Salary of a Phlebotomy Tech

Phlebotomists are experts in drawing blood.

The name of the career -- phlebotomy -- sounds far more complicated than the actual job. Phlebotomy techs, or phlebotomists, take blood samples from patients, so other technicians and physicians can study and test the samples. Phlebotomy is a relatively new specialty in medical technology, but one that is poised to grow in the future as the American populace ages.

Function

Phlebotomists are knowledgeable in how to draw blood easily and painlessly, even with patients whose veins are hard to find and access. They keep records and proper labeling of all samples so accurate results can be made and reported. They calm nervous patients and explain the method and reason behind their procedures. Phlebotomists must be knowledgeable in sanitary practices and the safe handling of all equipment and used disposables.

Wage Range

Phlebotomists typically earn an hourly wage, as opposed to an annual salary, since they work in both full- and part-time capacities. According to PayScale, the average hourly wage for phlebotomists in December 2010 ranges between $10.31 and $15.12 per hour. Pay varies according to job setting, geographic area, experience and certification/education. This translates to an annual wage of between $22,000 and $32,500. Geographic ranges in pay vary from slightly more than $27,000 in a smaller city such as Atlanta to more than $34,000 in a major city such as Chicago. Cities with larger aging populations such as Phoenix and Orlando, Fla., are also near the top of the scale. The majority receive some form of medical benefits, while 30 percent do not, according to PayScale.

Job Settings

Phlebotomists work in a variety of locations. The majority work in hospitals, but phlebotomists also find employment in blood collection facilities, clinics, laboratories and some doctor's offices. According to PayScale, the overall pay rate appears to be comparable across all fields, though doctor's offices pay slightly less.

Qualifications

All phlebotomists must have a high school diploma and be over the age of 18, though after that qualifications can vary widely. There are no set educational requirements, though a large percentage of phlebotomists take specialized training courses that can last for several months. There are national certifications available through organizations such as the American Phlebotomy Association (APA) and the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA). The NPA certification exam consists of 240 questions. The APA requires all applicants to complete a program that consists of lectures, didactics, 50 to 60 successful skin punctures, successful completion of the certification exam, and a year of documented employment in the field. As of December 2010, only the state of California requires all phlebotomists to hold a state license.

References

• Technician Salaries: Phlebotomy Technicians
• PayScale: Hourly Rate Snapshot for Phlebotomy Technician Jobs
• SalaryExpert: Phlebotomy Technician Salaries
• Phlebotomy Tech Guide: What a Phlebotomist Does
• National Phlebotomy Association: Online Exam Prep Course
• American Phlebotomy Association: Qualifications for Certification

Resources

• State of California: Laboratory Field Services Personnel Licensing and Certification