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Lab Specimen Processing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Capital Health

Lab Specimen Processor

Rockford, IL

$16.50 - $19/hr

Knowledge of specimen acceptability and processing steps with skill in computer accessioning ... Monitors TAT and results posted for reference lab tests and distributes reports with appropriate ...

New

Actalent

Specimen Processing Technician

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Immediate hiring for "Specimen Processor" in Itasca, Illinois, ! ?*Must be located closer to Itasca ... Qualification : * 6+ Months of experience working in Lab is Mandatory ?If you are Interested ...

Labcorp

Laboratory Specimen Processor

Itasca, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure all lab equipment is working properly and perform minor instrumentation maintenance ... processing experience * 3 months or more of medical or laboratory experience Additional Job ...

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Lab Specimen Processing information

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$11

$16

$23

How much do lab specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab specimen processing in Illinois is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a lab specimen processing specialist?

To become a lab specimen processing specialist, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and familiarity with specimen handling; some positions may require certification or on-the-job training. Experience in healthcare or laboratory settings can improve job prospects.

What is lab specimen processing?

Lab specimen processing refers to the series of steps involved in receiving, identifying, preparing, and managing biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for laboratory testing. This process ensures that specimens are accurately labeled, properly stored, and delivered to the appropriate department for analysis. Proper specimen processing is critical for obtaining reliable test results and maintaining patient safety. Staff handling this process must follow strict protocols to prevent contamination, mix-ups, or delays.

What are some common challenges faced in lab specimen processing, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab specimen processing professionals often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of samples, ensuring accurate labeling, and maintaining specimen integrity under time constraints. Effective management involves staying organized, double-checking patient information, and following strict protocols to prevent contamination or mix-ups. Strong attention to detail and clear communication with laboratory technicians and medical staff are also key to minimizing errors and ensuring smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Lab Specimen Processing vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab Specimen ProcessingMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in specimen handlingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory support areas, focusing on specimen receipt and preparationLaboratory testing, analysis, and reporting of results
Job ResponsibilitiesReceiving, labeling, and preparing specimens for testingPerforming tests, analyzing samples, and documenting results

Lab Specimen Processing primarily involves preparing and handling specimens for testing, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform actual testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in the lab workflow, with overlapping skills in specimen handling and laboratory procedures, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab specimen processing technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Specimen Processing Technician, you need attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with laboratory experience or certification preferred. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and specimen tracking software is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure accurate specimen handling, minimize errors, and support efficient laboratory operations critical to patient diagnostics.
What are popular job titles related to Lab Specimen Processing jobs in Illinois? For Lab Specimen Processing jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Specimen Processing jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Specimen Processing jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Lab Specimen Processing jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Lab Specimen Processing job openings:
Lab Specimen Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Specimen Processing job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,634 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Lab Specimen Processor

Capital Health

Rockford, IL

$16.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Capital Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

414th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Capital Health is the region's leader in providing progressive, quality patient care with significant investments in our exceptional physicians, nurses and staff, as well as advanced technology. Capital Health is a dynamic health care resource accredited by the DNV that includes two hospitals, an outpatient center, satellite ED, and an expansive network of primary and specialty care. Capital Health Medical Group is made up of more than600 physicians and other providerswho offer primary and specialty care, as well as hospital-based services, to patients throughout the region.

Capital Health recognizes that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as an organization.As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we can attract the best candidates.

The listed pay range or pay rate reflects compensationfor afull-time equivalent (1.0 FTE)position. Actual compensation may differ depending on assigned hours and position status (e.g., part-time).

Pay Range:

$18.94 - $23.68

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Position Overview

Job Description
Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • One year of phlebotomy experience in a clinical/hospital setting preferred.
  • Knowledge of specimen acceptability and processing steps with skill in computer accessioning, centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling, distribution, storage, handling and shipping within and between hospital locations and reference laboratories
  • Familiarity with computers, preferably SOFT laboratory information systems.
  • Professional, customer service-oriented individual with excellent communication skills.
  • Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
  • Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) preferred.
  • Process patient laboratory specimens efficiently and accurately including specimen receipt and accessioning in laboratory information system or manually alternative process. Identify and handle processing of STAT and urgent samples expediently. Inspects specimens for correct labeling, patient identification, and specimen integrity. Prepares specimens for analysis and distributes to appropriate testing locations including cross campus tracking and shipping.
  • Manages reference laboratory send out and resulting procedures in laboratory information system. Understands collection requirements for special and referral testing. Follows correct ordering, aloquoting, labeling, storage temperature and shipping requirements to ensure sample integrity and adequacy. Prepares manifests, tracks and dispatches samples. Monitors TAT and results posted for reference lab tests and distributes reports with appropriate clinical alerts and notification..
  • Assists in support staff training of other employees and students. .
  • Performs clerical duties include input of test orders, generating labels, retrieving patient information, triaging multiple phone lines, report distribution, result query, results reporting. Organizes and maintains accurately necessary quality control records.
  • Performs assigned patient processing activities in the outpatient/ non-patient area including managing patient reception area, sign in, translating MD orders into the LIS, report distribution, collecting insurance and identification information from patients.
  • Manages supply inventory by monitoring par levels, placing orders in the electronic inventory system, receiving and distributing inventory and storage. Advises the supervisor of supply/equipment needs
  • Reliable and dependable with excellent customer service skills.
  • Adheres to established procedures and practices in maintaining accurate specimens and requests identities at all times.
  • Practices proper infection control techniques.
  • Keeps work equipment and working area in a sanitary condition, and demonstrates safe work practices

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical Plan

  • Prescription drug coverage & In-House Employee Pharmacy

  • Dental Plan

  • Vision Plan

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

- Healthcare FSA

- Dependent Care FSA

  • Retirement Savings and Investment Plan

  • Basic Group Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

  • Supplemental Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

  • Disability Benefits - Long Term Disability (LTD)

  • Disability Benefits - Short Term Disability (STD)

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Commuter Transit

  • Commuter Parking

  • Supplemental Life Insurance

- Voluntary Life Spouse

- Voluntary Life Employee

- Voluntary Life Child

  • Voluntary Legal Services

  • Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

  • Voluntary Identity Theft Insurance

  • Voluntary Pet Insurance

  • Paid Time-Off Program

The pay range listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered including, but not limited to location, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget, market data, and internal equity. Bonus and/or incentive eligibility are determined by role and level.

The salary applies specifically to the position being advertised and does not include potential bonuses, incentive compensation, differential pay or other forms of compensation, compensation allowance, or benefits health or welfare. Actual total compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and other relevant criteria.

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