Phlebotomist Salary & Job Outlook
Phlebotomy is an exciting career field to get into right now, what with innovations in medical technology on the rise, and the ever increasing number of elderly people who need medical care. It is unlikely that you will ever become rich or famous as a phlebotomist, but you will definitely be able to establish a secure and comfortable career.
Salary Estimates
The starting salary for the average phlebotomist is not spectacular. An entry-level technician can expect to earn $20,000 to $25,000 per year with an hourly wage between $10.50 and $13.50. However, as the technician's experience and education increases, he or she can expect to earn up to $17.50 per hour, with the potential to earn more than $40,000 per year.
The type of practice you work for, whether it's a hospital, a public or private practice, or a clinic, can greatly affect your wage. Private practices may offer more personal contact with patients, but pay less due to a lower volume of patients, whereas a hospital is likely to offer higher pay without as much personal contact. Additionally, your annual salary may be determined in part by the demand for phlebotomy services and the cost of living in your area. For instance, employers in metropolitan areas tend to offer higher wages than those in the suburbs or rural areas.
You will become more valuable as you gain experience within the industry, and you can add several thousand dollars to your salary potential by pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in phlebotomy. The higher your degree level, the more opportunities you will have, such as becoming a supervisor, or taking on more complex lab technician or administrative duties..
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomists are part of the medical technician industry, which is currently on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this industry to grow at least 10 percent through 2018, while other agencies predict as much as a 20 percent increase by 2014. Driving the growth for this occupation are the combined factors of a growing population, new and improved medical testing, and the increased availability of medical services. Because of these factors, it is unlikely that there will be a shortage of phlebotomy positions in the near future.
Where you choose to work as a phlebotomist comes down to demand and preference. Hospitals have a high demand for technicians, but they also have a great deal of competition among applicants. Private practices may offer a smaller pool of competition, but their funds, space, and facilities will be less than those of a hospital. Clinics offer flexible hours and the opportunity to boost your experience. Blood donation sites are also in need of phlebotomists, as are on-site blood testing agencies, which allow you to travel while practicing.