Similar careers
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A Phlebotomist is a healthcare professional specialized in drawing blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. They are trained in techniques for efficiently and safely collecting blood samples.
Education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 7.7% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 18,400
Direct AI exposure: 5% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 17% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $45K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $36K per year | $38K per year | $45K per year | $49K per year | $59K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $5.75K below the national average. | ||||
Phlebotomists typically work in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donation centers, and doctors' offices. The work involves direct interaction with patients and requires following strict protocols for cleanliness and infection control.
Phlebotomists play a crucial role in healthcare by performing blood draws, which are vital for diagnostic testing, transfusions, and medical research. Their work requires not only technical skills in phlebotomy but also a good bedside manner, as they interact with patients who may be nervous or uncomfortable with the procedure. They need to be knowledgeable about anatomy, proper needle techniques, and the handling and processing of blood samples.
The occupation demands precision, attention to detail, and adherence to safety and health protocols. Phlebotomists must be skilled in different methods of blood collection, patient identification, and record-keeping. The ability to put patients at ease and handle needles and blood samples safely and effectively is crucial.
A career as a phlebotomist can be a stepping stone to other healthcare professions. It offers direct patient interaction, a structured work environment, and the opportunity to contribute significantly to patient care and medical diagnosis. The role also requires staying updated on the latest practices in phlebotomy and continually developing one's technical skills.
Most phlebotomists complete a postsecondary non-degree award or certificate program in phlebotomy, which can take about a year. Some states also require phlebotomists to be licensed or certified, which may involve additional training and passing an exam.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
