Earn $35–55/Hour as a Travel Phlebotomist
Get the certification, find the contracts, and build a career on your terms. Flexible assignments nationwide. Many agencies offer housing stipends and healthcare benefits, though terms vary by agency and assignment.
What is Travel Phlebotomy?
Travel phlebotomy is contract-based temporary work where certified phlebotomists are placed in hospitals, labs, and clinics across the country, typically for 13-week assignments. You get paid more per hour, flexibility in when and where you work, and the chance to build experience in different settings.
Who Hires Travel Phlebotomists?
- • Hospital Systems: covering staff shortages in blood banks, specimen processing, and collection centers
- • Reference Labs: high-volume labs handling specimens from multiple facilities
- • Medical Office Networks: outpatient clinics in underserved areas
- • Urgent Care & Surgery Centers: facilities needing pre-op and stat draws
- • Blood Bank Networks: donor centers and transfusion services
Typical Assignment Structure
Most travel phlebotomy assignments follow this pattern:
- -> 13-week contract (some 8 or 26 weeks)
- -> $40–50/hr base + $50–100/day housing stipend
- -> Typically 5 days/week, standard day shifts (some evening/weekend options)
- -> Relocation support, health insurance, 401(k) matching
- -> Option to extend or move to new location after completion
Salary by State
Hourly rates vary based on location, demand, and your experience. These ranges are estimates compiled from agency postings and BLS/O*NET occupational data for 2026. Actual pay will vary.
California
New York
Texas
Florida
Massachusetts
Nationwide Average
💡 Tip: High-demand states (CA, NY, MA) often offer sign-on bonuses, higher per diem, or extended contracts. Ask your recruiter about incentives.
Salary estimates based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (SOC 29-2099) and O*NET occupational data. Travel contract rates from staffing agencies may differ significantly from W-2 employment rates and vary by assignment, location, and agency. Individual compensation is not guaranteed and will vary.
3 Steps to Become a Travel Phlebotomist
Get ASCP PBT Certified
Pass the ASCP PBT exam. The exam costs $190 and takes 2.5 hours. You need a 68% passing score. Most agencies require this certification.
Build 1+ Year of Experience
Work in a hospital lab, medical office, donor center, or clinic. You'll gain speed, confidence, and real-world skills that agencies value highly.
Apply to Staffing Agencies
Contact 3-5 agencies listed above. You'll have an interview, background check, and credential verification. Be ready to discuss availability and preferences.
Major Travel Staffing Agencies
These agencies actively hire travel phlebotomists. Apply to 3–5 for the best placement options. Each has different specialties and incentive structures.
AMN Healthcare
Hospital Systems & Labs
Specialties: All specialties
-> Visit their careers page or contact a recruiter
Cross Country Healthcare
Multi-Specialty
Specialties: Phlebotomy & Lab Tech
-> Visit their careers page or contact a recruiter
Aya Healthcare
Staffing Network
Specialties: Hospital-based
-> Visit their careers page or contact a recruiter
Medical Staffing Network
Specialized Staffing
Specialties: Lab & Phlebotomy
-> Visit their careers page or contact a recruiter
FlexMed
Flexible Assignments
Specialties: Various settings
-> Visit their careers page or contact a recruiter
Nurses On Call
Healthcare Staffing
Specialties: Allied Health
-> Visit their careers page or contact a recruiter
HealthTrust Workforce
Enterprise Staffing
Specialties: Hospital networks
-> Visit their careers page or contact a recruiter
Supplemental Healthcare
Specialty Staffing
Specialties: Lab Services
-> Visit their careers page or contact a recruiter
Pro Tip: Application Strategy
When applying, mention your ASCP certification prominently, highlight your strongest skills (IV draws, difficult sticks, high-volume processing), and be honest about your flexibility with location and timing. Recruiters appreciate candidates who can start quickly and commit to their assignment.
Don't Have Your ASCP Certification Yet?
Most travel phlebotomy agencies require ASCP PBT certification before placement. Get certified with our exam prep system, built by ASCP-certified lab professionals.
30-day money-back guarantee · Instant access · Lifetime updates
Travel Phlebotomy FAQs
Do I need a car to work as a travel phlebotomist?
Many assignments are within the same facility or nearby, but having reliable transportation helps. Some agencies offer housing stipends, which can help offset relocation costs.
What are typical assignment lengths?
Most travel phlebotomy assignments are 13 weeks (one quarter), though some facilities offer 8-week or 26-week contracts. Some positions can be extended based on facility needs.
Do travel phlebotomists get benefits?
Benefits vary by agency and assignment length. Many offer health insurance, 401(k), housing stipends ($1,500-2,500/month), and travel reimbursement. Ask during your agency interview.
How much experience do I need before applying?
Most agencies require 1+ year of active phlebotomy experience. This ensures you're confident with draw techniques, patient interaction, and lab protocols under pressure.
Can I negotiate my hourly rate?
Yes. Agencies often have flexibility, especially for experienced phlebotomists or those willing to work less-desirable shifts (nights, weekends). Your negotiation power increases with certifications and experience.
What if I fail the ASCP PBT exam?
Most agencies require ASCP certification before placement, but some accept NHA CPT or other credentials. If you don't have it yet, get certified first using our study system.
Are there tax implications for travel phlebotomy?
Yes. Travel phlebotomists may deduct housing stipends and travel expenses. Consult a CPA familiar with healthcare contract work for specifics in your situation.
Can I work in different states?
Generally yes. Your ASCP certification is recognized nationwide. Some states have minor credential variations, and your staffing agency will clarify requirements before placement.
What's the difference between per diem and furnished housing?
Per diem is a daily stipend ($50-100/day) added to your hourly wage to cover your own housing. Furnished housing is provided directly by the agency. Both have tax advantages.
How do I stand out to agencies and get the best assignments?
Be ASCP certified (not just state-certified), maintain 1+ years experience, communicate professionally, be flexible with timing/location, and build relationships with recruiting coordinators.
Ready to Apply?
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