Phlebotomist vs CNA: pay, jobs and what each takes

Phlebotomists, by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025): a median of $21.75 an hour ($45,230 a year), against $20.32 ($42,260 a year) for certified nursing assistants, $1.43 an hour more. The open jobs on this board today post medians of $22.56 an hour for phlebotomists and $21.25 for certified nursing assistants.

On this board today: 2,091 open phlebotomist jobs and 12,256 certified nursing assistant jobs, read from each employer's own job board. BLS expects about 18,000 openings a year for phlebotomists and 196,200 for certified nursing assistants, with employment changing +6.8% and +2.6% over 2025-2035.

Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for tests and donations, label samples and keep patients calm, in hospitals, outpatient labs, blood banks and plasma centers. Nursing assistants help patients with bathing, dressing, eating, walking and toileting, take vital signs and tell the nurse what they see. Most work in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living.

A short phlebotomy program (a few weeks to a few months) or on-the-job training. (BLS: Postsecondary nondegree award.) A state-approved nurse aide training program (often 75 to 180 hours) and the state competency exam. (BLS: Postsecondary nondegree award.) Each occupation's page lists its credentials and who grants them: Phlebotomists, Certified nursing assistants.