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Reference Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Middletown, CT

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Brockton, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

Trident Care

Lab Assistant

Middletown, CT · On-site

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

Trident Care

Lab Assistant

Brockton, MA

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

Trident Care

Lab Assistant

Brockton, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

Trident Care

Lab Assistant

Middletown, CT

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Brockton, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Brockton, MA · On-site

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

TridentCare

Lab Assistant

Middletown, CT · On-site

$20/hr

Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TridentCare Sample Tracker . * Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ...

UnityPoint Health

Lab Support Tech

Sioux City, IA

$19 - $25.25/hr

Determines Reference Laboratory billing based on numerous location codes for each facility. Orders all testing for the hospital laboratory in the Laboratory Information System, receives electronic ...

UnityPoint Health

Lab Support Tech

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

Determines Reference Laboratory billing based on numerous location codes for each facility. Orders all testing for the hospital laboratory in the Laboratory Information System, receives electronic ...

BronxCare Health System

Lab Support Associate

Bronx, NY · On-site

$28.81/hr

Process samples to be sent to reference labs. Responsibilities Prepare specimens for lab analysis by centrifugation, "pouring off" of aliquots, specimen "rack assembling," delivery of specimens to ...

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Reference Lab information

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How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 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.
More about Reference Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for Reference Lab jobs? Cities with the most Reference Lab job openings:
What states have the most Reference Lab jobs? States with the most job openings for Reference Lab jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs are:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Lab Assistant

Lab Assistant

TridentCare

Middletown, CT

$20/hr

Part-time, Per diem

Posted 10 days ago

TridentCare rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

442nd of 880 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Per Diem- First Shift
Pay Range: $20.00-$22.00 Based on experience

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 was 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’s P 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
    • Properly centrifuges all appropriate specimens for correct times to ensure adequate serum or plasma for required testing.
    • Packaging of coolers for shipment of specimens to offsite laboratories – weight of cooler ranging from 20 – 40 lbs
    • Creating of air bills for flight shipment
    • Communication through company email to offsite laboratories regarding summary of flight information
    • 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 TridentCare Sample Tracker.
    • Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times to protect the processor from any infectious material.
    • Performs other duties assigned

SKILLS|EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent GED
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision and independently
  • Strong communication skills in writing, responding and speaking
  • Ability to problem solve and research alternatives
  • Knowledge of medical (laboratory) terminology helpful

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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