Phlebotomy Wages
Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer to this question. What we can discuss is the salary range and what details may affect your salary as a phlebotomist.
When discussing the salary range, there are multiple factors to consider. How much experience do you have? What state are you in? What kind of facility are you working for? What other benefits are offered? Are you certified?
If you live here on the East Coast, and you are working as a phlebotomist in Washington DC, you will be one of the highest paid phlebotomists in the nation. California pays phlebotomists well also, but you must be certified there. These areas will pay $25+ an hour in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. If you don’t mind being mobile, travel phlebotomists can make even higher wages, and have all your expenses paid as well. Travel phlebotomists must be nationally certified as well.
The salary that you can make as a phlebotomist really depends on the environment that you would like to work in and the responsibilities you take on. If traveling is something that interests you, then the salary and benefits of a travel phlebotomy position could be the perfect fit for you. Currently, there are cruise lines that are hiring phlebotomists. You are contracted for 3 months, you have your expenses to travel on the cruise ship paid, food paid and get to see excotic locations……Plus $25 hr. You do the math, $25hr for 90 days and you have zero expenses. That is a decent amount that you can save in a short period of time. This is just one example of a travel position. There are literally 100’s more.
Another factor to consider is the time of day, or shift that you choose to work. Some hospitals and diagnostic laboratories will offer a 10-15% shift differential for swing or night shifts. Personally, I have worked many overnight shifts and found it to be very profitable. Again, if you are the type of person that doesn’t mind being awake at odd hours, you may consider working and off shift to increase your earning potential.
Ultimately, phlebotomy is a great way to break into the medical field. Some people will choose to stick with phlebotomy and others will possibly further their education and become a nurse, a medical technician or even a physician. Of course furthering your education will always increase your phlebotomist earning potential.