Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Are you looking to become a phlebotomist in Illinois? Looking for how to attain that goal? You came to the right place! Take a look at this step by step guide on how to become a successful phlebotomist.

Illinois does not require state licensing or certification for phlebotomists, making it straightforward to get started in this rewarding healthcare career. However, certification is strongly recommended because most employers prefer to hire certified phlebotomists. Certification shows employers that you are familiar with basic phlebotomy procedures and typically leads to higher pay and better job opportunities.

Illinois is an excellent state for phlebotomists, ranking 14th nationally for average salary. As of 2026, phlebotomy jobs continue to grow at 8 percent through 2034, making this an excellent time to enter the field in Illinois.

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Illinois

The first thing you will need to do is either attend phlebotomy classes or a phlebotomy training site. If you have hands on experience working as a phlebotomist, that can help towards your certification. After completing your schooling or training, you can work on getting your certification in phlebotomy.

Basic requirements include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Complete a phlebotomy training program
• Pass a national certification exam (recommended)
• Background check and drug screening
• Current immunizations
• CPR certification

Phlebotomy Training in Illinois

Although you do not need your degree to work as a phlebotomist, you do need training. There are a variety of schools or colleges that can train you as a phlebotomist. Each school has their own requirements in order for you to attend. Their tuition also varies as well as the classes and training they offer.

What to expect from Illinois phlebotomy programs:

• Timeline: Most programs take 4 to 12 months to complete
• Classroom hours: 40 to 80 hours covering anatomy, blood collection techniques, safety procedures and medical terminology
• Clinical hours: 20 to 40 hours of supervised hands on training
• Blood draws required: At least 50 successful venipunctures and 10 capillary punctures

Therefore, it is important for you to take a look at the various schools that offer phlebotomy training and decide which one is best for you. To help you decide, take a look at the list of questions below that you can ask each school. These questions should help you come to a decision. In addition, make sure to ask any other question that you would like to know, even though it is not shown below. Write down the schools’ answers for future reference.

Questions to ask when choosing a program:

What is the tuition cost of the school?
How long will it take to complete the training?
Does the school offer online classes?
Can the school help you find a job once you complete the training?
Does the school offer a phlebotomy certification exam on site?
Is the school accredited?

Now that you know what to ask, you should choose a school that best meets your needs.

Phlebotomy Certification in Illinois

How does phlebotomy certification work? It really depends on the state if you need to be certified as a phlebotomist. Most states do not require you to be certified and Illinois is one of them. Being that the requirements can change anytime, it is always good to check with your state regarding phlebotomy certification requirements.

Although Illinois does not require you to get certified, it is something for you to take into consideration. That is because certification can yield higher paying jobs and better jobs. A lot of employers like to hire phlebotomists who are certified, because certification ensures that the phlebotomist is familiar with the basic phlebotomy procedures.

Illinois recognizes these certification agencies:

American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

There are a few agencies that can certify you in phlebotomy. You receive certification once you take an exam and pass. The exam will cover the basics in phlebotomy and will ensure that you are capable and ready to perform blood drawing procedures. You will only need to be certified by one agency and you can choose any one you want. Therefore, you should take a look at each of their requirements and see which one you can meet most easily.

For more detailed information on each agency you can take a look here.

Phlebotomy Jobs in Illinois

Now that you are familiar with the phlebotomy certification procedures in Illinois, let us take a look at phlebotomy jobs in Illinois. There are a variety of places where a phlebotomist can work. Although most phlebotomists work in hospitals, there are positions in doctor offices, medical clinics and laboratories that all require phlebotomists. In addition, pharmaceutical companies and at times government offices have positions available for phlebotomists as well.

Job growth: 8 percent through 2034 (faster than average for all occupations)

Major job markets: Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Naperville, Springfield and Peoria have the highest concentration of phlebotomy positions.

Top employers in Illinois:

Northwestern Medicine
Rush University Medical Center
University of Chicago Medicine
Advocate Health
OSF HealthCare
Quest Diagnostics
LabCorp

Where you can work:

Hospitals (largest employer of phlebotomists)
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
Doctor offices and clinics
Outpatient care centers
Blood donation centers
Mobile phlebotomy services
Research facilities

The job outlook for phlebotomists is on the rise, indicating that there will be a growing need for phlebotomists. This makes it a wonderful time to enter the field of phlebotomy. Take a look here for phlebotomy jobs in Illinois and elsewhere.

Phlebotomist Salary in Illinois

An often asked question is the average salary a phlebotomist earns. The average salary for a phlebotomist in Illinois is $42,161 per year or approximately $20 per hour as of 2026. Illinois ranks 14th nationally for phlebotomist salaries, making it one of the highest paying states for this profession!

Salary range for Illinois phlebotomists:

• Entry level: $36,391 per year ($18/hour)
• Average range: $39,141 to $45,612 per year
• Top earners: $48,753+ per year
• Certified phlebotomists: $43,966 average ($21/hour)

Highest paying cities in Illinois:

Chicago pays the highest salaries, with phlebotomists earning an average of $42,735 per year ($21/hour). Some experienced phlebotomists in Chicago earn between $23 to $26 per hour, especially in major hospital systems and specialized laboratories.

What affects your salary:

• Certification: Certified phlebotomists typically earn $2,000 to $5,000 more per year
• Experience: More years on the job lead to significantly higher pay
• Location: Chicago and suburban areas pay more than rural areas
• Employer type: Hospitals and large diagnostic labs pay more than small doctor offices
• Shift differentials: Night shifts, weekends and holidays often come with extra pay
• Specialization: Laboratory and mobile phlebotomists can earn significantly more ($51,403 average)

In addition, a phlebotomist can earn more than the average salary depending on their certification level and experience.

Why Choose Phlebotomy in Illinois?

A career in phlebotomy means that you will constantly be helping others and making a true difference to their lives as a medical professional. Although you do not need your phlebotomy certification in Illinois, it can make a difference to your career and job opportunities. Your phlebotomy knowledge and skills can be a stepping stone to a different medical career.

Benefits of becoming a phlebotomist in Illinois:

✓ No state license required – Easier and faster to get started
✓ One of the highest paying states – Ranks 14th nationally for salary
✓ Strong job growth – 8 percent increase through 2034
✓ Quick training – Start working in 4 to 12 months
✓ Excellent salary – Average $42,161/year, higher with certification
✓ Major healthcare hub – Chicago has world-class hospitals and research facilities
✓ Multiple employers – Excellent job market throughout the state
✓ Career advancement – Great entry into healthcare with room to grow
✓ Job security – Healthcare is always in demand

Whatever you choose to do, you should be aware that as a caring and reliable professional, you will create an everlasting impact on others.

Illinois offers excellent opportunities for phlebotomists with strong job demand, competitive salaries, world-class healthcare systems and no state licensing barriers. The combination of a thriving healthcare industry in Chicago and throughout the state makes Illinois an ideal place to launch and grow your phlebotomy career!