Phlebotomist in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Oregon employs 1,800 phlebotomists, with a statewide median of $49,160 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Phlebotomists Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $49,160 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $40,060
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $58,370
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $62,280
- Employed in Oregon
- 1,800
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,870 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for phlebotomists in major Oregon markets:
- Portland
- $51,680 (950 employed)
- Salem
- $48,160 (180 employed)
- Eugene
- $48,010 (180 employed)
- Medford
- $46,480 (110 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,160 median is worth closer to $47,544 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to grow phlebotomists employment +12.3%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 320 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
No state license; national certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Oregon state license.
- Oregon 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 Oregon state license →
Training in Oregon
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 Oregon include:
- Chemeketa Community College — Certificate
- Linn-Benton Community College — Certificate
- Rogue Community College — Certificate
- Southwestern Oregon Community College — Certificate
Where Phlebotomists Work in Oregon
Real Oregon hospitals that employ phlebotomists include:
- Oregon State Hospital Distinct Part — Salem
- Ohsu Hospital and Clinics — Portland
- Legacy Emanuel Medical Center — Portland
- VA Hosp — Portland
- Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center — Portland
- Oregon State Hospital- Salem — Salem
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 Oregon?
The median wage for phlebotomists in Oregon is $49,160 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,060, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $62,280. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Phlebotomist in Oregon?
No state license; national certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Oregon state license. Oregon does not license phlebotomists.
Is being a Phlebotomist a good career in Oregon?
Blood collection requires in-person patient access, manual technique, and clinical safety protocols that cannot be automated.
Which Oregon metros pay phlebotomists the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $51,680, followed by Salem ($48,160), Eugene ($48,010). 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 Oregon?
Real Oregon options include Chemeketa Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, Rogue Community College. Most phlebotomists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Phlebotomist a growing career in Oregon?
Oregon projects phlebotomists employment to change +12.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 320 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9097. Licensing summary compiled from the No Oregon 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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.