Phlebotomy: Salary and More
In the wake of the events of September 11th, 2001, new focus was given to the amount of blood available in our nation's blood banks. The result was a spike in blood drive participation nationwide. While participation rates have fallen since then, blood collection, both for transfusion and for medical study, remains an important part of the medical landscape. A phlebotomist may be self-employed or work with a variety of medical institutions; either way, being on the end of the needle that doesn't hurt requires certain characteristics. Of course, knowledge of the craft is always important. Beyond that, though, a phlebotomist is often dealing with crying children and frightened or squeamish adults. Strong people skills and a confident, reassuring demeanor will go a long way toward making the blood-drawing experience a smooth and relatively pleasant one. If you feel this career path is right for you, start your research with PayScale's phlebotomist salary survey data. You can research phlebotomy salaries by employer type, experience and more.
Researching Phlebotomy Salaries
Certification requirements for phlebotomists vary from state to state, but most phlebotomists have completed some kind of training program before their first day on the job. A great deal of a phlebotomist's education is received on the job; training can teach phlebotomy's basic tasks, but only experience can help a phlebotomist learn the ins and outs of the profession. It's no surprise, then, that a phlebotomist salary rises with experience. Measuring the median
Phlebotomist Salary by Years Experience shows a steady increase in phlebotomy salaries over time.
Blood may need to be drawn and studied for many different reasons in a wide range of locations, ensuring multiple employment options for phlebotomists as well as a range of phlebotomy salaries. In addition to
Phlebotomy Salaries by City and
Phlebotomy Salaries by State, a phlebotomist should consider what type of work environment is best for him or her. As in other professions, phlebotomy salaries vary depending on employment setting. The
Phlebotomy Salary by Employer Type chart shows how salaries for hospital, private practice and other positions compare. According to that chart, phlebotomy salaries can be especially lucrative for those working in government positions.
Phlebotomist Salary Story
In her time as a phlebotomist at a private clinic, Angela Swicegood has learned a lot about phlebotomy salary and career info. For her down-to-earth advice on what it's really like to be a phlebotomist, don't miss her interview, "
Phlebotomy Salaries and Career Outlook" in the Salary Stories blog.