Phlebotomist in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Kansas employs 1,120 phlebotomists, with a statewide median of $39,100 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Phlebotomists Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $39,100 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $34,410
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $46,540
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $50,350
- Employed in Kansas
- 1,120
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,870 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for phlebotomists in major Kansas markets:
- Topeka
- $46,370 (170 employed)
- Kansas City
- $46,110 (840 employed)
- Joplin
- $41,600 (40 employed)
- Wichita
- $38,350 (230 employed)
- Manhattan
- $37,900
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $39,100 median stretches to roughly $43,396 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow phlebotomists employment +4.1%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
No state license; national certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Kansas state license.
- Kansas does not license phlebotomists.
- Complete a short phlebotomy program (weeks to a few months).
- Earn a national certification (NHA CPT or ASCP PBT) that most labs and hospitals require.
Official requirements: No Kansas state license →
Training in Kansas
Quickest healthcare entry of all, and a common foot-in-the-door to hospital systems and other clinical roles.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Barton County Community College — Certificate
- Coffeyville Community College — Certificate
- Cowley County Community College — Certificate
- Hutchinson Community College — Certificate
Where Phlebotomists Work in Kansas
Real Kansas hospitals that employ phlebotomists include:
- Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc. — Wichita
- University of Kansas Hospital — Kansas City
- VA Hosp — Topeka
- Wesley Medical Center — Wichita
- VA Hosp Wadsworth — Leavenworth
- Stormont Vail Hospital — Topeka
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 Kansas?
The median wage for phlebotomists in Kansas is $39,100 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,410, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $50,350. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Phlebotomist in Kansas?
No state license; national certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Kansas state license. Kansas does not license phlebotomists.
Is being a Phlebotomist a good career in Kansas?
Blood collection requires in-person patient access, manual technique, and clinical safety protocols that cannot be automated.
Which Kansas metros pay phlebotomists the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Topeka leads at $46,370, followed by Kansas City ($46,110), Joplin ($41,600). 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 Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Barton County Community College, Coffeyville Community College, Cowley County Community College. Most phlebotomists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Phlebotomist a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects phlebotomists employment to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 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), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9097. Licensing summary compiled from the No Kansas 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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.