Phlebotomist vs. Medical Assistant: Who Makes More?
Head-to-head comparisons of salaries, education, job requirements, and more
Phlebotomists draw blood for lab testing or medical procedures.
Phlebotomists typically do the following (Source: O*Net):
- Collect blood from patients and blood donors
- Clean, organize and maintain medical equipment such as needles and vials
- Interact with patients
- Enter information into database
- Dispose of blood or other biological waste
The median salary for phlebotomists is $37,380 per year or $17.97 per hour (Source: BLS)
Phlebotomists typically enter the profession by completing a certification program or through on-the-job training. Certification requirements differ from state to state. California, for example, requires all phlebotomists and phlebotomy technologists to be certified after completing academic coursework as well as clinical training. Sample career path:
- Earn high school diploma or complete GED
- Complete certificate program, including classroom and clinical work
- Obtain certification, for example the National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE)
- Find job in a hospital or laboratory
Medical assistants help doctors and other health care professionals with administrative and clinical tasks, such as taking blood pressure.
Medical assistants typically do the following (Source: O*Net):
- Interact with patients and collect patient information
- Prepare patient examination rooms
- Administrative work, such as scheduling patient appointments or updating patient medical records
- Clinical work, such as measuring vital signs
- Give patients medication or injections, as permitted by state law
The median salary for medical assistants is $37,190 per year or $17.88 per hour (Source: BLS)
In most states, there are no formal requirements to become a medical assistant. Medical assistants typically complete a certificate or diploma program. Others complete a 2-year associate’s program. Still others can become medical assistants through on-the-job training. Sample career path:
- Obtain high school diploma or its equivalent
- Complete certificate program or associate’s degree program
- Find job in doctor’s office or other health care facility