Phlebotomist Jobs in California: Salary, Outlook and Benefits
As a phlebotomist, you are an essential member of a patient's health care team. Not only do phlebotomists draw blood samples, but they also calm nervous patients, make sure samples are labeled correctly and help patients who feel woozy or disoriented after having their blood drawn. If you live in California, you'll have many opportunities to practice your skills, as clinics, hospitals, rehab facilities and private practices are all in need of experienced phlebotomists to help their patients. Read on to find out what you need to know about phlebotomist jobs in California.
Demand For Phlebotomists In California
The State of California Employment Development Department expects the the number of California phlebotomist jobs to increase by nearly 29% between 2016 and 2026, creating many opportunities for phlebotomists to advance their careers. California also has the highest level of phlebotomy employment in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Opportunities In Metropolitan Areas
The average phlebotomist salary tends to be higher in California's metropolitan areas due to their higher cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward is the top-paying metropolitan area in the state, as phlebotomists working in this region earn an average annual wage of just under $54,000. With average annual wages over $50,000, Redding, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Salinas are also among the top-paying metro areas for phlebotomists.
Phlebotomist Jobs In Nonmetropolitan Areas
If you prefer to live in the suburbs, or even a rural area, your phlebotomy career outlook is good. Phlebotomists in the North Valley-Northern Mountains nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual wage of $51,220, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The North Coast region is also an excellent place to look for jobs in the phlebotomy field.
If you are ready to search for phlebotomy jobs, head to Club Staffing to look for current opportunities.
Phlebotomist Salary Information
According to the Employment Development Department of the State of California, phlebotomists earn a median annual wage of just over $42,000. The median hourly wage for California phlebotomists is $20.26. And allied healthcare pros willing to take a travel position can earn even more. Travel phlebotomists can make as much as $32 an hour in some locations with Club Staffing assignments.
Several factors are used to determine your salary as a phlebotomist. Your skills and experience are among the most important of those factors. If you have a degree or a professional certification beyond the minimum required to work as a phlebotomist in California, you are likely to earn more than someone who just meets the minimum requirements. Your geographic location, job duties and job performance also influence your salary, reports Elka Torpey.
Benefits Of A Career In Phlebotomy
Becoming a phlebotomist has many benefits, both before and after you start working. To work as a phlebotomist, you do not need a four-year degree, which means you can start a rewarding health career in as little as a few months. As a phlebotomist, you'll also have the opportunity to help people improve their health. Finally, phlebotomy training prepares you to work in a variety of settings. Phlebotomists work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient laboratories, blood banks and private physician practices. By working in different settings, you can take advantage of flexibility regarding work hours and pay, according to Portland Community College.
Professional Certification
California requires phlebotomists to be certified before they can start working in the field. The California Department of Public Health offers three certification levels: limited phlebotomy technician, certified phlebotomy technician I and certified phlebotomy technician II. As a limited phlebotomy technician, you can only perform skin punctures. The phlebotomy technician I certification qualifies you to draw blood from patients' veins (venipuncture). If you decide to obtain the phlebotomy technician II certification, you'll also be allowed to collect arterial blood samples.
The certification requirements vary by credential, but you must provide proof that you graduated from high school, passed the GED exam or completed courses at an accredited college or university. You must also complete a training program that has been approved by the California Department of Public Health.
As a phlebotomist, you'll play an important role in your patients' lives. You'll also have the opportunity to work with skilled colleagues and support the work of physicians and mid-level medical practitioners. If you're ready to launch a rewarding career, apply for one of the many open jobs in California. Phlebotomists are needed at medical facilities throughout the state, creating many employment opportunities for people with the right credentials.
