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Phlebotomist

💰 Earn $47K-$61K
📚 Vocational Training
⏱️ 12–24 Month Training
📈 5.6% Job Growth
  • Help patients by drawing blood for tests, transfusions, and donations.
  • Ensure safe and sterile procedures, impacting patient care and health outcomes.
  • Master unique techniques like butterfly venipuncture for precise blood collection.
Phlebotomist
What Phlebotomists DoDraw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
  • Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
  • Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
  • Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
  • Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
  • Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
Phlebotomists Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationVocational Training
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings18,400 Annually
Median Earnings
$55,460 in California
$43,660 Nationally

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Thinking and problem solving
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having support
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Go Deeper: Phlebotomists Explained
PhlebotomistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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