Phlebotomist in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, California.
Jobs (CA)
10-yr job growth
Est. total cost
Time to complete
route How to become a phlebotomist in California
To become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) in California, individuals must obtain a state license from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Laboratory Field Services (LFS). Key steps include completing a CDPH-approved phlebotomy training program, passing a national certification exam from an approved organization, and submitting an application with all required documentation. California has strict requirements, including a minimum age of 18, a high school diploma or equivalent, and specific practical experience hours. There is no reciprocity with other states, meaning all applicants must meet California's specific licensing criteria.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for California. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist California requirements
| Licensing body | California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Laboratory Field Services (LFS) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Approved phlebotomy training program (40-80 hours didactic and practical) |
| Experience | 50.0 hours |
| Exam | National certification exam (e.g., ASCP, NHA, AMT, NCCT) ($135) |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 3.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | California has some of the strictest phlebotomy licensing requirements in the US. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience must include 50 successful venipunctures and 10 successful skin punctures. A background check and fingerprinting through the DOJ and FBI are required. Work experience obtained outside the United States or in a blood bank will not qualify. Phlebotomists cannot perform testing. |
Source: California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Laboratory Field Services (LFS)
workspace_premium California license tiers
California offers multiple tiers of phlebotomist licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT) | N/A |
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) | N/A |
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II) | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleCalifornia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk