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Job outlook for medical assistant/phlebotomists in the United States
Medical assistant/phlebotomist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected medical assistant/phlebotomist job growth rate is 16% from 2018-2028.
About 117,800 new jobs for medical assistant/phlebotomists are projected over the next decade.
Medical assistant/phlebotomist salaries have increased 14% for medical assistant/phlebotomists in the last 5 years.
There are over 760,200 medical assistant/phlebotomists currently employed in the United States.
There are 189,206 active medical assistant/phlebotomist job openings in the US.
The average medical assistant/phlebotomist salary is $33,674.
Are medical assistant/phlebotomist jobs in demand?
Medical assistant/phlebotomist job and salary trends over time
Medical assistant/phlebotomist jobs over time
Medical assistant/phlebotomist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 760,200 | 0.23% |
| 2020 | 740,955 | 0.22% |
| 2019 | 743,130 | 0.22% |
| 2018 | 706,562 | 0.21% |
| 2017 | 680,373 | 0.21% |
Average medical assistant/phlebotomist salary over time
Medical assistant/phlebotomist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $33,674 | $16.19 | +3.0% |
| 2025 | $32,687 | $15.72 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $31,570 | $15.18 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $30,508 | $14.67 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $29,625 | $14.24 | +3.1% |
Medical assistant/phlebotomist jobs by state
Most common states for medical assistant/phlebotomists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 649 | 49% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,603 | 47% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,527 | 37% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 428 | 32% |
| 5 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 568 | 31% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 329 | 31% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 302 | 31% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,234 | 30% |
| 9 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 209 | 30% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 502 | 29% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 216 | 29% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,884 | 28% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 804 | 28% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 592 | 28% |
| 15 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,788 | 27% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 956 | 27% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,463 | 25% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,521 | 25% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,443 | 25% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 479 | 25% |
Most common cities for medical assistant/phlebotomists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 4 | 10% | $34,801 |
| 2 | Rockville | 4 | 6% | $34,725 |
| 3 | Bend | 3 | 3% | $41,780 |
| 4 | Columbia | 3 | 3% | $34,872 |
| 5 | Chattanooga | 3 | 2% | $26,017 |
| 6 | Grand Rapids | 3 | 2% | $29,662 |
| 7 | Huntsville | 3 | 2% | $24,376 |
| 8 | Peoria | 3 | 2% | $37,844 |
| 9 | Avondale | 2 | 2% | $37,841 |
| 10 | Seattle | 5 | 1% | $41,458 |
| 11 | Kansas City | 4 | 1% | $30,215 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $27,754 |
| 13 | Cincinnati | 3 | 1% | $33,357 |
| 14 | Scottsdale | 3 | 1% | $37,723 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 8 | 0% | $37,787 |
| 16 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $38,398 |
| 17 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $29,714 |
| 18 | San Francisco | 3 | 0% | $39,411 |
| 19 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $29,518 |
Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of medical assistant/phlebotomist experts
Midstate College
Spokane Community College
Pennsylvania State University - Hazleton
Merrimack College
Bellevue College
Farmingdale State College
Endicott College
Georgia State University
Georgia State University
Misericordia Home
Carlow University
ACVP - Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University of Charleston
Holy Names University
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist?
Candace Keck: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. This positive job outlook ensures future job opportunities and career stability.
What Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Candace Keck: Depending on the area where the medical assistant works, such as clinic vs hospital vs care facilities, the day-to-day duties can vary. The commonality, no matter the location, is they work closely with providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses, to name a few) and other healthcare professionals to deliver patient care. It can involve direct patient care and administrative work. They need to have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach to patient care.
What will help Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists increase their earning potential?
Candace Keck: I don't have an answer to this question. I'm not scheduled to work in the hospital any time soon so would not have the opportunity to ask.
Jeanne Martin PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
Clinical Associate ProfessorWhat will help Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists increase their earning potential?
Jeanne Martin PhD, MSN, RN, CNE: I think honing clinical judgment is the KEY to safe patient care. A lack of clinical judgment competency is associated with preventable nursing errors, such as medication inaccuracies or failure to recognize a patient is deteriorating and then step in to rescue that patient. These errors are more prevalent in new graduate nurses. This is why the National Council State Board of Nursing changed the licensure exam to reflect the Clinical Judgment Model. As the complexities of health care expand, the clinical judgment of the nurse must expand with it.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist?
Eve Leija AAS, NCMA: To maximize salary for a medical assistant obtaining certification from one of the credentialing organizations such as American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can make a new hire more competitive. Continuing educations along with developing any specialized skills such as phlebotomy. Demonstrating professionalism initiative and reliability, along with gaining a strong reference from previous employers.
What Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Eve Leija AAS, NCMA: Flexibility is a must in healthcare. You must be flexible with your job functions, time and most importantly your patients. You must be able to pivot with little to no notice and be ready and wiling to assist anyone in your clinic; providers, co-workers, patients, etc.
What will help Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists increase their earning potential?
Eve Leija AAS, NCMA: To meet the demands of evolving healthcare and provide high-quality care to patients technological proficiency (EHR systems, Telehealth support), clinical skills (any skills that can enhance what you’ve learned in school. Phlebotomy, point of care testing devices), communication and soft skills (adaptability, problem-solving, empathy and compassion) are a must. I feel a lot of the younger generation lacks the soft skills needed in healthcare/professional jobs. Administrative skills and patient care and safety (infections control and chronic disease management).
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist?
Aaron Benitez CDA, RDA, RDHAP, MSDH: In California, it is an exciting time to be a Dental Assistant. The industry has been gradually adding more technologically advanced procedures like 3-D printing, intra-oral scanning, along with Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance. A Dental Assistant needs to possess the traditional knowledge to be able to learn these new advanced procedures. In order to make themselves more competitive, the Dental Assistant must possess the knowledge and hands-on experience of these new procedures.
Also, since in California the minimum wage is increasing beyond the amount that a starting Dental Assistant could potentially earn, learning new advanced techniques is more relevant.
What Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aaron Benitez CDA, RDA, RDHAP, MSDH: In the Dental Assisting program at West Los Angeles College, the advice that we give our students includes several topics. The main recommendation is to take the California's Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam. Other advice includes, creating a professional resume (cloud based and on paper), always be respectful of other's time and having a professional mindset. These are qualities that are timeless.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist?
Shanna Chapman DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, APRN: People like being a nursing assistant for a lot of reasons similar to those listed in #2. It is rewarding and gives the nursing assistant a sense of purpose. It gives them the opportunity to directly impact patients. There is a large variety of settings that the nursing assistant can choose to work in and there is definitely job stability. There is a high demand that will not be dissolving with an increase in the baby boomer population into geriatrics. There is opportunity for the knowledge gained to be utilized if the nursing assistant wants to go to nursing school and a lot of nurses will use it as a stepping stone to learn. The dislikes about being a nursing assistant is that it can be mentally and physically challenging. Some facilities may work shorthanded causing the nursing assistant to have higher patient loads resulting in stress as well as physically challenging. I also recommend that nursing assistants do their research on the facility before applying for a job. Make sure that the facility expectations, mission, and values are congruent with the nursing assistant's personal beliefs.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist?
Janice Noteboom, MHA/Ed., CMA (AAMA): -LIKE- People who enjoy working as a Medical Assistant do it because they get a
great satisfaction from help other people. They are often the first contact with the
patient in the medical facility, which sets the tone for the rest of the visit.
They feel good making sure that their patients have the right information that they
need, the appropriate medical care they need, and helping patients feel better.
Good problem-solving skills, compassion, understanding, patience and keeping
up with a fast-paced office is very rewarding.
-DISLIKE- Some Medical Assistants have determined that there are
area/tasks/etc. that they dislike, listed below are some of these things:
You’re always around people who are sick
Long work hours can include 10 or 12-hour days
Lower starting salary, which is usually based on education and
experience level
Having to deal with stressful situations and difficult patients
Dealing with patients who are angry, cranky, anxious or not feeling well
Working under pressure from extremely tight deadlines
What Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Janice Noteboom, MHA/Ed., CMA (AAMA): duties vary, depending on the medical office/hospital/urgent/specialty clinics
where they are employed. Below are some specific job duties that are very
common in the day-in-the-life of a Medical Assistant (these duties include, but
are not limited to the following):
Greeting patients and checking them in at the Waiting room window
Collecting vital signs from patients
Answer phones as needed
Assist with scheduling patient appointments
Data entry of patient information in an electronic medical record (EMR)
Using various computer applications
Transmitting prescription refills
Insurance coding & billing
Obtain or completing procedures for preauthorizations/hospital
admissions/outside testing/etc.
Collecting specimens for Point-of-Care testing or send outs to reference
labs
Venipuncture/Examination Assistance to provider/other duties as needed
What will help Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists increase their earning potential?
