1

Hourly Reference Laboratory Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Hourly Reference Laboratory information

See Boston, MA salary details

$10

$27

$49

How much do hourly reference laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly reference laboratory in Boston, MA is $27.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectHourly Reference LaboratoryMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a certification or license in laboratory sciencesRequires an associate degree in medical laboratory technology and certification
Work EnvironmentOperates in specialized reference labs handling complex testsWorks in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic labs performing routine tests
Employer & IndustryEmployed by reference labs serving multiple healthcare providersEmployed by hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic centers
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for testing scope and certification requirementsCompared for daily tasks and certification standards

The main difference is that Hourly Reference Laboratory staff typically work in specialized labs with complex testing, requiring specific certifications, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine tests in healthcare settings. Both roles require laboratory credentials but differ in scope and work environment.

Lab Associate, 40hr - Evenings (3:00pm-11:30pm)

Winchester Hospital

Woburn, MA • On-site

$21 - $28.26/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

Contributes to the Hospital’s mission by providing the clerical and pre-analytical support associated with lab specimen processing. This position will have an impact on laboratory efficiency, physician/clinician satisfaction and ultimately patient satisfaction by recording receipt of specimens accurately and efficiently and following through on lab results in a timely manner.

Job Description:

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Required:  High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience Preferred:  At least one year of medical laboratory, clerical or secretarial experience. 

JOB FUNCTIONS

As part of the Laboratory team, this position:

  • Receives specimens from multiple locations, data inputs accurate documentation of the patient and the required lab test order.
    • Verifies appropriate specimen accompanies test requisition.
    • Verifies that the specimen is properly labeled with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection, initials of person obtaining the sample
    • Attach printed labels to specimens from physician offices if necessary
  • Completes the order, producing labels and essential documentation.
  • Verifies insurance information and follows through with Hospital registration and/or physician practices to ensure appropriate and efficient billing.
    • Investigate test requisitions with missing information from physician office or off-sites
    • Issues ABN form to patients when tests do not meet medical necessity
  • Preparing specimens for shipments and/or courier to deliver to reference laboratory.  
  • Interacts with reference labs, physician offices, clinicians, and others, providing superior customer service and clinical information within their scope of practice. 
  • Orders and stocks supplies ensuring adequate reference lab and other materials are on hand to optimize sufficient levels of inventory given limited storage space
  • Answers the phone in a professional manner, answering questions about lab results and researches test status when necessary.
  • Runs reports and addresses the data by providing results, checking on outstanding tests, and other follow through required to improve lab efficiency and physician/clinician satisfaction.
  • Perform the pre-analytical steps in specimen processing including, but not limited to, sorting, centrifuging, aliquoting and generating work lists
  • Perform tests that are waived by the CLIA and other regulatory agencies.
  • Confirming specimens received match the appropriate test requirements 

Pay Range:

$21.00 - $28.26

The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law.  Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment. More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled