How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make in Virginia in 2026?

A typical Phlebotomist in Virginia earns about $22.28 per hour, or $46,340 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $3,862 a month or $891 a week, both figures calculated from the annual median. These numbers describe typical pay across the state, before accounting for city or experience differences.

Virginia's typical phlebotomist pay sits about 2% above the national figure of $45,230, according to the same May 2025 data. That places Virginia 15th among the 51 states and Washington, D.C. for phlebotomist pay. About 3,600 phlebotomists work in Virginia, a workforce large enough to produce reliable pay figures across the state's cities and regions.

Entry-level positions in Virginia typically offer around $17.96 an hour, or about $37,370 a year, for phlebotomists just starting out. Some entry-level roles pay closer to $19.24 an hour, or $40,010 a year, depending on the employer and setting. Pay tends to move toward the state's typical rate of $22.28 an hour within the first few years on the job. New phlebotomists in Virginia can expect steady increases as they gain experience and certifications.

Experienced phlebotomists in Virginia often earn upwards of $23.99 an hour, or about $49,900 a year, once they've built a track record. The top 10% of earners make over $58,470 a year, or roughly $28.11 an hour. That's a spread of $21,100 between entry-level and top pay in the state. Setting, years of experience, and city all play a role in where a phlebotomist lands within that range.

Virginia phlebotomist pay rose from $30,850 in 2015 to $46,340 in 2025, a gain of $15,490 over the decade. That's a 50% increase in typical annual pay over ten years. The rise wasn't perfectly steady; pay dipped slightly in 2020 before climbing again through 2023 and 2024. By 2025, typical pay had settled at its highest point in the ten-year record.

Virginia's 50% decade increase outpaced the national rise of 43% over the same ten years, according to the same wage data. That gap suggests pay growth in Virginia has been building on more than a general economic recovery. This is a description of what happened, not a promise about future raises. Someone starting as a phlebotomist in Virginia today is stepping into a role where typical pay has climbed steadily since 2015.

Arlington pays phlebotomists the most in Virginia, with typical pay of $49,030 a year, or $23.57 an hour. That's about 6% above the statewide typical pay of $46,340. Roanoke and Richmond follow closely, at $46,380 and $46,370 a year, close to the state figure. These figures reflect pay across each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Bristol pays the least among Virginia's tracked cities, with typical pay of $37,870 a year, or $18.21 an hour. That's an $11,160 spread between the highest- and lowest-paying cities in the state. Arlington also has Virginia's largest phlebotomist workforce, at about 1,900 workers. Higher pay in cities like Arlington usually tracks a higher cost of living, so it may not stretch further than lower pay in a cheaper area.

Virginia's phlebotomist pay compares favorably with most of its neighbors. The District of Columbia pays more, at $51,980 a year, about 12% above Virginia's typical pay. Maryland, North Carolina, and Kentucky all pay less, at $43,480, $43,330, and $42,480, while West Virginia and Tennessee trail furthest behind at $39,250 and $38,550. Phlebotomy certification earned in Virginia can often be transferred or endorsed in a neighboring state, though requirements vary.

Phlebotomists in Virginia typically earn $46,340 a year, or $22.28 an hour, up 50% from a decade ago. Pay varies by city and experience level, but the overall trend has been upward since 2015. For certification and registry requirements, check Virginia's phlebotomy licensing and registry information. For pay specific to a city like Arlington, Richmond, or Roanoke, check the local city pages for exact figures.