Janice Noteboom, MHA/Ed., CMA (AAMA): Medical Assistants
have become a vital member to any health care team! Below are some specific
educational areas and training that a face-to-face or hybrid Medical Assistant
Program offers and what students will do on a daily basis (or during class and lab
sessions) that will help provide training quality assurance: (these are just some of
the areas of training and education that students will receive in an CAAHEP
(Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited
Medical Assistant Program:
Interacting with patients
Hands-on training with hypodermic needles used for injections and
venipuncture
Using other medical equipment like the various thermometers, pulse
oximeter, EKG machine, nebulizer, etc.
Experience with scheduling/accounting/EMR software applications
Students learn and practice many clinical procedures like patient transfers,
wound care, disease transmission prevention, completion of various
requisitions for medical testing, emergency procedures, caring for adult
and pediatric patients, and much more.
Students also learn and practice Pharmacology procedures which include
medication administration, adult and pediatric medication dosing,
medication uses, side effects/adverse effects/toxicity/etc.
Laboratory Procedures allows students to learn and practice how to
perform Point-of-Care testing, venipuncture, laboratory testing results,
urinalysis, etc.
Finally, Students will complete a Medical Assistant Program Externship at
a medical office/hospital/urgent care/specialty clinic to practice the skills
and training in real life.
Jean Schlittenhart
NAC Program DirectorSpokane Community College
NAC Program
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist resumes?
Jean Schlittenhart: Nurses' aids are the foundation of nursing and medical practice as they are the professionals' eyes, ears, and hands. The nurses' aid is a very trusted position as they care for the largest and most vulnerable group of people in the United States: Aged and Disabled. They have been educated to treat people with respect, respect their wishes and provide very personal care cheerfully and with skill. Upon graduation and State certification, they can provide at least 22 skills that relate to vital signs, personal care, transfers, and providing feeding support. They are educated to identify health risks, emergency situations and provide rehabilitation and restorative care under the direction of a nurse or other therapist.
What soft skills should all Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists possess?
Jean Schlittenhart: Communication such as listening skills, empathy, compassion, emotional support, and holistic care.
What skills will help Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists earn the most?
Jean Schlittenhart: Communication and compassion are among the top priorities and the 22 basic care skills provided for the residents and patients.
Jamie Myers
Education Program Associate, Allied Health CoordinatorPennsylvania State University - Hazleton
Continuing Education Department
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist resumes?
Jamie Myers: Bilingual, Phlebotomy, EKGs.
What soft skills should all Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists possess?
Jamie Myers: Critical thinking, problem-solving, dependability.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists?
Jamie Myers: Computer skills.
What skills will help Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists earn the most?
Jamie Myers: Bilingual, Phlebotomy, and Computer.
Comora Sarah
Assistant Clinical ProfessorMerrimack College
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist resumes?
Comora Sarah: Experience in the industry, Dementia training, BLS certification
What skills will help Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists earn the most?
Marina Orobinskaia: Additional job training type certifications were added to the original Nursing Assistant, such as nursing delegation, phlebotomy, medication pass.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists?
Carol Donohue: Before the pandemic, the Bureau of Labor Statistics rated dental assisting as one of the fastest growing careers, and it has continued to increase as many dental assistants have left to stay home with young children or elderly parents/relatives. Most dental offices report that they are extremely busy and trying to catch up from the work that was put on hold due to the pandemic. At one point dental offices were only seeing emergencies only. As the medical field continues to expand, opportunities for stable employment in this rewarding industry are within reach
What technical skills for a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist stand out to employers?
Bethany Nasser Ph.D.: They will need medical training.
What's a good job out of college for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists?
Bethany Nasser Ph.D.: Nursing as there is always a need. As a nurse you can be at the bedside, in a hospital, home care, educator, travel nurse and there are so many roles. It is the best career as most nurses work three 12-hour shifts and it is a great career to have a family.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist job market given the pandemic?
Joan Cranford: -Increase in hiring
-More internshipsprograms to prepare new nurses
-More across state line licensin
-Increased telehealth training to care for non-COVID patients
-Unemployed and retired nurses returning to work
-Ability to cope in stressful situations
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists to find work opportunities?
Joan Cranford: California, New York, Atlanta, GA, D.C, New Jersey
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist resumes?
Joan Cranford: -Exposure to caring for COVID patients
-Knowledge of appropriate infection control standards i.e. use of personal protective equipment
-Critical care experience
-High level nursing skills
-Initiative
-Ability to deal and work in stressful situations
Traci Sims
Clinical Associate ProfessorGeorgia State University
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists to find work opportunities?
Traci Sims: California; New York; Atlanta, Georgia; Washington, D.C.; New Jersey
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist job market given the pandemic?
