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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Sutter Health

Lead Laboratory Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$39.23 - $54.92/hr

... processing a variety of specimen types to prepare them for analysis. Completes analytic tasks ... Ability to recognize and solve (within scope of job) complex and unusual deviations, problems ...

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Complex Specimen Processor information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$16

$21

$26

How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Santa Clara, CA is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $21.44 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 is a complex specimen processor?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:
Complex Specimen Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,012 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Clinical Lab Scientist - Per Diem

Sutter Health

Livermore, CA

$69.88 - $97.82/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Sutter Health rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 326 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

SSL-Sutter Shared Lab-Bay

Position Overview:

Executes procedures in assigned areas of the Laboratory to deliver accurate results in a timely manner. Maintains competence to perform pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic procedures on biological specimens to aid health care providers in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. Performs a variety of basic and complex Laboratory procedures, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, quality control, quality assurance, and waived, moderate or high complexity testing (as classified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments - CLIA). If assigned to the Transfusion Service, performs moderate or high complexity testing and other duties such as blood inventory management, blood product preparation, and issuing blood products for transfusion. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure patient privacy and maintain the highest level of safety and reliability in testing.

Job Description:

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor's degree provided prior to start date

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

  • CLSL-CA Licensed Clinical Lab Scientist provided prior to start date

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

  • 2 years recent relevant experience.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

  • Demonstrated knowledge and technical competence in routine specimen collection, preparation, testing applications, laboratory operations, and quality assurance in assigned clinical specialty areas appropriate for licensure; examples Transfusion Service or Microbiology.

  • Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected timeframes

  • Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks. Demonstrates sound judgment and problem solving relevant to assigned duties.

  • Culturally Competent Communication: Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behaviors

  • Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to: 1) fluctuations in volume; 2) unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or IS failure; 3) shift to-shift hand-offs; 4) STAT test orders; 5) specimen integrity issues 6) regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.

  • Adherence to Practices & Procedures: Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence. Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.


These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development).

Job Shift:

Evenings

Schedule:

Per Diem/Casual

Shift Hours:

8

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

As Needed

Benefits:

No

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

0

Employee Status:

Per Diem/Casual

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $69.88 to $97.82 / hour

The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health's comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.

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