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Reference Lab Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Documents in computer and distributes all microbiology reference lab reports * When needed, performs venipuncture and capillary puncture on infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric ...

CARDIAC CATH LAB

Kingwood, TX · On-site

$1.2K/wk

Job Reference #: 53622653 Our Client is currently seeking a CARDIAC CATH LAB for a position in Kingwood, TX. 5x8 Days shift. You must have current State Licensure and at least 1 year of recent acute ...

CARDIAC CATH LAB

Houston, TX · On-site

$2.7K/wk

Job Reference #: 58200375 Our Client is currently seeking a CARDIAC CATH LAB for a position in Houston, TX. Unknown shift. You must have current State Licensure and at least 1 year of recent acute ...

Log specimens and file copy of each specimen/requisition sent to reference lab. * Will comply with universal precautions and adhere to safety standards and practices. * Perform phlebotomy and urine ...

Lab Technician

La Porte, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

LAB TECH We are currently seeking a Lab Technician to join our team. This is an exciting ... com and reference the job title. If you are not already registered, please apply by clicking the ...

Medical Assistant

Cypress, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/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

Katy, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/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

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/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

Richmond, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/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

Lab Technician

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

The TEM Lab Prep Technician prepares and analyzes environmental samples according to scientific ... Performs analysis of reference materials, proficiency samples and other quality control samples as ...

Lab Technician

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

The TEM Lab Prep Technician prepares and analyzes environmental samples according to scientific ... Performs analysis of reference materials, proficiency samples and other quality control samples as ...

TEM Lab Technician

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

The TEM Lab Prep Technician prepares and analyzes environmental samples according to scientific ... Performs analysis of reference materials, proficiency samples and other quality control samples as ...

TEM Lab Technician

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

The TEM Lab Prep Technician prepares and analyzes environmental samples according to scientific ... Performs analysis of reference materials, proficiency samples and other quality control samples as ...

Lab Technician I

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

... reference methods (ASTM, API, etc) as required. Safety First Views safety as a core value and ... Prepare lab standard solutions Maintain written and electronically stored laboratory records Ensure ...

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Reference Lab information

See Houston, TX salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Houston, TX is $24.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $26.63 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 Houston, TX? For Reference Lab jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Houston, TX are:
Clinical Dietitian PRN

Clinical Dietitian PRN

Mission Hospital

Tomball, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Mission Hospital (Asheville) rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

757th of 1,013 rated hospitals


Job description

Do you have the PRN career opportunities as a(an) Clinical Dietitian PRN you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball which is part of the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare.
Job Summary and Qualifications
A full time position assisting microbiologists: setting up cultures, performing rapid tests under the microbiologist's supervision; pulling blood cultures at end of the incubation; performing designated quality control procedures. The position requires distributing the microbiology reference reports as directed. In addition, the position requires phlebotomy skills to assist phlebotomists when needed: collection of blood specimen from neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients in the hospital or outside as indicate; requires knowledge of laboratory information system.
What you will do in this role:

  • Sets up specimen on culture media according to established procedure. Incubates media in appropriate environment.
  • Performs rapid tests including RSV, STREP A, FLU A&B, CDIFF Toxins, Chlamydia, Occult Blood, Rotavirus, Urine Legionella Ag & Urine Pneumoniae Ag. Perform quality control on kits
  • Reviews all new blood cultures daily for accuracy of label and incubation position and correct any issues as needed. Process negative blood cultures at end of incubation period. Sets up any positive blood cultures for gram stain and culture
  • Prepares samples to be sent out to microbiology reference laboratories including ordering, storing and transporting.
  • Documents in computer and distributes all microbiology reference lab reports
  • When needed, performs venipuncture and capillary puncture on infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in the hospital and Diagnostic Center according to established procedure.
  • Manages tube system by canceling alarm, removing specimen, verifying receipt in computer, and delivering to appropriate.
  • Maintains specimen refrigerator, disposing of old specimen as appropriate.
  • Performs inventory and maintains adequate reference lab supplies
  • Performs chain of custody drug screen requests by properly documenting the Chain of Custody form.
  • Performs any other tasks as assigned by the Laboratory Director or designated alternate.
What qualifications you will need:
  • (RD-STATE) Registered Dietitian - State must be obtained within 90 days of employment start date
  • (RD/RDN) Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist must be obtained within 90 days of employment start date
No Travel Required
0 Required Years of Experience
Benefits
HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include some or all of the following:
  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits
Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location and position.
HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball has provided quality healthcare to Tomball, Magnolia and Northwest Houston communities since 1948. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission, our 350+ bed hospital is on a 150-acre campus that features designated specialty centers: The Orthopedic Center, The Women's Center, the Heart and Vascular Center and the Texas Sports Medicine Center. Our services include a Level III Trauma Center, advanced robotic surgery program with 24/7 service, Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, comprehensive Women's Services and Labor & Delivery unit with Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), orthopedic care including joint replacement, and much more. We are committed to providing quality healthcare while making a difference in our patients' lives. Through exceptional technology and specialized medical staff, area residents receive a full range of medical services, close to home. We are members of HCA Houston Healthcare, the most comprehensive family of hospitals in the region and part of the leading provider of healthcare in the country, HCA Healthcare. Together we are stronger, smarter and more accessible in providing the patient-centered care you need close to home.
HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.
"Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital. People do."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder
If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Clinical Dietitian PRN opening. We review all applications. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status

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