Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for medical tests, transfusions, donations, or research purposes. They work primarily in hospitals, clinics, blood banks, and diagnostic laboratories, where they follow strict procedures to collect samples safely and explain the process to patients.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against phlebotomists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Phlebotomists spend their shifts identifying patients, locating veins, and drawing blood samples using needles and collection tubes. They label and process samples, maintain equipment and supplies, and document procedures. Work involves standing for extended periods, following safety protocols, and occasionally assisting patients who experience dizziness or other reactions to the blood draw.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you prefer following established procedures and working with concrete, practical tasks. You're detail-oriented, capable of staying organized under routine conditions, and comfortable with direct patient interaction in structured healthcare settings.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Phlebotomist · CommonSpirit Health · Stockton, San Joaquin County · $58,945–$58,945
- Medical Technician- Phlebotomist · Veterans Health Administration · Eglin AFB, Florida · $40736–$52957
- Health Technician- Phlebotomist · Veterans Health Administration · Saginaw, Michigan · $40736–$52957
- Medical Technician - Phlebotomist · Veterans Health Administration · Tucson, Arizona · $41508–$53961
- Medical Technician - Phlebotomist · Veterans Health Administration · Little Rock, Arkansas · $37193–$47334
- Health Technician (OA) Phlebotomist · Veterans Health Administration · Las Vegas, Nevada · $41609–$54092
- Lead Medical Technician-Phlebotomist · Veterans Health Administration · Fort Smith, Arkansas · $54147–$70392
- Medical Technician - Phlebotomist · Veterans Health Administration · Portland, Maine · $53102–$69036
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $47,800 | $56,040 | $62,790 | 13,520 |
| District of Columbia | $46,290 | $51,980 | $56,500 | 180 |
| New York | $44,990 | $50,530 | $60,320 | 6,400 |
| Massachusetts | $47,260 | $50,170 | $57,960 | 2,580 |
| Oregon | $45,860 | $49,160 | $58,370 | 1,800 |
| Washington | $45,820 | $48,880 | $58,370 | 2,820 |
| New Hampshire | $45,580 | $48,660 | $52,310 | 630 |
| New Jersey | $45,690 | $48,650 | $50,080 | 5,230 |
| Delaware | $39,670 | $48,110 | $51,120 | 430 |
| Hawaii | $45,850 | $47,750 | $50,450 | 110 |
| North Dakota | $41,770 | $47,430 | $53,730 | 220 |
| Colorado | $44,660 | $47,180 | $49,520 | 2,420 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Phlebotomist Technologist — National Phlebotomy Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against phlebotomists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-9097.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.