Phlebotomist in Illinois

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

Median annual salary
$45,620
trending_up +4.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.

engineering
7,640

Jobs (IL)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Typically 4 weeks to 6 months for training programs

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in Illinois

To become a phlebotomist in Illinois, while no state license is required by the Illinois Department of Public Health, aspiring phlebotomists must complete a state-approved training program and possess a high school diploma or GED. Most employers strongly prefer candidates to hold a national certification from an accredited organization such as the NHA (CPT), ASCP (PBT), or NCCT (CPT), which typically involves passing an exam. Training programs usually take between 4 weeks and 6 months to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, often requiring a specific number of successful blood draws and capillary sticks.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,590
25th percentile $39,380
50th (median) $45,620
75th percentile $50,050
90th (experienced) $51,360

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

checklist Illinois requirements

Licensing bodyIllinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) - though no state license is required for phlebotomists
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program.
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, NCCT CPT)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesIllinois does not require a state license for phlebotomists. However, most employers require or strongly prefer candidates to have a high school diploma or GED and a national certification from an accredited organization. Training programs often include classroom theory, lab work, and clinical hours (e.g., 30 successful blood draws, 10 successful capillary sticks). A background check, drug screening, and immunizations are typically required for clinical settings. The Illinois Department of Public Health provides training materials for drawing blood from children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and facilities are required to ensure phlebotomists are trained in these methods.

Source: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) - though no state license is required for phlebotomists

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?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a phlebotomist in Illinois? expand_more
To become a phlebotomist in Illinois, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program.), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, NCCT CPT).
Can I work as a phlebotomist in Illinois without a license? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a phlebotomist in Illinois. Note: Illinois does not require a state license for phlebotomists. However, most employers require or strongly prefer candidates to have a high school diploma or GED and a national certification from an accredited organization. Training programs often include classroom theory, lab work, and clinical hours (e.g., 30 successful blood draws, 10 successful capillary sticks). A background check, drug screening, and immunizations are typically required for clinical settings. The Illinois Department of Public Health provides training materials for drawing blood from children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and facilities are required to ensure phlebotomists are trained in these methods.
What do phlebotomists earn in Illinois? expand_more
phlebotomists in Illinois earn a median of $45,620 annually. This is close to the national median of $43,660. The range spans from $36,590 at the entry level to $51,360 for top earners.
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist in Illinois? expand_more
Expect to spend Typically 4 weeks to 6 months for training programs from start to finish in Illinois — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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