Phlebotomist in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$35,970

trending_down -17.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

2,510

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

schedule

4-8 months for training program

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in Alabama

To become a phlebotomist in Alabama, a state license is not required; however, national certification is highly recommended and often preferred or mandated by employers. Aspiring phlebotomists typically need a high school diploma or GED and must complete an accredited phlebotomy training program, which usually takes 4 to 8 months and includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience with a specified number of successful blood draws and capillary sticks. Alternatively, one year of supervised phlebotomy work experience within the last three years can qualify individuals for national certification exams from organizations such as NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPCE, or NCCT. The Alabama Department of Public Health does not issue phlebotomist licenses but does have regulations concerning personnel in blood donor centers, including a minimum of one month's training for phlebotomists in those specific settings.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,660

25th percentile $31,950

50th (median) $35,970

75th percentile $38,310

90th (experienced) $42,440

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	No state licensing body; national certification recommended
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program (typically 4-8 months, including 40-90 hours classroom, 20-30 hours lab, and 20-60 hours clinical experience, with 30 successful blood draws and 10 capillary sticks) OR 1 year of supervised phlebotomy work experience in the past 3 years.
Exam	National certification exams (e.g., NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPCE, NCCT)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Alabama does not require a state license to practice phlebotomy. However, most employers strongly prefer or require national certification from an accredited organization. General requirements for training programs often include being over 18, a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and immunization records. Phlebotomists in blood donor centers must have a minimum of one month's training in a plasmapheresis or blood donor center. The phlebotomy area in such centers must be supervised by a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Clinical Laboratory Technician (MLT), or equivalent, approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Source: No state licensing body; national certification recommended

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

18,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

139,700

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.28/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a phlebotomist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a phlebotomist in Alabama? expand_more

The path to phlebotomist licensure in Alabama: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program (typically 4-8 months, including 40-90 hours classroom, 20-30 hours lab, and 20-60 hours clinical experience, with 30 successful blood draws and 10 capillary sticks) OR 1 year of supervised phlebotomy work experience in the past 3 years.), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPCE, NCCT).

Is a state license required for phlebotomists in Alabama? expand_more

phlebotomists in Alabama are not required to hold a state license. Note: Alabama does not require a state license to practice phlebotomy. However, most employers strongly prefer or require national certification from an accredited organization. General requirements for training programs often include being over 18, a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and immunization records. Phlebotomists in blood donor centers must have a minimum of one month's training in a plasmapheresis or blood donor center. The phlebotomy area in such centers must be supervised by a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Clinical Laboratory Technician (MLT), or equivalent, approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

How much does a phlebotomist make in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama phlebotomists bring home a median salary of $35,970. This trails the $43,660 national median by 18%. New phlebotomists start around $29,660; seasoned professionals can reach $42,440.

How quickly can I become a phlebotomist in Alabama? expand_more

Expect to spend 4-8 months for training program from start to finish in Alabama — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.