If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist, good news: The phlebotomy job market looks fantastic for you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this popular field is expected to grow 25% through 2026.

That’s huge considering the average growth rate for most jobs is only 7 percent!

To give you the best snapshot of a job outlook for phlebotomists, we collected data from BLS to share. Here’s a look at this bustling industry:

1. Phlebotomists Do Life-Saving Work

As a phlebotomist, your job saves lives. Every time you collect a blood sample, it’s on a doctor’s orders to check on someone’s health. The results can confirm a bill a perfect health or an underlying health issue. With shortages of phlebotomy workers in areas like Rochester, New York, for example, the need to fill these roles is critical.

2. Employment is Available Everywhere

As with most careers, phlebotomist employment levels vary by state. Most phlebotomists work in diagnostic and medical laboratories. Phlebotomists also work on unique events like blood drives.

The states with the highest employment level for phlebotomists:

• California
• Texas
• Florida
• North Carolina
• New York

3. These Top-Paying Industries May Surprise You

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there's an interesting array of industries that pay very well for phlebotomy work. The five following industries pay phlebotomists between $19 to $21 an hour:

• Health and personal care stores
• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
• Outpatient care centers
• Nursing care facilities
• Specialty hospitals

4. How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make?

The highest-paid phlebotomists make $49,060. As of May 2018 reports, $34,480 was the median salary for phlebotomists.

5. Certification Improves Hiring Chances

Due to the specialized tasks performed in this position, applicants who receive a phlebotomy certification from a reputable organization fare better with landing a job. Organizations like the National Healthcareer Association and the National Phlebotomy Association are two respected organizations to check out for certification.

Interested in learning more about a phlebotomy career? Start your phlebotomy career today.