Phlebotomist in Washington

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

Median annual salary
$47,700
trending_up +9.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.

engineering
2,380

Jobs (WA)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$850

Est. total cost

schedule
Varies (e.g., 8 weeks to 4-8 months for training programs)

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in Washington

To become a Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-P) in Washington, individuals must obtain a state-issued credential from the Washington State Department of Health. Key steps include completing a phlebotomy training program from an accredited post-secondary institution or a program attested to by a licensed Washington healthcare practitioner, passing a national phlebotomy certification exam, and submitting an application with a fee. There are no continuing education requirements for renewal, and applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Washington also offers a portability application for military service members and their spouses with active MA-P certifications from other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,480
25th percentile $44,380
50th (median) $47,700
75th percentile $57,890
90th (experienced) $62,580

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

checklist Washington requirements

Licensing bodyWashington State Department of Health
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a phlebotomy training program through a post-secondary school or college accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, OR successful completion of a phlebotomy training program attested to by a Washington State licensed supervising healthcare practitioner. Proof of completion of high school education or its equivalent is also required. 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training is mandatory for all healthcare professionals in Washington.
ExamOne of the following national phlebotomy certifications: American Certification Agency (ACA), American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), or National Healthcareer Association (NHA). ($50)
Application fee$145
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesCertification is as a 'Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist' (MA-P). This is one of several Medical Assistant certification types in the state. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. A background check is processed for every applicant, and a fingerprint-based background check may be required. Applicants may work for up to 180 days after filing their application while it is being processed.

Source: Washington State Department of Health

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?

Rough payback period
0 months
~$850 investment ÷ $47,700 median salary
  • check_circleWashington license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a phlebotomist career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a phlebotomist in Washington? expand_more
The path to phlebotomist licensure in Washington: complete the required education (Completion of a phlebotomy training program through a post-secondary school or college accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, OR successful completion of a phlebotomy training program attested to by a Washington State licensed supervising healthcare practitioner. Proof of completion of high school education or its equivalent is also required. 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training is mandatory for all healthcare professionals in Washington.), pass the One of the following national phlebotomy certifications: American Certification Agency (ACA), American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), or National Healthcareer Association (NHA)., and submit your application ($145 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a phlebotomist in Washington? expand_more
Yes, Washington requires a state license to practice as a phlebotomist. The licensing body is Washington State Department of Health. You must pass the One of the following national phlebotomy certifications: American Certification Agency (ACA), American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), or National Healthcareer Association (NHA)..
What do phlebotomists earn in Washington? expand_more
In Washington, the median pay for phlebotomists comes to $47,700/year. — 9% higher than the $43,660 national figure. New phlebotomists start around $39,480; seasoned professionals can reach $62,580.
What are the fees to become a phlebotomist in Washington? expand_more
Plan on spending $850 total — that covers exam fee ($50) and application fee ($145) plus your education and training.
How many months or years does phlebotomist certification take in Washington? expand_more
The typical timeline in Washington is Varies (e.g., 8 weeks to 4-8 months for training programs). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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