Phlebotomist in Washington: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Washington employs 2,820 phlebotomists, with a statewide median of $48,880 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.
What Phlebotomists Earn in Washington (May 2025)
- Washington median pay
- $48,880 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $39,410
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $58,370
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $64,080
- Employed in Washington
- 2,820
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,870 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for phlebotomists in major Washington markets:
- Seattle–Tacoma
- $49,900 (1,610 employed)
- Bellingham
- $48,300 (60 employed)
- Tri-Cities
- $47,640 (120 employed)
- Olympia
- $47,280 (80 employed)
- Spokane
- $45,880 (290 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Washington
Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $48,880 median is worth closer to $45,682 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)
Washington is projected to grow phlebotomists employment +15.4%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 440 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Washington License and Certification Requirements
None required — CPT (NHA) or CPT1 (ASCP) certification is employer-preferred — regulated by the No Washington state license required for phlebotomists.
- Washington does not require a state license for phlebotomists. The entry path is completing a phlebotomy certificate program (typically 4–8 weeks at a community college or vocational school) or on-the-job training through employer sponsorship.
- Earn a national phlebotomy certification: NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT), or AMT RPT. Most Washington labs and hospital systems require or strongly prefer certification.
- Apply to hospital labs (UW Medicine, Harborview, Swedish, Providence), independent reference labs (LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics), blood banks (Bloodworks Northwest), and outpatient clinics.
Official requirements: No Washington state license required for phlebotomists →
Training in Washington
Washington's large healthcare sector in the Puget Sound region creates strong phlebotomy demand. Bloodworks Northwest (based in Seattle) is a major regional blood bank and training resource. Entry wages are modest but the role is a common gateway into clinical laboratory science.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:
- Bates Technical College — Certificate
- Bellevue College — Certificate
- Bellingham Technical College — Certificate
- Centralia College — Certificate
Where Phlebotomists Work in Washington
Real Washington hospitals that employ phlebotomists include:
- VA Hosp — American Lake
- Swedish Medical Center — Seattle
- Prov Sacred Hrt Med Ctr & Childs Hosp. — Spokane
- Madigan Gen Hosp — Tacoma
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System — Seattle
- Tacoma General Allenmore Hospital — Tacoma
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 Washington?
The median wage for phlebotomists in Washington is $48,880 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,410, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $64,080. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Phlebotomist in Washington?
None required — CPT (NHA) or CPT1 (ASCP) certification is employer-preferred, overseen by the No Washington state license required for phlebotomists. Washington does not require a state license for phlebotomists. The entry path is completing a phlebotomy certificate program (typically 4–8 weeks at a community college or vocational school) or on-the-job training through employer sponsorship.
Is being a Phlebotomist a good career in Washington?
Blood collection requires in-person patient access, manual technique, and clinical safety protocols that cannot be automated.
Which Washington metros pay phlebotomists the most?
Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $49,900, followed by Bellingham ($48,300), Tri-Cities ($47,640). 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 Washington?
Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Bellevue College, Bellingham Technical College. Most phlebotomists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Phlebotomist a growing career in Washington?
Washington projects phlebotomists employment to change +15.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 440 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9097. Licensing summary compiled from the No Washington state license required for phlebotomists (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.