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Reference Lab Jobs in Long Beach, CA (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

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 · 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 ...

AHMC Healthcare

Assistant, Laboratory

Whittier, CA

$21 - $25.80/hr

Pours off appropriate samples for reference lab send-out. Ability to verify specimen requirement with references as needed. * Completes assigned tasks satisfactorily and in a timely manner.

AHMC Healthcare

Assistant, Laboratory

Whittier, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Pours off appropriate samples for reference lab send-out. Ability to verify specimen requirement with references as needed. * Completes assigned tasks satisfactorily and in a timely manner.

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All JobsReference Lab JobsReference Lab Jobs in Long Beach, CA

Reference Lab information

See Long Beach, CA salary details

$10

$26

$47

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Long Beach, CA is $26.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $29.33 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 Long Beach, CA? For Reference Lab jobs in Long Beach, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Long Beach, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Long Beach, CA are:
What cities near Long Beach, CA are hiring for Reference Lab jobs? Cities near Long Beach, CA with the most Reference Lab job openings:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Long Beach, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,220 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Lab Assistant

TridentCare

Irvine, CA

$18/hr

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago

TridentCare rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

492nd of 885 rated healthcare providers

Job description

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Upon specimen arrival, properly marks the location of testing for each ordered test on the accompanying requisition.
  • Ensures that the correct specimen is collected for each test ordered, and that the tube types submitted are written in the left margin of the requisition.
  • Ensures that the patient’s full name, date/time of collection, and phlebotomist’ number are filled in on the requisition, and that the specimen bar codes (with appropriate letter prefix) are placed on all patient specimens.
  • Responsible for informing a facility, and filling out appropriate paperwork, if a redraw is needed due to: PT & PTT that are QNS; missing or incorrectly spelled name on requisition or specimen; mislabeled accession number and/or name; specimen not received
  • Taking a redraw order from a CLS if any specimen is unsuitable for the test ordered, due to the integrity, quantity and/or suitability of the specimen for the lab test required.
  • Ensures that all patient requisitions are scanned into the Filebound program.
  • Properly centrifuges all appropriate specimens for correct times to insure adequate serum or plasma for required testing.
  • Routes in-house specimens to correct lab benches for testing.
  • 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, with proper paperwork, and according to federal guidelines for “Biological Substances – Category B.”
  • Prepares a copy of the DL requisition for any local reference lab with the DL account number, and tests to be done by this lab clearly marked.
  • Whether a cooler is sent to the airport or a courier must be sent to a local reference lab, Dispatch must be notified for the transfer.
  • Regularly reviews in-house testing areas for completed specimens so they can electronically store them for any future add-on tests or repeats.
  • Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times to protect the processor from any infectious material.

SKILLS|EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent and minimum of 2 months of training in specimen collection if no prior experience noted.
  • Proper knowledge of specimen collection appropriate to the test ordered, i.e., requirements for lab test(s)
  • Awareness of the factors that influence test results
  • Knowledge of medical (laboratory) terminology helpful

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