If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician, it’s very likely that you’ll want to know about the phlebotomist salary prior to making an investment in education and certification. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the various factors that can influence the phlebotomist salary so that you can plan and prepare yourself to make the most of this investment in your future.
There is quite a range in the compensation offered in various settings. Currently, the national median phlebotomist salary is $29,407. This median comes from a general compensation scale that ranges from $23,802 in the 10th percentile to $35,438 for those in the 90th percentile. These salaries are often offered for newly certified technician in the field, so positioning yourself for an attractive compensation package right out of your training program can make a pretty big difference in the pay you’ll be offered. The following are the three primary factors that determine the compensation of a phlebotomy technician.
Geographical region
As with many positions in the health care industry, where you practice has a large influence on the salary you can expect to earn. As you might expect, employment in major metropolitan areas leads to a higher salary due to the increased cost of living in these places. For example, in New York, the median income for this occupation is $34,759, which is over 16% higher than the national median. Other large cities report similar numbers. If you’re planning to seek employment in a major city, you will need to balance the increased salary with a higher than average cost of living.
Employment setting
When you browse the statistics for the phlebotomist salary, you’ll notice a trend that illustrates that private clinics and labs have higher wages than hospital settings. This does not, however, factor in additional benefits that may be obtained through employment within a hospital. Often, these positions provide outstanding benefits packages and health care coverage, so if you’re evaluating employment between a private lab and perhaps a public hospital, you’ll need to consider the entire scope of compensation being offered.
Supervisory positions
Many health care settings offer supervisory or managerial positions for the phlebotomy technician. These positions usually require additional training and certification, as well as some relevant experience in the field, but can often increase the median salary by up to $8,000.
Certification
While many employment opportunities for the phlebotomist require certification from a state or federal agency, some do not. However, you’ll want to fully evaluate whether your certification may garner additional compensation within your region. If you’re evaluating employment within a private health care setting that does not require a certification, you may be paid a higher salary for having this credential.
While there are many factors that influence the phlebotomist salary, by fully understanding these aspects prior to applying for employment, you’ll be able to maximize your potential earnings. This can make your career as a phlebotomy technician very rewarding.
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