What Is the Hourly Wage of a Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist works in the medical industry and is primarily responsible for collecting blood and other bodily fluid samples from patients. A phlebotomist may also collect stool samples and work with inventories and patient information in computer databases. Pay for phlebotomists varies widely, according to geography, experience, training and other factors. Phlebotomists work in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, laboratories, educational institutions and a variety of other settings.
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National Average
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According to Payscale.com, the national average hourly wage for a phlebotomist was in the range of $10.77 to $14.78 in November 2010.
Vacancies
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A 2009 survey of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) reveals that national vacancy rate for staff level phlebotomists was 5.9 percent, and it was 5.7 percent for phlebotomy supervisors. Rates were reported highest for laboratories in outpatient clinics (12 percent) and at hospitals with 500 or more beds (17 percent). Regionally, the South-Central Atlantic (9.1 percent) and Far West (9.5 percent) showed highest vacancy rates.
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Experience
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According to Payscale.com, in November 2010, the average hourly wage of a newly minted phlebotomist ranged between $9.75 and $12.50. With one year of experience under her belt, a phlebotomist can earn between $10.10 and $13.40 an hour, on average. Phlebotomists with five years of experience will earn an average of $11.40 to $14.75 an hour. With experience in excess of 10 years, a phlebotomist might expect to earn up to $16.10 an hour.
Training
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Phlebotomy Technician certification is earned through passing an exam, and this certification does generate a higher rate of pay. Certification as an international phlebotomy technician raises the average hourly wage to $14.12. Experienced phlebotomy technicians can advance on a career path to phlebotomy supervisor. This will require completing additional coursework. The American Society for Clinical Pathology reveals that phlebotomy supervisors might earn an average of $18.14 per hour.
Industry
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the top five national employers for laboratory technicians are hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, doctor's offices, higher education and ambulatory health services. In 2007 the hourly wage in a hospital setting averaged $12.50, and in a physician's office it averaged $13.
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References
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