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Reference Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trident Care

Lab Assistant

Irvine, CA

$18/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab. * Prepares reference lab coolers correctly ...

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Irvine, CA

$18/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab. * Prepares reference lab coolers correctly ...

Trident Care

Lab Assistant

Irvine, CA

$18/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab. * Prepares reference lab coolers correctly ...

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Irvine, CA

$18/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab. * Prepares reference lab coolers correctly ...

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Irvine, CA · On-site

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab. * Prepares reference lab coolers correctly ...

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Irvine, CA · On-site

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab. * Prepares reference lab coolers correctly ...

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How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab 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 are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, meeting strict turnaround times, and ensuring accuracy across a diverse range of tests. Effective communication with clinical teams and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain workflow efficiency and minimize errors. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving technologies also help staff stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality results and patient safety.

What is a Reference Lab?

A reference lab is a specialized medical laboratory that performs high-complexity or specialized diagnostic testing, often on samples sent from hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. These labs have advanced equipment and expertise to conduct tests that are not typically available in smaller or local labs. Reference labs play a crucial role in providing accurate results for rare, complex, or high-volume tests, supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. They may also offer consultation on test interpretation and guidance on appropriate testing strategies.

What does a reference laboratory do?

A reference laboratory performs specialized testing and analysis on biological samples to confirm diagnoses, support patient care, and ensure test accuracy. These labs often handle complex or high-volume tests and require skilled technicians and quality control procedures.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In a reference laboratory, the highest paid roles are often senior pathologists or laboratory directors, who typically hold medical degrees and board certifications. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring compliance, with salaries frequently exceeding six figures annually.

What is the highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest-paying careers are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the organization and location.

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

AspectReference LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries; often specialized certifications or licensure depending on tests performedAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLarge laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers; handling high volume testingHospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic facilities; performing routine tests under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic companies and hospitals for specialized testingCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample analysis

Reference Labs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Reference Labs typically handle high-volume, specialized testing often for multiple clients, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is essential, along with certifications like ASCP or AMT being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under strict deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate test processing, reliable results, and efficient lab operations critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the healthcare and laboratory fields, senior roles such as laboratory directors, chief medical officers, or specialized pathologists can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and often certification or licensing, with salaries influenced by location, employer size, and responsibilities.
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What cities are hiring for Reference Lab jobs? Cities with the most Reference Lab job openings:
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Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

REFERENCE LAB TECHNICIAN, REFERENCE LAB

SGMC Health

Valdosta, GA • On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
WHAT IT'S LIKE AT SGMC HEALTH
Purpose. No matter your role or area that you work in, at SGMC Health we are collectively working towards goals that will make our community a better place.
Excellence. We strive to do the right thing the right way, are accountable in all we do, require competence of our people, and are compassionate in our service.
Team Spirit. We encourage team effort, support personal and professional development, acknowledge individual talents and skills, and support innovation and empowerment.
Award Winning Performance. We are committed to providing the best care possible and we are proud to be recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for the exceptional care that our staff provides.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE SGMC HEALTH
SGMC has great benefit options, depending on the role that you are going into- including healthcare, supplementary benefits, ways to save for the future, opportunities for career advancement, and opportunities to expand your skill set. Some of these great benefit options are listed below:
  • Low Healthcare Insurance Premiums
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Employee discounts
  • Company paid life insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Cancer Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • On-the-job training and skills development
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement
  • Employee Assistance Program

JOB LOCATION : Main Campus
DEPARTMENT: REFERENCE LAB
SCHEDULE: Full Time, 8 HR Day Shift, 1000-1830
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Phlebotomy Clinical Manager and the Core Lab Clinical Manager, the Reference Laboratory Technician will be responsible for the Send Out specimens from SGMC to reference laboratories. Duties include the receiving and processing of samples, centrifugation, aliquoting, troubleshooting discrepancies, loading specimens on instruments, and packing of samples for offsite testing. Other duties include report reconciliation and distribution, processing charges, telephone communication, and acting as a Public Relations representative for the Laboratory and its customers. Will perform other departmental support activities as directed by Managers.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • MLT preferred.
  • 3 years of experience in a hospital setting and specimen processing recommended.
  • Phlebotomy skills needed for float requirements in main laboratory.
  • Certified by a national accrediting agency is preferred but not required.
  • Current CPR certification.
  • Competence in phlebotomy, general office skills, and medical terminology.
  • Competence in General typing and Computer skills.
  • Have a working knowledge of medical terminology.
  • Ability to adapt to workload demands and remain calm and function efficiently during difficult or emergency situations.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Able to work independently, prioritize workload and ensure that patient information and specimen identification is always correct.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time, walking is also involved.
  • Effective communication skills in dealing with the public, physicians and other hospital staff required.
  • Temperament suited to short cycle repetitive work.
  • Must possess a valid and current driver's license as some specimen transport may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS - ADA INFORMATION
Modern hospital Laboratory. Work activities will include: light lifting (not to exceed 25 pounds), walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, twisting and pushing objects. Must be able to operate office equipment, computer terminals and keyboards, and computerized lab equipment. Works with blood and body fluids where exposure to infections disease is a risk. Must have knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and training in handling of hazardous chemicals such as Xylene and Formaldehyde. Complies with biohazard/radiation safety standards and laboratory policy and procedures through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical, biological agents and/or radiation sources in the workplace. Uses universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers form biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens. Certain procedures will require knowledge in and the correct use of eye protection, face shields, gas masks, lab coats, and /or gloves (latex and nitrile).
SEE WHAT ALL OF THE HYPE IS ABOUT
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