Phlebotomist in Pennsylvania

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

Median annual salary
$40,140
trending_down -8.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.

engineering
5,140

Jobs (PA)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Varies by program (e.g., 7 weeks to 9 months)

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there is no state-level licensing body for phlebotomists; however, national certification is widely required or preferred by employers. To become a phlebotomist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or GED and must complete an accredited phlebotomy training program. These programs include classroom instruction and clinical hours, often requiring a minimum number of successful venipunctures and capillary sticks. Upon completion, candidates are eligible to take national certification exams offered by organizations such as the NHA, ASCP, AMT, NCCT, or NPCE. Certification generally needs to be renewed every two years, often with continuing education requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,710
25th percentile $37,130
50th (median) $40,140
75th percentile $46,490
90th (experienced) $52,080

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

checklist Pennsylvania requirements

Licensing bodyNo state licensing body; national certification is employer-driven
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program (typically 40-100+ hours classroom/lab and 20-150+ clinical hours, including documented successful venipunctures and capillary sticks)
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, AMT RPT, NCCT NCPT, NPCE CPT)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education6.0 hours per cycle
NotesPennsylvania does not require a state license for phlebotomists, but national certification is strongly preferred or required by most employers. General requirements for training programs often include being over 18, a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and immunization records. Some programs may also require CPR certification. Certification renewal typically requires continuing education.

Source: No state licensing body; national certification is employer-driven

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.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a phlebotomist in Pennsylvania? expand_more
The path to phlebotomist licensure in Pennsylvania: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program (typically 40-100+ hours classroom/lab and 20-150+ clinical hours, including documented successful venipunctures and capillary sticks)), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., NHA CPT, ASCP PBT, AMT RPT, NCCT NCPT, NPCE CPT).
Do I need a license to work as a phlebotomist in Pennsylvania? expand_more
phlebotomists in Pennsylvania are not required to hold a state license. Note: Pennsylvania does not require a state license for phlebotomists, but national certification is strongly preferred or required by most employers. General requirements for training programs often include being over 18, a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and immunization records. Some programs may also require CPR certification. Certification renewal typically requires continuing education.
How much does a phlebotomist make in Pennsylvania? expand_more
The median phlebotomist salary in Pennsylvania is $40,140 per year. This trails the $43,660 national median by 8%. The range spans from $35,710 at the entry level to $52,080 for top earners.
How quickly can I become a phlebotomist in Pennsylvania? expand_more
Most candidates in Pennsylvania complete the process in Varies by program (e.g., 7 weeks to 9 months), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for phlebotomists in Pennsylvania? expand_more
License renewal in Pennsylvania requires completing 6.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

Explore more