Phlebotomist in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Colorado employs 2,420 phlebotomists, with a statewide median of $47,180 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Phlebotomists Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $47,180 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $39,400
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $49,520
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $59,540
- Employed in Colorado
- 2,420
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,870 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for phlebotomists in major Colorado markets:
- Denver
- $48,070 (1,310 employed)
- Boulder
- $47,590 (140 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $46,980
- Colorado Springs
- $46,790 (310 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $41,800 (80 employed)
- Greeley
- $40,380 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $47,180 median is worth closer to $45,761 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow phlebotomists employment +21.0%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 350 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
No state license; national certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Colorado state license.
- Colorado does not license phlebotomists.
- Complete a short phlebotomy program (often weeks to a few months).
- Earn a national certification (NHA CPT or ASCP PBT) that most labs and hospitals require.
Official requirements: No Colorado state license →
Training in Colorado
Quickest healthcare entry of all. Often used as a foot-in-the-door to hospital systems and a stepping stone to other clinical roles.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Certificate
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate
- Community College of Aurora — Certificate
Where Phlebotomists Work in Colorado
Real Colorado hospitals that employ phlebotomists include:
- University of Colorado Hospital Authority — Aurora
- Hca Healthone Presbyterian St Luke's — Denver
- V a Hospital — Fort Lyon
- University Colo Health Memorial Hospital Central — Colorado Springs
- Denver Health Medical Center — Denver
- Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo — Pueblo
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want the fastest possible healthcare entry and are comfortable with needles, blood, and brief but frequent patient contact.
Think twice if: Repetitive patient draws all day, modest wages, and limited advancement without additional credentials sound like a dead end.
Why it's resilient: Blood collection requires in-person patient access, manual technique, and clinical safety protocols that cannot be automated.
First Steps
Enroll in a phlebotomy certificate program (typically 4–8 months) and check which certifications your state or target employer requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do phlebotomists make in Colorado?
The median wage for phlebotomists in Colorado is $47,180 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,400, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $59,540. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Phlebotomist in Colorado?
No state license; national certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Colorado state license. Colorado does not license phlebotomists.
Is being a Phlebotomist a good career in Colorado?
Blood collection requires in-person patient access, manual technique, and clinical safety protocols that cannot be automated.
Which Colorado metros pay phlebotomists the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $48,070, followed by Boulder ($47,590), Fort Collins ($46,980). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Phlebotomist in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mountain College. Most phlebotomists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Phlebotomist a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects phlebotomists employment to change +21.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 350 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9097. Licensing summary compiled from the No Colorado state license (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.