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Lab Specimen Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Prep Technician

Sonora, CA

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Specimen Proc-Ref Lab Work Shift: Evening Job Category: Lab Support Join one of Arizona's leading ... Must meet all training competency qualifications for Specimen Preparation Technician within six ...

Pride Health is hiring a Specimen Processor - Lab to support our client's healthcare facility in Chantilly, VA 20151. Interested? Apply Today! Job Details: Schedule: Tues-Sat, 1 pm- 9:30 pm EST ...

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Lab Specimen Technician information

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How much do lab specimen technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab specimen technician in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab specimen technician?

Lab Specimen Technicians are healthcare professionals responsible for receiving, preparing, and processing biological specimens such as blood, urine, or tissue samples for laboratory analysis. They ensure specimens are correctly labeled, handled, and stored to maintain their integrity and prevent contamination. These technicians play a crucial role in supporting accurate laboratory testing, which assists doctors in diagnosing and treating patients. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic laboratories and follow strict safety and quality protocols.

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

To thrive as a Lab Specimen Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and sample processing equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining accuracy and ensuring proper sample tracking. These competencies are vital for minimizing errors, upholding quality standards, and ensuring reliable test results in clinical laboratory settings.

What are some typical challenges faced by lab specimen technicians, and how can they be managed?

Lab Specimen Technicians often encounter challenges such as handling high volumes of specimens, maintaining strict accuracy under time constraints, and adhering to detailed labeling and documentation protocols. Managing these challenges involves developing strong organizational skills, staying up-to-date with laboratory best practices, and communicating effectively with clinical staff to resolve issues quickly. Many laboratories provide ongoing training and support to help technicians adapt to evolving procedures and technologies, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment.

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

AspectLab Specimen TechnicianMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesCollecting, labeling, and preparing specimens for testingPerforming laboratory tests and analyzing samples

While both roles work with laboratory specimens, Lab Specimen Technicians primarily focus on specimen collection and preparation, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed testing and analysis. The roles often overlap in work environment and required credentials, but their core responsibilities differ.

What do lab specimen technicians do?

Lab specimen technicians are responsible for collecting, labeling, processing, and storing biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for laboratory testing. They ensure proper handling and documentation of specimens, often using laboratory equipment and following safety protocols to support accurate diagnostic results.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab specimen technician?

A lab specimen technician typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education in biology, chemistry, or a related field, and strong attention to detail and organizational skills are essential for handling and processing specimens accurately.

What cities are hiring for Lab Specimen Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Lab Specimen Technician job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Lab Specimen Technician jobs?

For Lab Specimen Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Specimen Technician I

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$17.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 121 rated laboratories


Job description


Specimen Technician I - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Sunday to Thursday, 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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