Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Phlebotomist Many employers look for phlebotomists who have completed some kind of professional certification. Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program, but some qualify with a high school diploma and on-the-job
Education
and Training Phlebotomists typically enter the occupation with a postsecondary nondegree award from a phlebotomy program. These programs are available from community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools and usually take less than 1 year to complete. They involve instruction in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology and laboratory work and lead to a certificate. Some employers hire candidates with a high school diploma and train them on the job. Whether through formal education or employer-provided training, the training that all phlebotomists receive includes instruction on how to identify, label, and track blood samples.
Training
. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have earned professional certification.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
States may require that phlebotomists complete an accredited training program, have a license or certification, or meet other requirements. For specific requirements, contact your state licensing agency. Some employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who have earned professional certification, such as those offered by professional organizations. Requirements vary by organization but may include education and clinical experience, passing an exam, and practical components, such as drawing blood. Phlebotomists also may need to have Basic Life Support certification. Those who transport samples may need a driver’s license.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,000 openings for phlebotomists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment The growing population, with its rising share of older people, will continue to increase demand for medical services, including blood testing. Blood analysis remains an essential part of medical care, as it is used to check for a wide range of issues. Therefore, demand for phlebotomists will remain high as doctors and other healthcare professionals require bloodwork for analysis and diagnosis. Phlebotomists Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Other healthcare support occupations 10% Phlebotomists 7% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Phlebotomists Do
Phlebotomists draw blood for purposes such as tests, research, or donations. They help patients or donors who are anxious before or have an adverse reaction after the blood draw.
Duties
Phlebotomists typically do the following:
- Draw blood from patients or blood donors
- Explain their work to help relax patients or donors who feel nervous about having blood drawn
- Verify a patient’s or donor’s identity
- Label the collected blood for testing or processing
- Label sterile containers for other samples, such as urine, and instruct patients on proper collection procedures.
- Enter sample information into a database
- Assemble, maintain, and dispose of medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials
- Keep work areas and equipment clean and sanitary
Phlebotomists primarily draw blood, which is then used for different kinds of medical laboratory testing or for procedures, such as transfusions. In medical and diagnostic laboratories, patients sometimes interact only with the phlebotomist. In donation centers or locations that have blood drives, phlebotomists draw blood from donors. Because all blood looks the same, phlebotomists must carefully identify and label the blood they have collected and enter the information into a database.
In addition to drawing blood, phlebotomists also may collect urine or other samples. They instruct patients on procedures for proper collection and ensure that the sample is acceptable and clearly labeled in its container.
Phlebotomists must keep their work area and instruments clean and sanitary to avoid causing infections or other complications. Some phlebotomists also ship or transport blood or other samples to different locations.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Phlebotomists held about 143,900 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of phlebotomists were as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 36% |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 33 |
| All other ambulatory healthcare services | 16 |
| Offices of physicians | 9 |
| Outpatient care centers | 2 |
Phlebotomists who collect blood donations sometimes travel to different offices or sites in order to set up mobile donation centers. Some phlebotomists travel to long-term care centers or patients’ homes.
Phlebotomists may be required to stand for long periods of time.
Injuries and Illnesses
Phlebotomists have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. To avoid injury, they must be careful when handling blood, needles, and other medical equipment.
Work Schedules
Most phlebotomists work full time. Phlebotomists who work in hospitals and labs may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Phlebotomists must be able to clearly explain procedures and provide instruction to patients. Compassion. Some patients become anxious about having blood drawn, so phlebotomists should be considerate in performing their duties. Detail oriented. Phlebotomists must draw the correct amount of blood for the tests ordered, carefully label the vials collected, and enter information into a database to avoid misplacing samples or injuring patients. Dexterity. Phlebotomists must be able to use their equipment efficiently to minimize patients’ discomfort. Interpersonal skills. Phlebotomists work with other members of the medical staff and must interact with them cooperatively. Physical stamina. Phlebotomists stand for long periods and are often on the move throughout the workday.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about phlebotomists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.