jobs (+6.8%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 18,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,230, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Phlebotomists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $48,857 in New York to $48,911 in New Jersey, a gap of $54 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $45,230 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 11,330, which is 53.8% of the 21,060 counted across them. New York follows with 9,730.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($48,911) and New York ($48,857) lead the ranking, while New York ($48,857) and New Jersey ($48,911) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Phlebotomists
Dental Assistants and Medical Assistants belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (31-9000) include .
Frequently asked questions about Phlebotomists
How much do Phlebotomists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,230. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $48,857 to $48,911.
Which state pays Phlebotomists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $48,911. New York is next at $48,857.
Is Phlebotomists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 18,000 openings a year.
What education do Phlebotomists need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, according to BLS.