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Milk Lab Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Milk Lab information

See Oklahoma salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do milk lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for milk lab in Oklahoma is $20.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $22.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a milk lab and what does a milk lab technician do?

A Milk Lab is a specialized facility within hospitals, especially neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where human milk is safely prepared, stored, and sometimes fortified for premature or ill infants. Milk Lab technicians are responsible for handling, processing, labeling, and tracking breast milk and donor milk to ensure it meets strict safety and nutritional standards. Their role is critical in supporting the health of vulnerable newborns by minimizing risks of contamination and ensuring accurate nutrition delivery.

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

To thrive as a Milk Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, microbiology, and food safety standards, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and quality control certifications such as HACCP are typically necessary. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and effective reporting of results. These competencies are crucial for maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and overall safety in dairy production environments.

What are some common challenges faced in a milk lab and how can new team members effectively address them?

In a Milk Lab, common challenges include maintaining strict quality control standards, operating specialized testing equipment accurately, and managing time-sensitive tasks, especially during busy collection periods. New team members can address these by becoming thoroughly familiar with lab protocols, actively seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and practicing precise documentation. Strong communication skills and attention to detail will also help ensure smooth workflow and reliable results in collaboration with the broader dairy operations team.

What is the difference between Milk Lab vs Milk Technician?

AspectMilk Lab
CertificationsTypically requires food science or dairy processing certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting focused on product testing and quality control
Industry UsageUsed mainly in dairy product development and quality assurance
Job FocusResearch, formulation, and lab testing of dairy products

Milk Lab roles are primarily involved in research and development within dairy laboratories, focusing on product formulation and quality testing. Milk Technicians often work in processing plants, handling production, and ensuring product standards. While both roles require knowledge of dairy products, Milk Lab positions emphasize laboratory skills and product innovation, whereas Milk Technicians focus on production processes and operational tasks.

What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Milk Lab jobs?

Cities in Oklahoma with the most Milk Lab job openings:

Milk Lab Technician - NICU (Shift: 1:30 PM - 11 PM)

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site


OU Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$16.75 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Title:Milk Lab Technician - NICU (Shift: 1:30 PM - 11 PM) Department:Neonatal ICU Job Description:

General Summary

Responsible for the handling, storage, mixing and dispensing of human milk, human milk fortifiers, and formula feedings for neonatal and pediatric patients. This includes maintaining the milk storage environment, ensuring an accurate account of all human milk received and dispensed, and managing all milk storage supplies. Involves close collaboration with nursing leadership, staff nurses, lactation consultants, prescribing physicians, and mothers of patients.

Essential Responsibilities

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.

  • Educate staff on proper handling, storage, and preparation of human milk and formulas.

  • Prepare infant and pediatric feedings using aseptic technique in accordance with established policies.

  • Review and verify diet orders for accuracy and compliance with patient requirements.

  • Order, stock, and maintain supplies to meet patient and lab needs.

  • Monitor refrigeration equipment and ensure proper disposal of expired products.

  • Store human milk, milk products, and formulas under correct cleanliness, temperature, and time guidelines.

  • Label all containers with patient identifiers, bar codes, date/time, prescribed feeding, and expiration.

  • Mix human milk with fortifiers and formulas exactly as directed by prescribing clinicians.

  • Maintain a clean lab environment, including hand hygiene, equipment sanitation, and container cleanliness.

  • Restrict lab access to authorized personnel to ensure safety and security.

  • Ensure safe distribution of milk through accurate barcoding and labeling systems.

  • Follow all safety policies, use appropriate protective equipment, and report unsafe conditions promptly.

  • Report all unsafe conditions to supervisors immediately, and consult them when procedures or safety concerns are unclear.

General Responsibilities

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

  • HS Diploma or GED required.

Experience Requirements

  • No experience required.

  • Experience in a clinical/medical environment preferred.

License/Certification/Registration Requirements

  • No certification required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and follow aseptic techniques in the safe handling, preparation, and dispensing of human milk, fortifiers, and formulas.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively resolve concerns and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

  • Understanding of current research and best practices in human milk storage, handling, mixing, and distribution.

  • Commitment to implementing and maintaining practices that ensure the highest level of patient safety in neonatal and pediatric nutrition.

  • Ability to establish and sustain a clean, safe, and optimal environment for milk preparation and feeding.

Current OU Health Employees - Please click HERE to login.OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.

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About OU Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

OU Health is a leading company in the healthcare industry, based in Oklahoma City, OK, US. As the state's only comprehensive academic health system, OU Health provides a full spectrum of medical care, from world-class cancer treatments to life-saving emergency care. Founded with a mission to advance healthcare, medical education, and research across the state, the company has a solid reputation for clinical excellence and a patient-centered approach. Upholding its core values of compassion, integrity, and innovation, OU Health has remarkably made a significant contribution to medical research and education and raised the standard of care across a broad range of specialties.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

Year founded

2020


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