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$42.5K

$96.8K

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How much do reference laboratory jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference laboratory in the United States is $96,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a reference laboratory do?

A reference laboratory performs specialized testing and analysis on biological samples to confirm diagnoses, support public health, and ensure quality control. Staff typically have advanced training in laboratory science and use specialized equipment to conduct accurate and reliable tests. These labs often collaborate with healthcare providers and regulatory agencies.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI technology can automate certain tasks in a reference laboratory, such as data analysis and sample processing, but it is unlikely to fully replace lab technicians. Human expertise is essential for tasks requiring critical thinking, manual skills, and oversight to ensure accuracy and safety. Lab technicians will continue to play a vital role alongside AI tools, often focusing on complex procedures and quality control.

Who gets paid more, MLT or MLS?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) typically earn less than Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) because MLS roles usually require a bachelor's degree and more advanced training. MLS professionals often have higher salaries due to their greater responsibilities, education, and certification requirements in the laboratory setting.

What is a Reference Laboratory job?

A Reference Laboratory job typically involves performing specialized diagnostic testing that may not be available in a standard clinical laboratory. Professionals in this field analyze complex specimens, ensure accuracy and quality control, and provide critical data for medical diagnosis and treatment. These labs often handle tests referred by hospitals, clinics, and physicians that require advanced equipment and expertise. Employees may work in roles such as laboratory technicians, technologists, or scientists, depending on their qualifications and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Reference Laboratory position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Reference Laboratory position, you need a strong background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and expertise in diagnostic testing, usually supported by a degree in medical laboratory science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), automated analyzers, and relevant certifications like ASCP or equivalent are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help professionals excel in this environment. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate, timely results and maintaining quality standards essential for patient care and research.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of professionals working in a Reference Laboratory?

As a Reference Laboratory professional, your daily responsibilities generally include performing specialized diagnostic tests, analyzing specimens, validating test results, and maintaining accurate records in laboratory systems. You may also be responsible for operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment, adhering to strict quality control protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Collaboration with physicians, researchers, and other laboratory personnel is common to ensure that test results are interpreted accurately and delivered promptly. These tasks help maintain the high accuracy and reliability that medical providers and patients depend on in specialized testing.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying roles are often senior positions such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the organization and location.
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Reference Laboratory jobs near you

Immunohematology Reference Laboratory Technologist

American Red Cross

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

American Red Cross rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 275 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

475th of 687 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Please use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when accessing Candidate Home.
By joining the American Red Cross you will touch millions of lives every year and experience the greatness of the human spirit at its best. Are you ready to be part of the world's largest humanitarian network?
Join us-Where your Career is a Force for Good!
Job Description:
Joining The American Red Cross is like nothing else - it's as much something you feel as something you do. You become a vital part of the world's largest humanitarian network. Joining a team of welcoming individuals who are exceptional, yet unassuming. Diverse, yet uncompromising in unity. You grow your career within a movement that matters, where success is measured in people helped, communities made whole, and individuals equipped to never stop changing lives and situations for the better.
When you choose to be a force for good, you'll have mentors who empower your growth along a purposeful career path. You align your life's work with an ongoing mission that's bigger than all of us. As you care for others, you're cared for with competitive compensation and benefits. You join a community that respects who you are away from work as much as what you do while at work.
Where Your Career is a Force for Good!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
As a IRL Technologist at the Red Cross you will perform basic and advanced donor and patient tests, and interpret results to determine donor-recipient compatibility. You will resolve compatibility problems; provide intermediate reference and consultation services to hospitals and transfusion services. Perform automated and manual test procedures on blood samples
WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE GOOD
Key Responsibilities:
  • Resolving compatibility problems, and providing complex reference and consultation services to hospitals and transfusion services.

  • Performing automated and manual test procedures on blood samples.

  • Managing receipt, coordination, shipment, and transport of patient and donor blood samples and documenting supply and equipment problems.

  • Managing reagent inventory (ordering, receiving, inspection and preparation).

  • Recognizing/resolving testing irregularities and assisting other Medical Technologists in problem resolution.

  • Consulting with staff at other medical facilities, to resolve complex serologic problems and providing special units to transfusion recipients.

  • Performing manufacturing duties associated with special blood products, if applicable.

Standard Schedule: Monday thru Friday 2nd Shift 2:30pm-11pm
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:
  • MT(ASCP)

  • Bachelor's degree with major in biological science or chemistry

  • Minimum 3 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience required.

  • MLT (ASCP) certification with 5 years of blood banking experience can be substituted.

  • State license may be required where applicable.

  • Skills & Abilities: Good written and verbal skills to communicate effectively with internal and external customers.

  • Must be able to work on a team.

WHAT WILL GIVE YOU THE COMPETITIVE EDGE (Preferred Qualifications):
  • BB(ASCP) or SBB and/or experience in a Reference Laboratory

Physical Requirements:
Requires standing, stretching, stooping and bending for extended time periods. Lift, pull, push and move objects of up to 50 pounds. May work in walk-in refrigerator/freezers for periods of time. Required to wear protective clothing such as lab coats, gloves, face shields, etc.
BENEFITS FOR YOU:
As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive package includes:
  • Medical, Dental Vision plans

  • Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts

  • PTO: Starting at 15 days a year; based on type of job and tenure

  • Holidays: 11 paid holidays comprised of six core holidays and five floating holidays

  • 401K with up to 6% match

  • Paid Family Leave

  • Employee Assistance

  • Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term

  • Service Awards and recognition

Apply now! Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to
make your career a force for good!
The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and any other applicable state and local laws.
AmeriCorps, the federal agency that brings people together through service, and its partners - the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps Alums, National Peace Corps Association, and the Service Year Alliance - launched Employers of National Service to connect national service alumni with opportunities in the workforce. American Red Cross is proud to be an EONS partner and share our employment opportunities with the network of organizations.
Interested in Volunteering? Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.
To view the EEOC Summary of Rights, click here: Summary of Rights

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