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Clinical Reference Laboratory Jobs in California

CA

$58K - $71K/yr

... reference laboratories Assists Clinical Laboratory Scientists in the performance of testing in hematology, chemistry, urinalysis and other areas as assigned Results are verified by a scientist ...

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Clinical Reference Laboratory information

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$15

$35

$69

How much do clinical reference laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical reference laboratory in California is $35.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.66 and $45.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical reference laboratory?

A Clinical Reference Laboratory is a specialized facility that performs a wide range of medical tests on clinical specimens, such as blood, urine, or tissue, to provide information for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. These laboratories typically receive samples from hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices that do not have the resources to conduct specialized or high-volume testing in-house. Clinical reference labs use advanced technologies and highly trained staff to ensure accurate and timely results, often offering specialized testing that may not be available at smaller labs. Their services are essential for patient care, public health surveillance, and medical research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical reference laboratory technician?

To thrive as a Clinical Reference Laboratory Technician, you typically need a background in laboratory science, a relevant associate or bachelor's degree, and knowledge of clinical testing procedures. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control protocols is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate test results and collaboration with healthcare teams. These skills are essential for maintaining reliable diagnostics and patient safety in a high-stakes laboratory environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a clinical reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a clinical reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining strict quality and safety standards, and staying current with rapidly evolving laboratory technologies. Effective time management, regular training, and adherence to standard operating procedures are critical for addressing these issues. Additionally, clear communication and collaboration with colleagues and healthcare providers help ensure accuracy and efficiency in test processing and reporting.

What is the difference between Clinical Reference Laboratory vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Reference LaboratoryMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certification or licensing, such as CLIA certificationRequires an associate degree in medical laboratory technology and certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentOperates in large labs, hospitals, or specialized testing facilitiesWorks in hospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic labs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic labs providing specialized testing servicesEmployed in healthcare settings performing routine lab tests
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for testing scope and certification requirementsCompared for training, duties, and certification needed

In summary, Clinical Reference Laboratories focus on specialized testing and often require advanced certifications, operating in large-scale lab environments. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine tests in healthcare settings, requiring specific training and certification. Both roles are essential in the diagnostic process but differ in scope, environment, and credentials.

How to get a job in a clinical reference laboratory?

To work in a clinical reference laboratory, candidates typically need a relevant healthcare or laboratory science degree, such as a medical laboratory technician or technologist certification. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, understanding laboratory procedures, and obtaining certifications like ASCP can improve job prospects. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and adherence to safety protocols are essential for success in this environment.

What job categories do people searching Clinical Reference Laboratory jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Reference Laboratory jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Reference Laboratory jobs?

Cities in California with the most Clinical Reference Laboratory job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Reference Laboratory job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,400 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Regional Laboratory Manager

Vicar Operating, Inc. dba VCA

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$98 - $116/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 56 rated veterinary


Job description

We understand that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, and that’s why we’re inspired to make A Better World for Pets. Antech is comprised of a diverse team of individuals who are committed to each other’s growth and development. Our culture is centered on our guiding philosophy, The Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. Today Antech is driving the future of pet health as part of Mars Science & Diagnostics, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care.

Work Shift:

Hours may vary with the primary shift being 3am - 11am Tuesday - Saturday

The Target Pay for this position is $98,200 - $115,500 anuallyPURPOSE OF JOB:

