1

Reference Lab Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Medical Assistant

Mentor, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Clinical Pathology Technician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Independent and self-directing. 1 year + phlebotomy Experience . 1-2 years of practical Experience in a reference lab, hospital lab, or physician office. Work Shift: Evening Scheduled Weekly Hours ...

Medical Assistant

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Mentor, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Mentor, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Mentor, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

next page

Showing results 1-20

Reference Lab information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$24

$42

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Ohio is $24.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities in Ohio are hiring for Reference Lab jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Reference Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Ohio as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,927 per year, or $24 per hour.
Lab Assistant - Full Time - 1st Shift

Lab Assistant - Full Time - 1st Shift

Wilson Health

Sidney, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Wilson Health is looking for a direct hire Lab Assistant for our location in Sidney, Ohio (North Dayton, Ohio) area.
Key Perks and Benefits:
  • Access to Employer Direct Care Clinic. Free medical care and pharmacy services for eligible employees and dependents covered by Wilson Health's medical insurance plan.
  • Generous paid time off program beginning day one.
  • Medical Insurance: Your Choice of Two High Deductible Health Plan Options or a PPO, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Insurance. Coverage is effective the first of the month after date of hire.
  • H S A with employer contribution for eligible health plans, FSA for medical and dependent care expenses
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company provided Short Term and Long Term Disability
  • Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, and employee and dependent Life and AD&D Insurance.
  • Industry leading retirement plan - employer contributions begin day one, no waiting period for participation.
  • Tuition Assistance Program.
  • On site employee fitness center

Employment Status: Full Time, every third weekend rotation
Working Hours: 80 hours per pay period
Shift: 1st shift - 9:30 am - 6pm - M-F
Must work every third weekend and every third holiday rotation.
Position Reports to: Director of Laboratory Services
Department Description: Wilson Health's Laboratory Services offers testing for both inpatients and outpatients. Our lab is accredited by the ACHC - Accreditation Commission of Health Care and holds a CLIA Certificate. Our Wilson Health Lab performs hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood bank testing.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Interprets orders and specimen or test preparation requirements, instructs patients or nursing personnel, prepares requisitions or enters orders and other data into Laboratory Information System. Monitors orders for specimen collection in LIS.
  • Collects venous and capillary blood specimen and some culture specimens on outpatients and other sites as needed.
  • Receives, evaluates, centrifuges and processes laboratory specimens for routine and non-routine analysis and routes specimens to work areas or to reference laboratories. Prints reference laboratory manifest logs.
  • Maintains communication with reference laboratory.
  • Maintains supply of specimen collection and processing materials. In-processes and shelves supplies.
  • Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of phlebotomy work areas and equipment such as workbenches, specimen collection trays, refrigerators and storage sites.
  • Collates, routes and distributes reports and other correspondence and materials as required.

Qualifications:
  • Formal phlebotomy training with certification or comparable program certification (ex. Medical Office Assisting) which includes phlebotomy training
  • Previous processing experience in a lab highly preferred

Mission & Vision & Values:
  • Improve the health and wellness of the community by delivering compassionate, quality care.
  • Be a trusted, nationally recognized leader of innovative, collaborative, community health.
  • A.S.P.I.R.E - Always serve with professionalism, integrity, respect, and excellence.

EOE (Equal Opportunity Employer)