Traci Sims: - Increase in hiring
- More externship programs to prepare new nurses
- More across-state line licensing
- Increased telehealth training to care for non-COVID patients
- Unemployed and retired nurses returning to work
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist resumes?
Traci Sims: - Exposure to caring for COVID patients
- Knowledge of appropriate infection control standards, i.e., use of personal protective equipment
- Critical care experience
- High-level nursing skills
- Initiative
- Ability to deal with and work in stressful situations
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist?
Abby Murray: Smile! The gesture of a simple smile is so important when exploring new opportunities and while working. Your future employer and co-workers want to work with friendly and positive employees.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist job market given the pandemic?
Abby Murray: In skilled nursing facilities and care settings, we are open for business. Unlike other businesses where remote work is a possibility, we are here 24/7 and committed to providing excellent care.
What Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Abby Murray: Consider a gap year working in direct care positions to explore if a new career path is right for you. There is a great need for frontline workers in long-term care facilities with unlimited career growth potential, and we even provide paid training.
Janice Nash
Professor, Director of the Undergraduate Nursing ProgramCarlow University
College of Health and Wellness
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist resumes?
Janice Nash: Graduates who had internships or experience working in healthcare in addition to the required clinical courses are at an advantage. An applicant who highlights their ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and problem-solve will be noticed.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist job market given the pandemic?
Janice Nash: I believe that there will be more opportunities for nurses in many areas of practice. There may be more flexible scheduling options than before the pandemic.
How do you envision technology impacting Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists in the next 5 years?
Peggy McElgunn: There is NO DOUBT technology is moving at a pace unimagined before COVID19. The primary way this will affect cardiovascular technology is, we will be better able to see disease processes and, therefore, more capable of managing them more effectively. Interventional cardiology and cardiac imaging are where the enormous impact will be felt. But unlike radiology, where we see much in the way of AI driving change, people will need to continue to interact with patients in interventional cardiology and cardiac imaging. Therefore, technology will serve to advance practice but not displace a workforce.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists to find work opportunities?
Peggy McElgunn: Frankly, cardiovascular care is still the most robust field in healthcare. This is mainly because it remains the number one killer (heart disease), but COVID 19 has impacted this. We know COVID 19 effects the heart, as well. And there are places for qualified graduates EVERYWHERE! Most hospitals offer fantastic onboarding incentives, too. And of course, they all have their protocols and policies - again, speaking the value and importance of flexibility!
Of course, again, membership in the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals offers graduates a chance to network and learn directly from those working in the field. They are also the first to hear about opportunities and openings and often drive possibilities through these connections.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist?
Jason Mott Ph.D.: I think the best advice for new graduates is to be flexible. Things are going to change daily. It is essential to be able to go with the flow. Also, take time for yourself. As the numbers of covid patients increase, staff members are at high risk of developing burnout. It is essential to take time for yourself to relax and get away from everything, even if for only a few minutes. That way, you can prevent becoming burned out.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists in the next 3-5 years?
Jason Mott Ph.D.: In terms of technology, I think that telemedicine will continue to grow and be a crucial part of the health care system. Nurses need to be more comfortable with this technology.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Jason Mott Ph.D.: Salaries for nurses are outstanding. Also, there are many opportunities to grow and get advanced degrees, increasing the amount of money that nurses can make. There are so many opportunities to move around and advance in the profession to make nursing a perfect career choice.
What experience really stands out on Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist resumes?
Amy Bruce: -Most importantly volunteer - shows humility
-Variety - shows flexibility
-Consistency - shows loyalty
What Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Bruce: If a gap year is taken in nursing school, the student should try to work as a Certified Nurse Assistant or Nurse Extern. This will keep them in the field and keep their experiences and current knowledge fresh until he or she can return to school.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists in the next 3-5 years?
Amy Bruce: Within the next 3-5 years, Telemedicine will be at its peak. We are already using technology to diagnose and treat patients.
Dr. Pamela Stanley
Interim DeanHoly Names University
School of Nursing
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Pamela Stanley: COVID-19 has changed the healthcare world dramatically. Students will be graduating and entering the job market during a worldwide pandemic. While some organizations have seen more older nurses retiring, creating vacancies for possible new graduates' other organizations have seen a drop in volume that has led to experienced RNs being unemployed.
How do you envision technology impacting Medical Assistant/Phlebotomists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Pamela Stanley: COVID-19 has also changed the way we deliver care, learn, and have meetings. Telehealth has been fast-forwarded by ten years, in my opinion. Nurses who had requested, for years, to complete telehealth work at home and were denied have been working remotely at home now for months.