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Reference Lab Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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$43

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Raleigh, NC is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $27.12 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 Raleigh, NC? For Reference Lab jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,050 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Medical Laboratory Scientist II (MLS II) - Transfusion Services (Supplemental)

Medical Laboratory Scientist II (MLS II) - Transfusion Services (Supplemental)

Lighthouse Lab Services

Cary, NC

Per diem

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Lighthouse Lab Services is representing a leading healthcare organization in the Cary, NC area that is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist II (MLS II) to support its Transfusion Services/Blood Bank department on a supplemental basis.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced laboratory professional with strong blood bank experience who is looking for a flexible schedule within a collaborative, high-quality laboratory environment.

Schedule

  • Supplemental / PRN
  • Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Position Overview

The MLS II – Transfusion Services is responsible for performing moderate and high-complexity testing in the Blood Bank/Transfusion Services laboratory. This role requires strong technical expertise in blood bank procedures, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and regulatory compliance.

The MLS II will perform compatibility testing, antibody identification, blood product preparation, and other specialized transfusion service procedures while supporting quality initiatives and laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform blood bank and transfusion service testing procedures
  • Conduct type and screen testing, crossmatches, antibody identification, and compatibility testing
  • Prepare and issue blood products in accordance with laboratory protocols
  • Analyze, verify, and report patient results accurately and efficiently
  • Operate and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and computer systems
  • Perform quality control and quality assurance procedures
  • Maintain compliance with CAP, CLIA, AABB, and regulatory standards
  • Support laboratory workflow, documentation, and inventory management
  • Assist with training and mentoring of staff or students as needed
  • Maintain a strong focus on patient safety and specimen integrity

Qualifications

Education

One of the following is required:

  • Associate Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, or related laboratory science field
  • Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science preferred

Experience

  • Minimum of 2 years of clinical laboratory experience preferred
  • Previous Transfusion Services/Blood Bank experience strongly preferred

Certifications

Preferred certifications include:

  • ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology)
  • Equivalent national laboratory certification

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive hourly compensation
  • Opportunity to work with an established and respected healthcare organization
  • Collaborative laboratory environment with advanced instrumentation

About us:
At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 22 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.
It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.
If at any time during the application process, you need an accommodation, please contact recruiting@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.
Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | https://www.lighthouselabservices.com/

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