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How much do lab specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab specimen processing in Kansas is $15.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab specimen processor do?

A lab specimen processor prepares and handles biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for testing. They label, sort, and organize specimens, ensure proper storage, and maintain laboratory safety and cleanliness standards, often using laboratory information systems and following strict protocols.

What is the highest paying laboratory job?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Clinical Laboratory Managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certification, and involve overseeing laboratory operations and compliance.

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.

How to become a lab specimen processor?

To become a lab specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should have attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to handle biological materials safely. Some positions may require training on laboratory procedures and the use of processing equipment, and certifications in phlebotomy or laboratory safety can be beneficial. On-the-job training is common, and the role often involves working in a clinical or hospital environment with standard work hours.

Can I be a lab assistant with no experience?

Lab specimen processing roles often require basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and attention to detail, but many entry-level positions do not require prior experience. Employers may provide on-the-job training and may look for candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Certifications or familiarity with lab equipment can be helpful but are not always mandatory for starting positions.
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What job categories do people searching Lab Specimen Processing jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Specimen Processing jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Lab Specimen Processing jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Lab Specimen Processing job openings:
Lab Specimen Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Specimen Processing job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,876 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
PRN Specimen Processing Tech

PRN Specimen Processing Tech

The University of Kansas Health System

Kansas City, KS • On-site

$16 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

University Of Kansas Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 173 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 881 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Position Title
PRN Specimen Processing TechBell HospitalPosition Summary / Career Interest:The Specimen Processing Technician is a position within the clinical laboratory and microbiology that is responsible for managing specimens once they arrive in the department and handling multiple pre-analytical variables. Depending on the area of the lab, this may include, but are not limited to: positive patient identification, correct tube types, specimen conditions and integrity and how they affect laboratory results. The Specimen Processing Technician accepts samples in the laboratory and performs tasks including releasing orders out of the Hospital Information System (HIS), receiving specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), and processing specimens to include aliquoting and preparation for the automation line. The specimen Processing Technician troubleshoots specimen and order issues and communicates with care providers across the Health System. The Specimen Processing Technician working in Microbiology is responsible for performing pre-analytic functions such as: specimen receipt, sterile processing, specimen manipulation including sonication and tissue grinding, determination of appropriate culture media for different specimen types and plating. The Specimen Processing Technician follows regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards, policies and procedures, and participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

  • Creates Registration encounters, releases orders out of HIS when indicated; receives samples in LIS; prints barcode labels and affixes labels to specimens.
  • Completes order entry functions or paperwork as required. Ensures proper container type, centrifugation, specimen sterility, and transport conditions for specimens.
  • Ensures positive patient identification, correct specimen collection and handling/transport; performs specimen processing duties and prioritizes based on urgency
  • Ensures the specimen and orders received are appropriate for requested testing. Prioritizes specimens based on clinical urgency. - Performs specimen processing duties including but not limited to: aliquoting urine and body fluid samples, supply storage, Kanban supply, inventory monitoring and storing patient samples appropriately.
  • In Microbiology, uses sterile techniques to handle, manipulate, and inoculate specimens on to culture media, including but not limited to determination of selecting the correct culture media based on specimen, order and protocols, sterile aliquoting, sonification and tissue grinding.
  • Assists in pathology specimen preservation, by adding formalin to specimens, and/or paging residents or providers as needed.
  • Fields inquiries and communicates information in written and verbal formats. Answers the phone and provides customer service to internal and external customers following established standards.
  • Consults Specimen Processing Coordinator, supervisor or lab leadership when appropriate.
  • Assists other staff with processing questions or automation line issues.
  • Assists with training new hires, students, or medical students, if applicable.
  • Disposes of bio-hazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials according to policy and strictly adheres to safety and infection control procedures. Uses and wears PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as necessary to perform job duties safely and minimize risk.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
  • These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.


Required Education and Experience

  • High School Graduate
  • 6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory - working with biological specimens


Preferred Education and Experience

  • Completion of a Phlebotomy program
  • 1 or more years of experience in specimen collection and processing.


Required Licensure and Certification

  • If required by position to be filled, must obtain Department of Transportation and International Air Transportation Association certification within 180 Days
Time Type:Part timeJob Requisition ID:R-38707Important information for you to know as you apply:

  • The health system is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected status. See also Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

  • The health system provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need to request reasonable accommodations for your disability as you navigate the recruitment process, please let our recruiters know by requesting an Accommodation Request form using this link asktalentacquisition@kumc.edu.

  • Employment with the health system is contingent upon, among other things, agreeing to the health-system-dispute-resolution-program.pdf and signing the agreement to the DRP.

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About University of Kansas Health System

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Operating within the healthcare industry, The University of Kansas Health System is a renowned medical institution located in Kansas City, KS, United States. Established in 1905, this not-for-profit health system has evolved to offer an extensive range of products and services, which spans across a variety of specialist areas such as cancer care, neurology, cardiology, and organ transplants, among others. The core mission of The University of Kansas Health System is to enhance the health and wellness of individuals and communities by providing world-class healthcare services, quality education and conducting advanced research. They are also known for their unwavering commitment to academic medicine, which sets them apart from their peers.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, KS, US

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