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Reference Lab Jobs in Sioux Falls, SD (NOW HIRING)

Avera Health

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$29.25 - $44/hr

... reference ranges, and workflows function accurately and reliably. * Collaborates with laboratory ... Participates with development of protocols, lab manuals, new instrumentation, lab CQI or other ...

Avera Health

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$29.25 - $44/hr

... reference ranges, and workflows function accurately and reliably. * Collaborates with laboratory ... Participates with development of protocols, lab manuals, new instrumentation, lab CQI or other ...

Avera Health

Laboratory Assistant

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

... of lab related work experience is required for this position. Varied Shifts: 4:30AM - 9:30PM ... reference laboratories. * Completes patient registration, test order computer data entry and ...

Sanford Health

Senior Network Engineer

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$37.50/hr

The focus is on creating scalable, repeatable network standards and reference architectures that ... The successful candidate will play a crucial role in establishing a network test lab and defining ...

Sanford Health

Senior Network Engineer

Sioux Falls, SD

$37.50/hr

The focus is on creating scalable, repeatable network standards and reference architectures that ... The successful candidate will play a crucial role in establishing a network test lab and defining ...

Avera Health

Laboratory Assistant

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

Processes all laboratory specimens to include centrifuging, separating, measuring, storing and distributing to appropriate testing areas or packaging for transport to reference laboratories.

Avera Health

Laboratory Assistant

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

Processes all laboratory specimens to include centrifuging, separating, measuring, storing and distributing to appropriate testing areas or packaging for transport to reference laboratories.

Nordson Corporation

Senior R&D Engineer (Optical)

Hills, MN · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

... reference artifacts and uncertainty analyses. * Build, maintain, and document automated test ... Practical experience with motion stages, precision mechanics, sensors, DAQ, and lab instrumentation.

Direct Jobs

Physician - Primary Care

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$190 - $250/hr

Board Certification in Internal or Family Medicine Reference: For more information on this ... lab tests - radiology studies - screening studies * This includes evaluating those tests ...

All JobsReference Lab JobsReference Lab Jobs in Sioux Falls, SD

Reference Lab information

See Sioux Falls, SD salary details

$9

$25

$44

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Sioux Falls, SD is $25.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $27.74 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 Sioux Falls, SD? For Reference Lab jobs in Sioux Falls, SD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Sioux Falls, SD look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Sioux Falls, SD are:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Sioux Falls, SD 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 $52,247 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) | Temporary

Avera Health

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$29.25 - $44/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Location:
Avera McKennan Hospital
Worker Type:
Temporary
Work Shift:
Rotating days/evenings/nights/weekends/holidays (United States of America)
Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is listed below. Actual pay rate dependent upon experience.
$29.25 - $44.00
Position Highlights
This is a full time temporary MLS position supporting our EPIC transition. The anticipated timeframe for this project is approximately 18 months. The goal for this position is to move into a full time regular MLS position with McKennan once the project is complete.
Prior MLS work experience utilizing EPIC is highly desired.
What you will do
  • Supports the laboratory during Avera's enterprise EMR transition through validation, workflow testing, and go-live readiness activities while maintaining safe, compliant laboratory operations.
  • Participates in system testing and validation efforts to ensure laboratory orders, results, reference ranges, and workflows function accurately and reliably.
  • Collaborates with laboratory leadership, informatics partners, and technical teams to identify issues, support corrective action, and promote consistent laboratory processes.
  • Develops, reviews, and updates laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), job aids, and supporting documentation to align with updated workflows and compliance requirements.
  • Supports education and training efforts for laboratory staff, including readiness activities related to new workflows, process changes, and go-live preparation.
  • Assists with go-live and post go-live stabilization support including workflow optimization, defect tracking, quality monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Applies quality assurance and compliance principles to ensure laboratory processes meet organizational standards, regulatory expectations, and patient safety requirements.

Updated MLS Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience
Bachelor's Transcript showing Medical or Clinical Laboratory Science Degree, or a Clinical, Physical, or Biological Science Degree.
MLS - American Medical Technologists (AMT) within 1 Year or Medical Laboratory Scientist or (MLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 1 Year
Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is listed below. Actual pay is dependent upon experience.
$29.25 - $44.00 per hour
You Belong at Avera
Be part of a multidisciplinary team built with compassion and the goal of Moving Health Forward for you and our patients. Work where you matter.
A Brief Overview
Performs a variety of clinical laboratory tests, procedures and related duties. Utilizes scientific principles as well as technical, procedural, and problem-solving aptitudes for day-to-day laboratory technical operations, quality control, quality assurance, procedure/instrument maintenance and corrective action, test result correlation, and clinical laboratory related continuing education.
What you will do
  • Responsible for the day-to-day operations of laboratory instrumentation or disciplines including but not limited to: supply inventory, quality control, calibration, reagent preparation, etc. Initiates and follows through with corrective action.
  • Accurately performs basic to complex clinical laboratory tests utilizing theoretical knowledge and independent judgment in addition to established protocol, techniques and equipment manuals.
  • Assumes responsibility for distinguishing between normal and abnormal clinical laboratory parameters and takes actions to assure all abnormals are rechecked. Alerts appropriate staff for abnormal results and documents these actions.
  • Communicates laboratory data and pertinent technical information to appropriate departments and individuals in an accurate and timely fashion.
  • Critiques, correlates and differentiates results of tests utilizing theoretical knowledge and independent judgment in addition to established protocol, techniques and equipment manuals.
  • Participates with development of protocols, lab manuals, new instrumentation, lab CQI or other laboratory developmental activities.
  • Provides technical guidance to and be primary resource for various team members. Responsible for training new employees or co-workers on new equipment/procedures as applicable.
  • Provides instructions on proper pre-analytical specimen collection, specimen handling, and storage guidelines for various body fluids and/or may collect specimens as necessary.

Essential Qualifications
The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.
Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
  • Bachelor's Transcript showing Medical or clinical Laboratory Scientist degree, or a related chemical, physical or biological degree or
  • Bachelor's Transcript showing Medical Technology degree
  • MLS - American Medical Technologists (AMT) within 1 Year or
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 1 Year

Expectations and Standards
  • Commitment to the daily application of Avera's mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.
  • Promote Avera's values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
  • Uphold Avera's standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment.
  • Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.

Benefits You Need & Then Some
Avera is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part-time and full-time employees. We support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives. Benefits are designed to meet needs of today and into the future.
  • PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
  • Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement
  • Career development guided by hands-on training and mentorship

Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other categories protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-605-504-4444 or send an email to talent@avera.org.
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About Avera Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Avera Health, based in Sioux Falls, SD, US, is a significant player in the healthcare industry. This notable network of healthcare providers, hospitals, and health facilities serves over a million people across five Midwestern states. The health network was formed with the 1994 partnership of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, with its roots in compassionate service dating back to the late 1800s. Renowned for its commitment to providing excellent care and improving the health of individuals and communities, it has made significant strides in the medical field. Notable achievements include consistently high rankings in the top 15% of U.S. hospitals for clinical performance and patient outcomes.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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