Phlebotomist in North Carolina

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

Median annual salary
$39,410
trending_down -9.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering
5,120

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$110

Licensing fees

schedule
3-14 weeks for training programs

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in North Carolina

To become a phlebotomist in North Carolina, you are not required to hold a state license. However, most employers strongly prefer or require national certification from recognized bodies such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), or National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE). Key steps include completing a state-approved phlebotomy training program, which typically involves 80-200 hours of classroom and clinical experience, and passing a national certification exam. Most programs also require a high school diploma or GED, a minimum age of 18, a clean background check, and up-to-date immunizations.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,300
25th percentile $36,520
50th (median) $39,410
75th percentile $45,480
90th (experienced) $48,480

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

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing bodyNo state licensing body
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program (typically 80-200 hours of classroom and clinical experience, including a minimum number of successful venipunctures and capillary sticks).
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, AMT RPT, NCCT NCPT, NPCE CPT) ($110)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesNorth Carolina does not require a state license for phlebotomists, but national certification is strongly preferred or required by most employers. Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old, have a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and current CPR certification. Immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Hep B, Tdap, Flu) are also typically required for clinical placements.

Source: No state licensing body

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
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a phlebotomist in North Carolina? expand_more
North Carolina requires phlebotomists to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program (typically 80-200 hours of classroom and clinical experience, including a minimum number of successful venipunctures and capillary sticks).), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, AMT RPT, NCCT NCPT, NPCE CPT).
Is a state license required for phlebotomists in North Carolina? expand_more
phlebotomists in North Carolina are not required to hold a state license. Note: North Carolina does not require a state license for phlebotomists, but national certification is strongly preferred or required by most employers. Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old, have a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and current CPR certification. Immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Hep B, Tdap, Flu) are also typically required for clinical placements.
How much does a phlebotomist make in North Carolina? expand_more
phlebotomists in North Carolina earn a median of $39,410 annually. This trails the $43,660 national median by 10%. New phlebotomists start around $34,300; seasoned professionals can reach $48,480.
How much does it cost to become a phlebotomist in North Carolina? expand_more
Between exam fee ($110), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How quickly can I become a phlebotomist in North Carolina? expand_more
In North Carolina, becoming a phlebotomist generally takes 3-14 weeks for training programs, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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