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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Complex Specimen Processor information

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How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Atlanta, GA is $17.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Complex Specimen Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Complex Specimen Processor, you need strong attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring experience in a clinical or laboratory setting. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen tracking software, and standard lab equipment is essential. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure specimen integrity, accurate processing, and timely workflow, which are critical for reliable laboratory results and patient care.

What are Complex Specimen Processors?

Complex Specimen Processors are laboratory professionals responsible for receiving, handling, and preparing biological samples—such as blood, tissue, or urine—for analysis and testing. They ensure that specimens are properly labeled, sorted, and processed according to strict protocols, often working with more challenging or specialized samples that require extra attention to detail. Their work is crucial for accurate diagnostic results and supports the efficiency and safety of the laboratory environment.

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

Complex specimen processors typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or highly experienced specialists in fields like healthcare, law, or finance. Most laboratory or processing roles have lower salary ranges, but advanced positions with additional certifications or management responsibilities can reach higher six-figure incomes.

What is the highest paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, pathologists and clinical laboratory directors tend to have the highest salaries, often earning six-figure incomes due to advanced education, certification, and leadership responsibilities. Other high-paying roles include medical scientists and laboratory managers, especially those with specialized skills and extensive experience.

What is the difference between Complex Specimen Processor vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectComplex Specimen ProcessorMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, processing specimensLaboratory, performing tests and analyzing samples
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing and processing complex specimens, ensuring sample integrityPerforming tests, analyzing results, maintaining lab equipment

While both roles work in laboratory environments, Complex Specimen Processors focus on preparing and processing complex specimens, often requiring specialized training. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of testing and analysis, with formal education and certification. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in medical labs.

What are some common challenges faced by Complex Specimen Processors, and how can they be addressed?

Complex Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, ensuring precise labeling, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures. To address these challenges, it is essential to stay organized, double-check specimen identification, and follow standardized protocols meticulously. Working closely with laboratory technicians and communicating effectively with team members can help prevent errors and ensure timely processing. Additionally, staying up-to-date with laboratory information systems and safety procedures can further streamline workflow and support accuracy.

What does a complex specimen processor do?

A complex specimen processor prepares and handles biological samples for laboratory testing, often performing tasks such as centrifugation, labeling, and quality control. They work with various specimens, follow strict safety protocols, and may use laboratory equipment like microscopes and automated analyzers to ensure accurate test results.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working as clinical laboratory managers or specialized technologists with advanced certifications, such as cytotechnologists or molecular technologists. Salaries can exceed $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific skills. Complex specimen processing roles typically have lower salaries compared to these specialized positions.
What are popular job titles related to Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Atlanta, GA? For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:
Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in Atlanta, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 9% As Needed, 42% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 37% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,038 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Generalist Medical Lab Scientist

Generalist Medical Lab Scientist

Emory Healthcare

Lithonia, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Emory Medical Laboratory's mission is to transform health and healing by providing high quality, cost-effective, innovative laboratory services which enhance patient health. We're seeking an experienced Medical Lab Scientist I / Medical Technologist I with a Core Lab background.

Shift: 6:30pm - 7am, Monday/Tuesday/Thursday

Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.

At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be.

We provide:

  • Sign-On & Relocation Bonus incentives (when applicable)
  • Comprehensive health benefits that start day one
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
  • Family-focused benefits
  • Wellness incentives
  • Ongoing mentorship and leadership programs
  • And more!

All levels of experience and education will be considered for this posting. 

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION: Performs various laboratory tests and procedures while adhering to standard operating procedures on patient specimens to assist in the diagnosis, study and treatment, or prevention of disease. Upholds the values of the organization including providing and demonstrating exemplary customer service skills throughout the preanalytical, analytical and post analytical processes. May perform tests including but not limited to standardized and semi-routine biological, chemical, hematological, immunological, immunohematological, microbiological, and serological tests in a research or clinical laboratory. Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and calibrates equipment and instruments as required. Operates laboratory equipment and troubleshoots equipment and instrument malfunctions. May assist in implementation of new equipment and procedures. Prepares reagents as needed. Assists in ordering and inventorying lab supplies. Responsible for quality control. Evaluates the validity of acceptable specimens and test results; compares them to previous results and other laboratory data. Identifies critical values, confirms and reports following standard operating procedures. In complex cases, evaluates all information and determines whether test results should be released, repeated, or referred to a pathologist. Refers abnormal or unexpected results to the appropriate individual(s). Maintains accurate and complete documentation of patient information, equipment, and test results to comply with regulations. Documents corrective actions taken for out of range test values. Maintains clean, orderly and safe work area. Complies with hospital and laboratory safety and infection control policies and procedures to prevent exposure to infectious materials. Performs required calculation and reports results by phone and/or computer. Audits computer reports to ensure that scheduled tests have been completed. Assists in gathering data to monitor quality improvement standards and in preparing reports. May perform venipuncture or capillary puncture to obtain blood specimen. May assist in staff and student education by demonstrating procedures and by assisting in staff continuing education activities. Attends educational in-services as appropriate. Maintains certification as required. Works with leader to formulate plan for professional development. Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments. Perform other related duties as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, or a chemical, physical or biological science.
  • Other bachelor's degree will be accepted if graduated from an accredited school and science and math coursework meet requirements of certifying agency.
  • Bachelor's degree may be waived for a medical technologist who was ASCP certified in the years prior to the bachelor's degree requirement by ASCP and a HEW/HHS technologist certified by Health and Human Services.
  • Certification by one of the following accreditation agencies: MT (ASCP), MLS (ASCP, MT (AMT), MT (HHS or HEW), MT (AAB), generalist or categorical if applicable.
  • Experience preferred but not required.
  • Certification must be obtained within 18 months of cumulative employment as a medical technologist.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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