Phlebotomist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What You’ll Learn About Phlebotomists

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
Key Duties & Responsibilities
How to Become a Phlebotomist
Phlebotomist Salary Guide
How to Advance Your Career
Typical Work Environment

What Does a Phlebotomist do?

A Phlebotomist is a healthcare professional trained to draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. They are responsible for accurately identifying patients, labeling blood samples, and ensuring the correct handling and storage of these specimens.

Phlebotomists use a variety of techniques to collect blood, including venipuncture, finger pricks, and heel sticks, while ensuring patient comfort and safety. They also maintain patient records, verify medical histories, and may assist with other laboratory duties as needed. Their role is crucial in the diagnostic process, providing accurate and timely blood samples for analysis.

Their work is essential in supporting the diagnostic and treatment processes within healthcare settings, ensuring that blood samples are collected safely and efficiently.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Phlebotomists in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Draw blood from patients using venipuncture, finger pricks, or other techniques as required.
Properly identify patients and label blood samples to ensure accuracy in testing and diagnosis.
Ensure the safe and hygienic handling, storage, and transportation of blood samples.
Provide patient care by ensuring comfort during the blood draw procedure and addressing any concerns.
Verify and record patient medical histories, ensuring all necessary information is documented.
Maintain accurate patient records and enter data into the laboratory information system.
Prepare and organize blood draw equipment, including needles, tourniquets, and collection tubes.
Assist with other laboratory duties, such as preparing samples for testing or processing specimens, as needed.

How to Become a Phlebotomist

Launching a career as a Phlebotomist requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a phlebotomy training program is required.
Certification from a recognized phlebotomy certifying agency, such as the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), is highly advantageous.
Experience in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital, clinic, or laboratory, is beneficial.
Strong understanding of blood collection techniques, medical terminology, and safety protocols.
Proficiency in using medical and laboratory equipment related to blood collection.

Requirements & Skills

Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to perform blood draws accurately and efficiently.
Strong communication skills to interact with patients, explaining procedures and addressing any concerns.
Attention to detail to ensure the correct labeling, handling, and documentation of blood samples.
Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure, particularly when dealing with anxious or distressed patients.
Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to healthcare regulations and standards.

Phlebotomist Salary Guide

Wondering what Phlebotomists earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Phlebotomist	Healthcare	37,200 USD

The average salary for a Phlebotomist in the U.S. is approximately $37,200 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Phlebotomists may receive a wide range of benefits.

Phlebotomist Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$46,500
Senior	11+ years	$40,920
Experienced	6-10 years	$37,200
Mid Level	3-5 years	$33,480
Entry Level	0-2 years	$27,900

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Phlebotomist Salary Country Overview.

How to Advance Your Career

Phlebotomists can advance to roles such as Lead Phlebotomist, Laboratory Technician, or Laboratory Manager. With additional education and experience, they may also pursue careers in nursing, medical laboratory technology, or other healthcare professions. Continuous professional development, including certifications in specialized areas of phlebotomy or laboratory work, can lead to leadership positions within healthcare facilities or opportunities to work in specialized medical laboratories, research institutions, or blood donation centers.

Typical Work Environment

Phlebotomists typically work in healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, and laboratories. The role involves direct patient interaction and requires the ability to work with a wide range of patients, including children, adults, and the elderly. Phlebotomists may work standard business hours, but many positions require flexibility, including early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts, particularly in hospitals or 24-hour care facilities. The work environment is fast-paced and requires strict adherence to safety and hygiene protocols to ensure the well-being of both patients and healthcare workers.