ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Evening Specimen Processor Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

All JobsEvening Specimen Processor JobsEvening Specimen Processor Jobs in Houston, TX

Evening Specimen Processor information

See Houston, TX salary details

$13

$17

$21

How much do evening specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for evening specimen processor in Houston, TX is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an evening specimen processor?

Evening specimen processors are laboratory professionals responsible for receiving, sorting, and preparing biological samples, such as blood or urine, for testing during the evening shift. They ensure that specimens are correctly labeled, entered into laboratory information systems, and routed to the appropriate departments for analysis. Working primarily in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic labs, they play a vital role in maintaining workflow for tests processed overnight and ensuring timely results for patients and healthcare providers.

What does an evening specimen processor do during a typical shift?

As an Evening Specimen Processor, your shift typically involves receiving, sorting, and preparing biological specimens for laboratory analysis after standard business hours. Workloads can vary, with peak times often occurring shortly after clinics close, requiring efficient teamwork and clear communication. You'll collaborate closely with other processors, couriers, and lab technicians to ensure specimens are accurately labeled and processed within tight turnaround times. The evening environment tends to be fast-paced but also offers a quieter atmosphere compared to daytime shifts, allowing for focused work while still being part of a supportive team.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an evening specimen processor?

To thrive as an Evening Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen labeling protocols, and safe handling procedures is important, with some employers preferring certification in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques. Effective communication, time management, and reliability are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate specimen processing, maintain sample integrity, and support laboratory efficiency during evening shifts.

What is the difference between Evening Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEvening Specimen ProcessorLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in specimen handlingAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, clinics, primarily during evening shiftsLaboratories, hospitals, research facilities, with varied shifts
Job DutiesPreparing and processing specimens, labeling, data entryPerforming tests, analyzing samples, maintaining equipment

The Evening Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation during evening hours, focusing on sample processing and data entry. In contrast, Laboratory Technicians perform broader testing and analysis, often during day or evening shifts. Both roles require laboratory environment experience, but Laboratory Technicians typically need more advanced certifications and perform more complex tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Evening Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX?

For Evening Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Evening Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Evening Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Evening Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Evening Specimen Processor job openings:

Evening Specimen Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Evening Specimen Processor job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,788 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Assistant II - PRN

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

Houston, TX

$15 - $20.25/hr

Per diem

Posted 23 days ago

Houston Methodist rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 300 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

This PRN position will work all shifts (day, evening & night) during varied weekdays and weekends based on varying needs of the Laboratory.
The Medical Laboratory Assistant II has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. As an experienced and fully competent laboratory assistant, performs advanced functions such as phlebotomy and/or section-specific specialty tasks and serves as a role model and preceptor for other staff. Duties include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System as well as clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
Preferred
  • Relevant certification (e.g., phlebotomy, medical laboratory assistant)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews
  • Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
  • Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposing
  • Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
  • Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
  • Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
  • Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
  • Serves as a preceptor to less experienced and/or new staff and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas.
  • Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately.
  • Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies management of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.
  • Organizes workload, sets priorities, and troubleshoots workflow issues. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed.
  • Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems.
  • Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance.
  • Performs one or more of the following advanced functions: • Pre-Analytic: In an outpatient and inpatient setting, performs phlebotomy and other specialized specimen collection procedures for patients; maintains competency of techniques and principles required to perform quality phlebotomy services • Specialty Areas (i.e., Anatomical Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular, etc.): Performs advanced functions such as assisting with frozen sections, special stain procedures, cytology processing, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and other section specific specialty tasks as per section scope.
  • Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
  • Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Guides and mentors section employees and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities.
  • Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform:
    • Scrubs:
    • Business professional:
    • Other (department approved):

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call*

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
Preferred
  • Relevant certification (e.g., phlebotomy, medical laboratory assistant)

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a Magnet-recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital that serves the growing Northwest Houston community. We are committed to providing quality, cost-effective health care in a compassionate environment for a full range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics and sports medicine, comprehensive women’s services, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, and primary and general medicine.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What Houston Methodist employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply