Phlebotomists
SOC Code: 31-9097
Phlebotomists carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $43,660 and +5.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 139,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Phlebotomists (SOC 31-9097) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 139,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $43,660, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Phlebotomists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
- 2. Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
- 3. Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- 4. Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
- 5. Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
- 6. Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.
- 7. Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
- 8. Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.
- 9. Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.
- 10. Administer subcutaneous or intramuscular injects, in accordance with licensing restrictions.
Key Skills Required
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Computers and Electronics
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Phlebotomists?
Phlebotomists has an AI exposure score of 45%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Phlebotomists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Phlebotomists is projected to grow by 5.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 139,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Phlebotomists?
Key skills for Phlebotomists include Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Phlebotomists earn?
The median annual wage for Phlebotomists is $43,660, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Phlebotomists?
The typical entry-level education for Phlebotomists is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Phlebotomists?
Phlebotomists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).