Phlebotomists

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.

Phlebotomists held about 139,700 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of phlebotomists were as follows:

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.

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 training. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have earned professional certification.

The median annual wage for phlebotomists was $43,660 in May 2024.

Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 18,400 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.