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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Phlebotomist I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $25.25/hr

Performs with confidence, both the forensic and clinical specimen collection and processing duties ... Medical training: medical assistant or paramedic training preferred. Phlebotomy certification ...

Pathologist Assistant II

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$75.96 - $106.34/hr

May be responsible for specimen/material receipt, preparation, and archival/retrieval, as well as ... Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence. Knowledge of ...

Showing results 21-40

Lab Assistant Specimen Processor information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$11

$23

$34

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant specimen processor in Santa Cruz, CA is $23.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $26.63 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 job categories do people searching Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Cruz, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,627 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

ASCP - Medical Laboratory Technician - MLT / CLT

MLee Medical Employment

San Jose, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Ignite Your Passion for Precision: Become Part of a Dynamic Diagnostic Team in a Picturesque Bay Area Setting
Overview
We are on the lookout for a Medical Lab Technician who merges their intrigue for science with a commitment to excellence-someone who strives to redefine patient care with each sample handled. In this full-time, first-shift position at a lively community hospital nestled in the beautiful Bay Area, you will play a crucial role in delivering transformative diagnostic results. Collaborating with a dedicated team, supported by an attractive benefits package, you'll find a workplace that nurtures both your professional journey and overall well-being.
Role Overview - What Awaits You
  • Carry out a variety of routine and complex clinical laboratory tests-including chemistry, hematology, immunology, and others-following established guidelines.
  • Evaluate results for accuracy, address any discrepancies, and supervise preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
  • Assist with specimen acquisition and prepare samples for analysis as necessary.
  • Document all steps meticulously, onboard new team members or students, and uphold high laboratory quality standards.
  • Ensure a tidy and safe working environment while complying with regulatory standards and accreditation protocols.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Clinical or Medical Laboratory Science or an equivalent allied health degree, along with preparation for ASCP/AMT certification.
Certifications
  • ASCP or AMT Board of Certification in Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) to be obtained within a year of employment.
  • Maintain active certification throughout your time with us.
Necessary Skills
  • Strong verbal and interpersonal abilities to facilitate effective teamwork within healthcare environments.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and tackle problems in fast-paced or high-pressure settings.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail are vital for upholding quality control and comprehensive documentation.
Our Commitment to You
  • Competitive annual salary based on your experience and qualifications.
  • Extensive market-competitive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • Generous time-off benefits starting on day one, in addition to vacation and holiday time with credit for experienced hires.
  • Opportunities for continuing education and support for professional advancement.
  • A robust total rewards package centered on promoting your holistic well-being.

Be the Catalyst for Real Change
Here, your work under the microscope informs critical medical decisions-shaping the lives of patients and physicians alike. Each slide may reveal an infection needing treatment, or a subtle metabolic anomaly that can be corrected before symptoms develop. Your meticulous work guarantees the accuracy that healthcare teams and patients depend on every day.
Embrace a Culture of Teamwork and Growth
More than just a job, this is a community. You'll engage with a team that embraces continuous growth and innovation. Regular in-lab meetings, skills refreshers, and brainstorming initiatives cultivate an environment where your ideas carry weight. You will have the chance to participate in committees, advocate for process improvements, and guide new talent.
A Thriving Bay Area Community
Imagine yourself in a vibrant Bay Area neighborhood, where picturesque views meet a culinary paradise. Tree-lined streets lead to stunning waterfront scenery, local farmers' markets thrive with fresh produce, and arts festivals fill the calendar. Local coffee shops act as social hubs, where lighthearted chats about the weather quickly transform into discussions on community issues. Your free time could include exploring breathtaking trails, indulging in outdoor concerts, or simply soaking up the sun along the shore. The friendly local population fosters a sense of community, characteristics that resonate deeply within the healthcare sector.
The region is rich with eclectic boutiques, recreational opportunities, diverse arts scenes, and activities to meet every taste-from cycling to yoga. Commuting is effortless, with quick public transit connections to urban life, offering a more relaxed pace than a major metropolis. Housing costs are manageable, allowing you to enjoy local experiences with financial ease, whether that means dining out, weekend adventures, or cheering for local sports teams.
Making a Difference, Pursuing Excellence
In this community, each lab professional is far more than a technician-they are a cornerstone of community health. Your contributions will extend further: enabling timely diagnoses, ensuring safe patient care, and fostering a happier patient base. Acknowledgments of gratitude from patients and colleagues attest to the profound impact of your work in improving lives.
Your Opportunity to Advance the Science of Care
If you're in search of more than just a paycheck; if you're motivated by purpose, professional growth, and an impact on your community, then this is the role for you. Whether you are freshly certified or bring years of expertise, you will discover a foundation of support, challenges, and opportunities here.
Are You Ready to Begin a New Chapter?
Join a role where your detail-oriented nature meets a community that cherishes both innovation and compassion-a place where every test result contributes to real-life healing journeys. We are eager to meet candidates who thrive on precision, collaboration, and care in their professional path.
Apply now to help create a future where science leads to better lives-and where compassion informs every step of the medical journey.