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Clinical Reference Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Clinical Reference Laboratory information

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How much do clinical reference laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical reference laboratory in the United States is $35.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $46.15 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.
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What cities are hiring for Clinical Reference Laboratory jobs?

Cities with the most Clinical Reference Laboratory job openings:

What states have the most Clinical Reference Laboratory jobs?

States with the most job openings for Clinical Reference Laboratory jobs include:

Infographic showing various Clinical Reference Laboratory job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,374 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform duties related to sample preparation, submissions, and data review following departmental procedures.

  • Operate, monitor, maintain, troubleshoot, and record documentation on laboratory instrumentation such as pipettors, heat blocks, and temperature monitoring systems.

  • Review calibration, quality control, and patient samples, assemble batches for review, and enter results accurately.


Clinical Reference Laboratory rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

114th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY: Perform duties related to sample preparation, submissions, and/or data review with strict adherence to departmental procedures; work in compliance to departmental safety requirements consistent with good laboratory practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Level 1

  • Receive and prepare samples for instrumentation
  • Receive samples from confirmation sorter and passthrough for testing.
  • Prepare samples per SOP using manual and automated pipetting, including dilutions.
  • Maintain chain of custody throughout process.
  • Read and follow laboratory SOPs.
  • Recognize the importance of quality and work toward the highest standard possible when processing samples, able to identify and communicate needed improvements. 
  • Recognize the importance of turnaround time and work toward the timely processing of samples, able to prioritize work as needed.
  • Operate, monitor, clean, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and record needed documentation on instrumentation: Tecan, manual single and multi-channel pipettors, balance, evaporation manifolds, heat blocks, refrigerator, freezer, temperature monitoring system, glassware. 
  • Maintain and distribute supplies: reagents, controls, re-filling/re-furbishing materials needed, notify management of items needed, receive and stock.
  • Comply with safety regulations in the proper use, labeling, and handling of equipment and materials.
  • Meet qualitative and quantitative production goals of the department.
  • Communicate with department members to ensure maximum production.
  • Maintain and protect the confidentiality of all CRL, CRL subsidiaries, legal entities, and client information.
  • Be able to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety and health regulations that would apply to this job.
  • Keep work area neat and clean. Follow departmental clean up procedures in disposal of hazardous chemicals and waste.

Other duties as assigned.

Level 2

  • Perform all duties of Confirmation Chemist level 1.
  • Complete one of the following objectives for level 2 (order determined by Management to meet business needs):
    • Objective 1: Load batches on analytical instrumentation (LC-MS/MS, GC-FID) including:
      • Prepare instrument for run, prime, load sequence
      • Perform minor instrument troubleshooting
  • Operate, monitor, maintain, and record needed documentation on LC-MS/MS, GC-FID, and Q-TOF instrumentation
  • Balance loading of instruments to maximize production
  • Maintain chain of custody throughout process.
  • Objective 2: Data review of all confirmation batches including Phases 1-3:
    • Review calibration, quality control, and patient samples in accordance to chromatography acceptance criteria. Troubleshoot non-compliant results.
    • Assemble batch for review.
    • Accurately enter patient results.
    • Submit data package to certification.
    • Maintain chain of custody throughout process.

Level 3

  • Perform all duties of Confirmation Chemist level 1 and complete both objectives listed in level 2.

Level 4

  • Perform all duties of Confirmation Chemist level 1, 2, and 3.
  • Data review of all confirmation batches including Phase 4
  • Certify LC-MS/MS screening batches

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:  A doctoral, master's, bachelor's, or associate degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory, chemical, physical, or biological science or high school diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Moderate Complexity Testing: 

High School Diploma: a) Successfully completed military training of 50 or more weeks and served as a medical laboratory specialist; OR 

b) Appropriate training/experience as specified in 42CFR493.1423 and/or 90 Semester Hours Requirements for New York State (16 hours Chemistry, 6 hours Inorganic Chemistry, 16 hours Biology pertinent to medical sciences, 3 hours Mathematics. 1 year training covering several fields of medical laboratory work).

 High Complexity Testing: 

Associate Degree and High School Diploma: training/experience as specified in 42CFR493.1489 

Acting Technical Supervisor: Education: Bachelor's degree in a chemical or biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution or equivalent. Experience: 4 years of pertinent laboratory experience.

  • Previous laboratory experience. 
  • Familiarity with sample preparation and/or LC/MS/MS preferred.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work under time constraints
  • Detail oriented
  • Good judgment and decision-making skills
  • Ability to follow instructions precisely
  • Good laboratory technique 
  • Ability to be at work and on time
  • Ability and judgment to interact and communicate appropriately with other employees, clients and management

 

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The following physical attributes are required for this position:

  • Sitting for extended lengths of time
  • Regularly required to move around laboratory
  • Close vision requirements due to computer work 
  • Repetitive use of hands, fingers, wrists, and elbows for operating a computer and telephone 
  • Reaching, including above the shoulder
  • Bending or stooping
  • Squatting or crouching
  • Kneeling
  • Climbing
  • Lifting up to 25 pounds 

EQUIPMENT: Must operate and maintain automated testing instrumentation. Automated pipettors, centrifuge; shaker/rotator; heating block; pH meter; analytical balance; various automated instruments; pipette; lab coat; gloves; gas cylinders; PC; LC/MS/MS.

 OTHER: Overtime as necessary; weekend work is required; specimens consist of body fluids and must be regarded as potentially infectious; exposure to caustics, flammables, solvents, carcinogens, and reactive compounds.

 The employer shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust this position to meet the company's changing needs.

This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in the employer's sole discretion.

  • denotes essential job function

 An Equal Opportunity Employer

 Pay Range: $24.00 - $46.00

Benefits for Full Time Employees:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life/AD&D
  • Supplemental Life/AD&D
  • Section 125 FSA Plan
  • 401(k)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Employment Type: Full Time

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