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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Oceanside, CA

Lab Assistant

Temecula, CA · On-site

$23 - $34.32/hr

Properly identifies specimens and accurately documents specimen collection times using PPID/PAID ... During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal ...

Properly identifies specimens and accurately documents specimen collection times using PPID/PAID ... During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal ...

The Analytical Chemistry Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing samples ... processes * Support laboratory operations including media/buffer preparation, cleaning, and ...

Analytical Lab Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.32 - $28.90/hr

Overview The Analytical Chemistry Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing samples ... processes * Support laboratory operations including media/buffer preparation, cleaning, and ...

Analytical Lab Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.32 - $28.90/hr

The Analytical Chemistry Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing samples ... processes * Support laboratory operations including media/buffer preparation, cleaning, and ...

Phlebotomist Follows established procedures to perform routine and STAT blood collection and specimen processing for all laboratory testing. Performs preventive maintenance, humidity, and temperature ...

Current or prior Labcorp experience * 3 months or more of experience in a lab or specimen processing * 3 months' or more of experience in a medical/clinical laboratory environment * 3 months or more ...

Specimen Accessioner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Current or prior Labcorp experience * 3 months or more of experience in a lab or specimen processing * 3 months' or more of experience in a medical/clinical laboratory environment * 3 months or more ...

Lab Assistant

Temecula, CA · On-site

$23 - $34.32/hr

Phlebotomist Follows established procedures to perform routine and STAT blood collection and specimen processing for all laboratory testing. Performs preventive maintenance, humidity, and temperature ...

Showing results 21-40

Lab Assistant Specimen Processor information

See Oceanside, CA salary details

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$20

$30

How much do lab assistant specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant specimen processor in Oceanside, CA is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges lab assistant specimen processors face, and how can they be managed?

Lab Assistant Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of specimens during peak hours while maintaining accuracy and adhering to strict protocols. Managing time efficiently, staying organized, and double-checking labels can help minimize errors. Effective communication with laboratory technologists and phlebotomists is also essential for resolving discrepancies quickly. Adapting to new laboratory information systems and staying updated on safety procedures can further support success in this role.

What is the difference between Lab Assistant Specimen Processor vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab Assistant Specimen ProcessorLab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedAssociate degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentProcessing specimens in clinical or hospital labsPerforming tests and analyzing samples in laboratory settings
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsMedical laboratories, research facilities, hospitals

The Lab Assistant Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation and processing, focusing on sample labeling and organization. In contrast, Lab Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in laboratory workflows, but Lab Technicians typically require more advanced education and skills.

What is a lab assistant specimen processor?

Lab Assistant Specimen Processors are healthcare professionals responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue—for laboratory testing. They play a vital role in ensuring that samples are properly handled and documented to maintain accuracy and prevent contamination. Their duties often include data entry, operating laboratory equipment, and adhering to strict safety and confidentiality protocols. This role is essential for supporting laboratory scientists and ensuring timely and accurate diagnostic testing.

How do you become a lab assistant specimen processor?

To become a lab assistant specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may receive on-the-job training. Some positions require basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or specimen handling protocols.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lab assistant specimen processor?

To thrive as a Lab Assistant Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring phlebotomy certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and safe specimen handling protocols is usually required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you excel in managing high-volume tasks and ensuring accurate sample processing. These competencies are crucial to maintain specimen integrity, minimize errors, and support efficient laboratory operations.
What are popular job titles related to Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Oceanside, CA? For Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Oceanside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Oceanside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Oceanside, CA are:
What cities near Oceanside, CA are hiring for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Oceanside, CA with the most Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:

Specimen Technician I

Quest Diagnostics

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$17.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description


Specimen Technician I - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Wednesday to Sunday, 5:00 PM to 1:30 AM
Do you have strong organization skills and attention to detail? Are you looking to join a Fortune 500 company leading the world in providing diagnostic information services to kick start your career? Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team!
Pay range: $20.64 - $20.75 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities:
  • Data entry of test orders, presort, pickup and delivery of processed specimens to the laboratory, centrifugation and aliquoting
  • Process specimens to be sent out to additional facilities
  • Prepare laboratory specimens for various analysis and testing
  • Identifies problems and in some cases, may resolve issues with specimen types such as missing information etc.
  • Understands the relationship between tests ordered and specimen received

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • HS diploma or equivalent
  • No experience required
  • Previous experience in a production or medical environment preferred
  • Must have flexibility, majority of work on the nightshift, but based on staffing needs weekends, holidays, on call and overtime may be required

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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