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Salary comparison

Phlebotomists vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?

Phlebotomistss out-earn Nursing Assistantss by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Phlebotomistss land at $45,230 and Nursing Assistantss at $42,260. The education gap is real: phlebotomist programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Phlebotomistss is California ($56,040); for Nursing Assistantss it's Oregon ($49,830).

Phlebotomists
Nursing Assistants
Median salary
$45,230
$42,260
Hourly rate
$21.75/hr
$20.32/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$35,780
$33,940
Senior level (90th %)
$58,780
$51,980
Education required
Postsecondary nondegree award
Postsecondary nondegree award
U.S. employment
143,540
1,448,910
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Healthcare Support
Healthcare Support
Top-paying state
California
Oregon

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Phlebotomists median pay.

State
Phlebotomists
Nursing Assistants
California
$56,040
$47,630
District of Columbia
$51,980
$47,700
New York
$50,530
$48,590
Massachusetts
$50,170
$46,680
Oregon
$49,160
$49,830
Washington
$48,880
$49,180
New Hampshire
$48,660
$47,870
New Jersey
$48,650
$46,830
Colorado
$47,180
$47,380
Rhode Island
$46,380
$46,440
Illinois
$46,010
$45,960
Vermont
$46,000
$47,130
Minnesota
$46,000
$46,680
Alaska
$45,900
$46,370
Maine
$45,640
$47,070

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Phlebotomistss or Nursing Assistantss?

Phlebotomistss earn more nationally. The median is $45,230 for Phlebotomistss versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistantss, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Phlebotomists or Nursing Assistants?

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

Which requires more education, Phlebotomists or Nursing Assistants?

Phlebotomists typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Phlebotomistss get paid the most?

California is the top-paying state for Phlebotomistss at $56,040/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Phlebotomists vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Phlebotomistss earn $56,040 vs. $47,630 for Nursing Assistantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Phlebotomists salary breakdownView →Full Nursing Assistants salary breakdownView →Best cities for Phlebotomistss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Nursing Assistantss by take-home payExplore →How to become a phlebotomistsGuide →How to become a nursing assistantsGuide →