To become a phlebotomist, most people complete a phlebotomy certificate program at a community college, vocational school or technical school, which BLS says usually takes less than 1 year. You then meet any requirements your state sets, which may include an accredited program, a licence or certification, and many employers prefer candidates with professional certification.
It's one of the quickest ways into healthcare work. Some employers even hire people with a high school diploma and train them on the job, though certification makes you more competitive.
This is a careers guide. The steps, pay and outlook below come from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, read in October 2026.
Phlebotomists in numbers
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $45,230 a year, $21.75 an hour |
| Lowest 10% and highest 10% | Under $35,780 and over $58,780 |
| Typical entry-level education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Jobs in 2025 | 143,900 |
| Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | 7%, much faster than average |
| Openings each year | About 18,000 on average |
Those pay figures are as of October 2026.
How to become a phlebotomist, step by step
- Finish high school or get an equivalent.
- Enrol in a phlebotomy program. These lead to a certificate and include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and laboratory work.
- Check your state's rules. BLS says states may require an accredited training program, a licence or certification, or other requirements, so contact your state licensing agency.
- Consider professional certification. Requirements vary by organisation but may include education, clinical experience, an exam and practical components such as drawing blood.
- Get Basic Life Support certification if employers ask for it, and a driver's license if the role involves transporting samples.
- Apply to hospitals, laboratories and clinics.
The insight: labelling is the core skill
Everyone thinks phlebotomy is about drawing blood. BLS points to the part that matters just as much: whether through formal education or employer training, all phlebotomists learn how to identify, label and track blood samples. A perfect draw is wasted if the sample is mislabelled, so programs and employers put real weight on accuracy and procedure. If you're detail-minded, you'll stand out.
Where phlebotomists work
| Employer | Share of jobs (2025) | Median pay (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | 36% | $44,220 |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 33 in every 100 | $46,670 |
| All other ambulatory healthcare services | 16 in every 100 | $39,930 |
| Offices of physicians | 9 in every 100 | $44,500 |
| Outpatient care centers | 2 in every 100 | $48,030 |
Notice that the highest median pay was in outpatient care centers, which employ only a small share of phlebotomists. Laboratories paid more than hospitals at the median. So if you have a choice of first job, a lab or outpatient role may pay a little more than a hospital one, though hospitals have the most openings because they employ the biggest share.
What the job is like
Most phlebotomists work full time. BLS says those in hospitals and labs may need to work nights, weekends and holidays, and the job can mean standing for long periods. Phlebotomists who collect blood donations sometimes travel to set up mobile donation centers, and some visit long-term care centers or patients' homes.
If you like the idea of healthcare work but want to see the wider options, browse healthcare jobs in demand. And if travelling between sites appeals, medical courier jobs are a related route that also involves transporting samples.
Skills that help
- Attention to detail: identifying, labelling and tracking samples correctly.
- Dexterity: drawing blood with steady hands.
- Compassion: many patients are nervous about needles.
- Physical stamina: standing for long periods.
What a typical shift involves
BLS says phlebotomists must draw the correct amount of blood for the tests ordered, carefully label the vials, and enter information into a database so samples aren't misplaced. They also explain procedures to patients, which matters because some patients get anxious, and they work with other medical staff throughout the day. It's a job where you're on your feet and on the move, and you'll see a lot of people in one shift.
Working conditions also vary by setting. BLS says hospital and lab roles may include nights, weekends and holidays, some phlebotomists visit long-term care centers or patients' homes, and blood donation work can mean travelling between sites to set up mobile centers. Outpatient care centers had the highest median pay of any setting listed. Think about which suits you before you apply, and ask about shift patterns at interview.
That mix of people skills and precision is why phlebotomy is a good test of whether you like clinical work. If you do, it's a solid base for training into other healthcare roles.
Choosing a program
Because states set their own rules, pick a program that meets your state's requirements, and ideally one that prepares you for a professional certification exam with clinical practice built in. BLS says some certifications include practical components such as drawing blood, so hands-on hours matter.
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My verdict
Becoming a phlebotomist is one of the fastest, lowest-cost ways into healthcare: a program of under a year, steady demand and about 18,000 openings a year. Check your state's rules before you enrol, aim for professional certification, and focus on accuracy as much as technique. It's also a strong first step if you want to move into other healthcare roles later.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
Phlebotomy programs usually take less than 1 year to complete, according to BLS.
Do you need certification to be a phlebotomist?
It depends on your state. BLS says states may require a licence or certification, and some employers prefer certified candidates.
Can you become a phlebotomist without a program?
Some employers hire candidates with a high school diploma and train them on the job.
How much do phlebotomists make?
BLS reports median pay of $45,230 a year, or $21.75 an hour, in May 2025, as of October 2026.
Where do phlebotomists work?
Mainly hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories and doctors' offices. Hospitals employed 36% of phlebotomists in 2025.
What do phlebotomy programs teach?
BLS says programs include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and laboratory work, and all phlebotomists learn to identify, label and track blood samples.
Do phlebotomists need Basic Life Support?
They may. BLS says phlebotomists also may need Basic Life Support certification, and those who transport samples may need a driver's license.
Do phlebotomists work weekends?
Those in hospitals and labs may need to work nights, weekends and holidays, according to BLS.
