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Reference Lab Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

La Porte, TX

$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

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

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

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 I

Houston, TX

$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 ...

Lab Technician I

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

... or reference methods (ASTM, API, etc) as required. Safety First • Views safety as a core value ... Position Responsibilities • Performance testing of existing and new products through use of lab ...

RN - Cath Lab Our client is currently seeking RN - Cath Lab positions in The Woodlands, TX for a ... Current BLS and/or ACLS and/or Specialty Certifications * 2 Current Clinical References * Physical ...

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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 30, 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:
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,152 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Consultation & Reference Tech III

Gulf Coast Blood

Houston, TX

$35K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Title:
Consultation & Reference Tech III

Join our team of heroes!

Looking for more than just a job? We’re hiring technically astute and highly talented Laboratory Professionals to join our mission-driven team.

Our Consultation and Reference Lab Technicians prepare special blood components and perform advanced testing on patient and donor samples, supporting over 170 hospitals and service partners across the Texas Gulf Coast region. Thanks to their dedication, we remain one of Houston’s top reference laboratories.

This laboratory role offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and a chance to use your skills in a meaningful way to support our community. This position is ideal for someone who works with precision, is naturally inquisitive, values quality, and takes pride in delivering exceptional service to both patients and community partners.

Just for you:

  • Competitive Compensation and Benefits Package

  • Texas Medical Center Location with Free Parking

  • Education and Career Advancement

  • Engaging and Exciting Opportunity to Save Lives

Tips to thrive in our culture:

  • Embody our Core Values of Commitment, Integrity, and Respect

  • Create meaningful experiences that inspire others to save lives—every day

  • Embrace doing it right, making connections, and creating desired experiences

  • Follow all organizational policies and safety standards, and report any actual or potential violations to the appropriate supervisor or manager

In this role, you will:

  • Demonstrate competency in essential functions of a Tech II

  • Perform, interpret, and document moderately complex antibody identification, compatibility testing, and donor serological testing under the guidance of a Specialist

  • Prepare consultation reports

  • Evaluate and process sample requests according to guidelines

  • Record, place, and fill orders for antigen-negative red blood cells

  • Monitor blood component inventory

  • Prepare washed and deglycerolized red blood cells

  • Perform quality control and preventative maintenance

  • Prepare laboratory reagents

  • Enter rare cell and serum samples into the database

  • Follow all department SOPs, guidelines, rules, and regulations

We need someone who:

  • MT/MLS/BB new graduate with ASCP (or equivalent) certification; or

  • MT/MLS/BB from an accredited program with ASCP (or equivalent) certification plus a minimum of 2 years of advanced, recent (within the past 2 years) blood banking experience for consideration at a higher salary grade

  • Certification required at time of hire

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT MUST BE PROVIDED AND KEPT IN PERSONNEL FILE.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing duties in this role, the employee is frequently required to operate a computer and other office equipment and remain in a stationary position. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms are frequent. Employees must follow team lift procedures per the organization’s Safety Program to help prevent injury and ensure team safety.

Work environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided.

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly exposed to blood and/or blood components and other biohazardous materials. There may be occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather conditions, or extreme cold. This role involves potential mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, carrying a risk of exposure to Hepatitis, HIV, and other bloodborne pathogens.


Who We Are:

Since 1975, Gulf Coast Blood has been one of the nation’s largest community blood centers, serving 170 hospitals across 26 counties. Headquartered in Houston, we support the world’s largest medical complex—the Texas Medical Center—while operating 18 donor centers and hosting more than 7,000 mobile blood drives each year. As an FDA-accredited nonprofit, we provide high-quality human cellular material for both scientific and therapeutic use.

Some Jobs Change Lives. Others Save Them.

Think you have what it takes to save lives with us? We want to hear from you.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

Gulf Coast Blood is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for positions are considered without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, military status, protected veteran status, disability status, genetic testing results, or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable law, statute, regulation or Executive Order.