Phlebotomist in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary
$38,490
trending_down -11.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering
2,880

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$110

Licensing fees

schedule
4 weeks - 1 year (depending on program type)

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in South Carolina

To become a phlebotomist in South Carolina, individuals are not required to hold a state license; however, national certification is highly preferred or mandated by most employers. Aspiring phlebotomists should complete an accredited training program, which typically includes classroom instruction and clinical practice with a minimum number of successful blood draws. Upon completion, candidates can take a national certification exam from recognized bodies such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the National Performance Specialists (NPS).

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,250
25th percentile $36,530
50th (median) $38,490
75th percentile $43,850
90th (experienced) $46,270

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing bodyNational certifying bodies (e.g., NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPS, NPCE)
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program (typically 40-80 classroom hours and 20-40 clinical hours, including 30 successful venipunctures and 10 successful capillary sticks) OR 1 year of supervised phlebotomy work experience in the past 3 years.
ExamNational certification exam (e.g., CPT by NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPS, NPCE) ($110)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesSouth Carolina does not require a state license for phlebotomists. However, most employers strongly prefer or require national certification. General requirements for training programs often include being over 18, a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and immunization records. Some programs require past experience or education in healthcare.

Source: National certifying bodies (e.g., NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPS, NPCE)

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

What's required to work as a phlebotomist in South Carolina? expand_more
The path to phlebotomist licensure in South Carolina: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program (typically 40-80 classroom hours and 20-40 clinical hours, including 30 successful venipunctures and 10 successful capillary sticks) OR 1 year of supervised phlebotomy work experience in the past 3 years.), and pass the National certification exam (e.g., CPT by NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPS, NPCE).
Can I work as a phlebotomist in South Carolina without a license? expand_more
South Carolina does not require a state license for phlebotomists. Note: South Carolina does not require a state license for phlebotomists. However, most employers strongly prefer or require national certification. General requirements for training programs often include being over 18, a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and immunization records. Some programs require past experience or education in healthcare.
How much do phlebotomists make in South Carolina? expand_more
In South Carolina, the median pay for phlebotomists comes to $38,490/year. This trails the $43,660 national median by 12%. New phlebotomists start around $34,250; seasoned professionals can reach $46,270.
What are the fees to become a phlebotomist in South Carolina? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($110). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist in South Carolina? expand_more
In South Carolina, becoming a phlebotomist generally takes 4 weeks - 1 year (depending on program type), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Explore more