Phlebotomist in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
North Dakota employs 220 phlebotomists, with a statewide median of $47,430 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Phlebotomists Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $47,430 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $33,840
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $53,730
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $58,290
- Employed in North Dakota
- 220
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,870 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for phlebotomists in major North Dakota markets:
- Bismarck
- $47,990
- Fargo
- $47,430 (120 employed)
- Grand Forks
- $47,040 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $47,430 median stretches to roughly $53,292 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow phlebotomists employment +9.3%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; national certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No North Dakota state license.
- North Dakota 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 North Dakota state license →
Training in North Dakota
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 North Dakota include:
- Turtle Mountain College — Certificate
- University of North Dakota — Certificate
Where Phlebotomists Work in North Dakota
Real North Dakota hospitals that employ phlebotomists include:
- Sanford — Fargo
- Trinity Hospitals — Minot
- Chi St Alexius Health — Bismarck
- Altru Hospital — Grand Forks
- Sanford Medical Center Bismarck — Bismarck
- VA Hosp — Fargo
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 North Dakota?
The median wage for phlebotomists in North Dakota is $47,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $33,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,290. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Phlebotomist in North Dakota?
No state license; national certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No North Dakota state license. North Dakota does not license phlebotomists.
Is being a Phlebotomist a good career in North Dakota?
Blood collection requires in-person patient access, manual technique, and clinical safety protocols that cannot be automated.
Which North Dakota metros pay phlebotomists the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Bismarck leads at $47,990, followed by Fargo ($47,430), Grand Forks ($47,040). 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 North Dakota?
Real North Dakota options include Turtle Mountain College, University of North Dakota. Most phlebotomists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Phlebotomist a growing career in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects phlebotomists employment to change +9.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9097. Licensing summary compiled from the No North Dakota 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.