How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make in Tennessee in 2026?

A typical Phlebotomist in Tennessee earns about $18.53 per hour ($38,550 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Calculated from that annual figure, pay works out to roughly $3,212 a month or $741 a week for a full-time schedule. These numbers describe the statewide typical, not any single job posting.

That figure sits 15% below the national typical pay of $45,230 a year, placing Tennessee 45th out of 51 states and the District of Columbia for phlebotomist pay. Lower pay in Tennessee tends to track the state's lower cost of living compared with higher-paying regions. Around 3,520 phlebotomists work across the state, giving a sense of scale for how common the role is.

Entry-level positions in Tennessee typically offer around $16.83 an hour ($35,010 a year), according to the same wage data. Pay in this range usually applies to phlebotomists who are new to the field or working in lower-volume settings. Within a few years of experience, pay tends to move up toward the statewide typical of $18.53 an hour. Many phlebotomists reach that typical figure once they've built steady experience drawing blood and working with patients.

Experienced phlebotomists in Tennessee often earn upwards of $21.94 an hour ($45,630 a year), and the top 10% of earners make over $22.90 an hour ($47,630 a year). That leaves a spread of $12,620 between entry-level and top-tier pay across the state. Setting, years of experience, and city all play a part in where a phlebotomist lands within that range, with hospitals and higher-paying metro areas typically landing toward the top.

Tennessee phlebotomist pay has risen from $25,860 in 2015 to $38,550 in 2025, a decade record. That's a gain of $12,690, or 49%, over ten years according to government wage data. The increase has been fairly steady year over year, with a notable jump between 2020 and 2021.

Nationally, phlebotomist pay rose 43% over the same decade, meaning Tennessee's gain slightly outpaced the national rise. Pay for phlebotomists in Tennessee has moved up consistently over the past ten years, though past growth doesn't guarantee future increases. For someone entering the field now, the trend shows a role where earnings have grown noticeably over time.

Pay runs highest in the Nashville area, where Franklin reports a typical $44,240 a year ($21.27 an hour), about 15% above the statewide figure. These figures cover the full Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin metro area rather than any single city center. Memphis follows at $39,480 a year ($18.98 an hour), also above the state typical.

Pay runs lowest in Johnson City, where phlebotomists typically earn $36,430 a year ($17.52 an hour), a spread of $7,810 below Franklin's figure. Franklin also has the largest phlebotomist workforce among Tennessee cities, with 1,020 workers reported in the area. Higher pay in the Nashville area generally lines up with a higher cost of living, while lower-paying cities like Johnson City tend to have lower living costs as well.

Tennessee phlebotomists earn less than those in most neighboring states. Virginia pays the most among neighbors at $46,340 a year, 20% above Tennessee's figure, and Georgia follows closely at $45,840, 19% higher. Mississippi pays the least among neighbors at $36,290, about 6% below Tennessee. Licensing and certification requirements for phlebotomists can often transfer or be recognized across neighboring states, which can simplify a move for work.

Phlebotomists in Tennessee typically earn $18.53 an hour ($38,550 a year), a figure that has climbed 49% over the past decade. Pay varies by city and experience level, with entry-level roles starting lower and top earners making over $47,630 a year. Readers considering this path should check Tennessee's phlebotomy certification and registry requirements for current licensing steps, and review city-specific pages for local pay figures in areas like Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville.