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Reference Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Skyline Med Staff, LLC

RN - Cath Lab

Mason City, IA · On-site

$2.6K/wk

... Lab with 2+ years experience for a travel assignment in Mason City, Iowa ... Please have resume, skills checklist, 2-3 references within the last 12 months. Contact us today ...

American Traveler

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$2.2K - $3.0K/wk

Cath Lab Technologist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 08/03/2026 * Duration ... One supervisory performance evaluation or reference from within 2 years of employment or contract ...

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All JobsReference Lab JobsReference Lab Jobs in Iowa

Reference Lab information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Iowa is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.20 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.
What are popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Iowa? For Reference Lab jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Iowa are:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,327 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

AMN Healthcare Allied

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$2.2K - $2.9K/wk

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

AMN Healthcare Allied is seeking a travel Cath Lab Technologist for a travel job in Des Moines, Iowa.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Cath Lab Technologist
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Start Date: 07/27/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Job Description & Requirements
Cath Lab Technologist - (Cath Lab Tech)
StartDate: 7/27/2026 Available Shifts: 10 D Pay Rate: $2726.00 - $2809.00
Cath Lab Tech jobs in Des Moines, Iowa let you assist with diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures in a fast-paced cardiac catheterization lab. You will prepare patients and equipment, monitor hemodynamic data, scrub, circulate, and take call as needed. Shift Notes: Days: 4x10s - Monday-Friday with a random day off during the week (cannot promise blocked scheduling) -- 40 hrs/week; holiday rotation -- 1 night/week & Every 3rd weekend: 7:30p Friday through 7a Monday Weekend Requirements: call schedule / Assigned cases on rare occasion On Call Requirements: 1 nights/week & Every 3rd weekend: 7:30p Friday through 7a Monday Required qualifications include at least 24 months of Cath Lab experience, active ARRT or CCI/RCIS credentials, travel experience within the previous 18 months, circulating and monitoring proficiency, and willingness to float across campuses. Structural heart, interventional radiology, EP, scrubbing, and peripheral vascular experience are preferred. Des Moines offers vibrant arts, diverse dining, and outdoor recreation. AMN Healthcare provides excellent compensation, discounts, dedicated recruiters, clinical support, and the AMN Passport app. Apply now to join this Cath Lab Tech assignment in Des Moines, Iowa.
Required Qualifications
Cath Lab Technologist, Cath Lab
Experience: 2 years
Licenses: CLT-IA
Certifications: R-American Registry of Radiologic Technologists(Copy needed); BLS-AHA(Copy needed)
SSN Required
DOB Required
Work History: Should not be more than 30 days of gap in
References: 1 Reference in entire work history
Facility Location
As a hub of government action, business, and social and cultural activity, Des Moines may be Iowa’s capital and biggest city, but it still retains its small-town charm and family-friendly vibe. With the Capitol building, State Historical Museum, Blank Park Zoo, historic East Village, and Adventureland amusement park, Des Moines offers something for every taste.
Job Benefits
Allied travel assignments are typically for 13 weeks and offer generous packages that include:

  • Competitive pay rates
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k) and Flex Spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident and Short-term Disability Coverage
  • Free Continuing Education
  • Competitive Housing Deal
  • Refer a friend and earn extra cash!

About the Company
At AMN Healthcare, we strive to be recognized as the most trusted, innovative, and influential force in helping healthcare organizations provide quality patient care that continually evolves to make healthcare more human, more effective, and more achievable.
cath lab technologist, cardiac, invasive cardiac, diagnostic reports, cardiac cath lab, cath lab, allied, allied health, healthcare, health care, cath, catheterization, hospital, medical, patient care, RCVT, cath lab tech

AMN Healthcare Allied Job ID #3535299. Pay package is based on 10 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Cath Lab Technologist - (Cath Lab Tech)

About AMN Healthcare Allied

AMN Healthcare is a leading force in the healthcare industry, committed to being the most trusted, innovative, and influential partner for healthcare organizations. With a focus on providing quality patient care, AMN Healthcare offers holistic solutions that reduce costs, streamline processes, and improve efficiencies. The company boasts over 30 years of experience and takes pride in staffing leading healthcare facilities with the nation's best travelers. As an industry leader, AMN Healthcare offers a diverse team dedicated to supporting healthcare workers and facilities, ensuring a personalized and supportive experience for both clients and candidates.


Visit https://www.vivian.com/agencies/amn-healthcare-allied/ for more information.

Benefits
  • Company provided housing options
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Continuing Education

Apply