Medical Assistants vs Phlebotomists: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Medical Assistants

Median Salary
$41,533
Average (Mean)
$42,404
Employed Nationwide
763,020
VS

Phlebotomists

Median Salary
$40,758
Average (Mean)
$42,260
Employed Nationwide
136,480
Medical Assistants earns $775 more (1.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $41,533 $40,758
Average (Mean) Salary $42,404 $42,260
Total Employment 763,020 136,480
States with Higher Pay 27 22

Salary by State: Medical Assistants vs Phlebotomists

Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Medical Assistants pays more in 27 states; Phlebotomists pays more in 22.

State Medical Assistants Phlebotomists Difference
Alabama $34,050
$36,190
$-2,140
Alaska $50,160
$44,990
+$5,170
Arizona $43,770
$41,210
+$2,560
Arkansas $35,050
$36,880
$-1,830
California $46,690
$49,120
$-2,430
Colorado $45,770
$45,450
+$320
Connecticut $45,780
$45,950
$-170
Delaware $40,250
$47,980
$-7,730
Florida $38,340
$37,910
+$430
Georgia $38,060
$39,920
$-1,860
Idaho $40,670
$38,740
+$1,930
Illinois $42,850
$44,530
$-1,680
Indiana $40,680
$37,390
+$3,290
Iowa $42,980
$37,740
+$5,240
Kansas $37,670
$37,870
$-200
Kentucky $37,140
$37,270
$-130
Louisiana $34,280
$34,470
$-190
Maine $44,610
$39,400
+$5,210
Maryland $44,010
$45,990
$-1,980
Massachusetts $47,770
$47,220
+$550
Michigan $38,300
$38,830
$-530
Minnesota $48,890
$42,090
+$6,800
Mississippi $34,040
$32,780
+$1,260
Missouri $38,260
$38,440
$-180
Montana $44,040
$38,150
+$5,890
Nebraska $39,870
$36,360
+$3,510
Nevada $39,940
$38,250
+$1,690
New Hampshire $46,240
$45,560
+$680
New Jersey $45,340
$46,770
$-1,430
New Mexico $37,640
$38,940
$-1,300
New York $45,440
$48,510
$-3,070
North Carolina $40,190
$39,220
+$970
North Dakota $40,880
$40,100
+$780
Ohio $38,280
$38,110
+$170
Oklahoma $37,240
$35,880
+$1,360
Oregon $48,350
$46,990
+$1,360
Pennsylvania $39,480
$42,790
$-3,310
Rhode Island $43,980
$45,640
$-1,660
South Carolina $37,420
$37,510
$-90
South Dakota $36,280
$36,240
+$40
Tennessee $37,350
$36,620
+$730
Texas $37,570
$40,880
$-3,310
Utah $40,270
$36,720
+$3,550
Vermont $44,480
$39,900
+$4,580
Virginia $40,240
$43,560
$-3,320
Washington $52,600
$49,130
+$3,470
West Virginia $34,340
$36,560
$-2,220
Wisconsin $46,320
$44,600
+$1,720
Wyoming $38,730
$35,810
+$2,920

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Medical Assistants or Phlebotomists?
On average across all states, a Medical Assistants earns more than a Phlebotomists. The national median salary difference is $775 (1.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Medical Assistants earn more than a Phlebotomists?
A Medical Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Phlebotomists in 27 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Phlebotomists pays more in 22 states.
What is the median salary for a Medical Assistants vs Phlebotomists?
The national median salary for a Medical Assistants is $41,533 per year, compared to $40,758 for a Phlebotomists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Medical Assistants or Phlebotomists?
There are more people employed as Medical Assistants. BLS reports approximately 763,020 Medical Assistants positions and 136,480 Phlebotomists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Medical Assistants or Phlebotomists?
Both Medical Assistants and Phlebotomists are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.