Life As a Phlebotomist
Position Description Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
Life As a Phlebotomist
- Serve refreshments to donors to ensure absorption of sugar into their systems.
- Administer subcutaneous or intramuscular injects, in accordance with licensing restrictions.
- Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.
- Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.
- Collect fluid or tissue samples, using appropriate collection procedures.
- Draw blood from arteries, using arterial collection techniques.
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Skills Needed to be a Phlebotomist
When polled, Phlebotomists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Phlebotomist Jobs
- Venipuncturist
- Phlebotomy Services Technician
- Long Term Care Phlebotomist
- Phlebotomy Services Representative
- Phlebotomist, Medical Lab Assistant
What Kind of Phlebotomist Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 122,700 jobs in the United States for Phlebotomist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 24.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 30,100 new jobs for Phlebotomist by 2026. There will be an estimated 16,900 positions for Phlebotomist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Phlebotomist are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Phlebotomist Salary
The average yearly salary of a Phlebotomist ranges between $25,020 and $49,060.

Phlebotomists who work in California, District of Columbia, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Phlebotomists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,420 |
Alaska | $42,290 |
Arizona | $32,810 |
Arkansas | $28,690 |
California | $45,030 |
Colorado | $35,800 |
Connecticut | $39,310 |
Delaware | $39,120 |
District of Columbia | $41,600 |
Florida | $32,280 |
Georgia | $32,190 |
Idaho | $31,920 |
Illinois | $36,090 |
Indiana | $34,290 |
Iowa | $30,760 |
Kansas | $32,890 |
Kentucky | $31,130 |
Louisiana | $29,970 |
Maine | $31,190 |
Maryland | $39,760 |
Massachusetts | $39,970 |
Michigan | $32,450 |
Minnesota | $38,630 |
Mississippi | $29,460 |
Missouri | $31,320 |
Montana | $32,240 |
Nebraska | $32,000 |
Nevada | $38,320 |
New Hampshire | $39,870 |
New Jersey | $38,090 |
New Mexico | $29,700 |
New York | $40,630 |
North Carolina | $32,070 |
North Dakota | $33,340 |
Ohio | $34,230 |
Oklahoma | $31,570 |
Oregon | $39,150 |
Pennsylvania | $34,370 |
Rhode Island | $39,930 |
South Carolina | $31,180 |
South Dakota | $27,670 |
Tennessee | $30,090 |
Texas | $33,000 |
Utah | $31,290 |
Vermont | $35,740 |
Virginia | $35,960 |
Washington | $39,410 |
West Virginia | $30,200 |
Wisconsin | $35,530 |
Wyoming | $32,160 |
What Tools do Phlebotomists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Phlebotomists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Outlook
- MEDITECH software
- Scheduling software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Laboratory information system LIS
- Iatric Systems MobiLab
How do I Become a Phlebotomist?
Learn what Phlebotomist education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Phlebotomist?

Where do Phlebotomists Work?

Below are examples of industries where Phlebotomists work:

References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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