Manages activities in a veterinary diagnostic reference laboratory, with responsibility for achieving revenue and profitability goals. Manages staff, assigning work and evaluating results. Leads the development of laboratory budget, operating policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function.
  • The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Manages and support activities in multiple diagnostic reference laboratories, with responsibility for achieving timeline for reporting results to client, revenue and profitability goals.
  • Provide technical direction and supervision to laboratory personnel.
  • Monitor and resolve client concerns, answer questions, and provide technical expertise when necessary.
  • Ensure that associates obtain knowledge sufficient to perform job responsibilities.
  • Institute and maintain systems to monitor and verify related training.
  • Manages staff, assigning work, establishing performance metrics, monitoring activities and evaluating performance.
  • Resolves escalated issues.
  • Administers employment actions, provides coaching and guidance to staff and promotes staff training and development.
  • Ensures staff are properly trained and adheres to SOP’s.
  • Leads the development of laboratory budget, policies and procedures.
  • Ensures production standards and laboratory goals are maintained.
  • Leads work activities of the laboratory, planning and organizing work, providing for adequate staffing and resources and maintaining work on schedule so that ongoing client satisfaction is maintained.
  • Communicates with other related departments to coordinate work and resolve issues as needed.
  • Leads maintenance of laboratory diagnostic equipment and other technical resources.
  • Coordinates with internal personnel, vendors and others as needed to resolve issues and maintain ongoing functionality.
  • Communicates procedural changes to supervisory staff.
  • Provides customer feedback to product development, sales and other areas to improve product quality and features and enhance the client experience.
  • Participates in various related committees and project teams as needed.
  • Visits clients and performs other related activities in support of sales and marketing efforts.
  • Prepares reports, presentations and other information summarizing work activities.
  • Prepares various analyses as needed to highlight issues and resolve questions.
  • Prepares and delivers regular general management business reviews to summarize laboratory financial performance, turnaround times, instrument downtime, productivity, quality and other performance metrics.
  • Manages laboratory health and safety activities.
  • Administers safety program, reports injuries and accidents and ensure ongoing Associate health and safety.
  • Leads/participates in process improvement activities to enhance laboratory operations, coordinating with related Company departments as needed.
  • Maintains knowledge of changes and developments in the industry affecting work activities.
  • May participate in outside industry groups and forums related to business activities.
  • Assist with bench tech duties as needed with familiarity in Processing, Parasitology, Serology, Hematology, Urinalysis, and Clinical Chemistry.
  • Ensures quality of testing under the guidelines of Quality Assurance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

We share a collaborative obligation to ensure that we conduct ourselves in the utmost ethical manner and that we hold each other accountable to the values and standards of the organization. Every associate has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance, and report concerns and/or violations of company policy or ethical standards. Antech Diagnostics has several processes in place to communicate with leadership and expects that associates will have a commitment to integrity and uncompromising values.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/Science (MT or MLT) or equivalent combination of education and work experience Minimum 5years general clinical laboratory supervisory experience in the areas of Chemistry, Hematology, Parasitology, Hematology, Coagulation, Serology, and Urinalysis.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to organize, prioritize and direct work activities.
  • Experience with laboratory operations, testing and services, including setting up, reading and releasing test results and troubleshooting equipment.
  • Experience in a high volume environment managing work flows.
  • Process/operational improvement skills and ability.
  • Reasoning and analytical skills to resolve issues.
  • Contact with clients will be required, good customer service skills are important.
  • In addition, interaction with purchasing and manufacturing or technical representatives may be required.
  • Independent and self-directed requiring minimal day to day supervision
  • Attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Capable of standing continuously for up to 2 hours
  • Extend and reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers
  • Occasionally required to bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch
  • May be required to lift, move, and carry up to 20 lbs.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Hearing ability to effectively communicate via the telephone and in person
  • Ability to communicate verbally on the phone and in person
  • Fluency in the English language
  • Extended hours may be needed
WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Laboratory environment with potential biohazards present Use of potentially hazardous chemicals as defined by the National Hazard Communication Standards A complete list of such chemicals is available from department supervision

About Antech

Antech is a leader in veterinary diagnostics, driven by our passion for innovation that delivers better animal health outcomes. Our products and services span 90+ reference laboratories around the globe; in-house diagnostic laboratory instruments and consumables, including rapid assay diagnostic products and digital cytology services; local and cloud-based data services; practice information management software and related software and support; veterinary imaging and technology; veterinary professional education and training; and board-certified specialist support services.

Benefits

Benefits eligiblity is based on employment status.

  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Medical, Dental, Vision (Multiple Plans Available)
  • Basic Life (Company Paid) & Supplemental Life
  • Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts Paid
  • Parental Leave 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition/Continuing Education Reimbursement
  • Life Assistance Program
  • Pet Care Discounts

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement, please see our Career page at Antech Careers.

Note to Search Firms/Agencies

Antech Diagnostics, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Antech) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Antech and the requisition is position-specific. Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Antech will be deemed the sole property of Antech and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Antech.

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