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Sample Prep Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$21/hr

Communicating between Client Services, Sorters and Prep to verify packages and procedures. * Printing and distributing production sheets, sample and box labels * Scanning and uploading documents to ...

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Sample Prep information

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How much do sample prep jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for sample prep in the United States is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sample Prep Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sample Prep Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and often a background in chemistry or biology. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), pipettes, centrifuges, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, time management, and the ability to follow precise instructions help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate and efficient sample preparation, which is critical for reliable downstream analysis and overall laboratory success.

What are some common challenges faced in a Sample Prep role and how can they be managed?

Sample Prep professionals often work with a high volume of samples under tight deadlines, which can make time management and attention to detail challenging. Ensuring sample integrity and avoiding cross-contamination are critical responsibilities, requiring strict adherence to protocols and quality control measures. Collaborating closely with laboratory technicians and analytical chemists is typical, so strong communication skills help ensure accurate handoffs and efficient workflow. Staying organized and proactively addressing equipment maintenance or supply shortages can also help overcome daily obstacles in this role.

What are Sample Prep jobs?

Sample Prep jobs involve preparing biological, chemical, or physical samples for analysis in laboratories or research settings. This typically includes tasks like measuring, mixing, labeling, and organizing samples according to strict protocols to ensure accurate test results. Sample Prep technicians may also operate laboratory equipment, maintain cleanliness, and follow safety standards. These roles are vital in industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and food testing. Attention to detail and adherence to protocols are essential skills for success in this position.

What is the difference between Sample Prep vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSample PrepLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in sample handlingHigh school diploma or associate degree; technical training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sites, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, research centers, industrial settings
Job FocusPreparing samples for analysis, ensuring sample integrityPerforming tests, operating lab equipment, recording data
Industry UsagePharmaceutical, environmental, food testingResearch labs, quality control, clinical labs

Sample Prep specialists focus on preparing samples for analysis, ensuring proper handling and storage. Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of testing and operate lab equipment. While both roles work in lab environments and require similar credentials, Sample Prep is more specialized in sample handling, whereas Laboratory Technicians have a wider scope of testing responsibilities.

What states have the most Sample Prep jobs? States with the most job openings for Sample Prep jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sample Prep jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sample Prep jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sample Prep job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 51% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 50% Physical, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,952 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Chemistry Laboratory Assistant - Sample Prep - 2nd Shift

UL Solutions

Lowell, AR

Other

Posted 6 hours ago


UL Solutions rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

We are searching for a Laboratory Assistant to join our Chemistry Sample Prep team!

This role will report to our Lowell, AR Center of Excellence laboratory, with a scheduled shift of 1pm-9:30pm, Monday through Friday.

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

From life jackets to lawnmowers, toys to televisions, beauty and wellness, vitamins and supplements, we're involved in almost every consumer product you can imagine. We work with some of the largest retailers in the world, performing market surveillance, auditing and inspecting the products we put in and on our bodies. We help customers ensure that not only are their products themselves safe, but their supply chains are using ethically and sustainably sourced materials. We build close relationships, providing advice and expertise to help them deliver safer products that meet the latest requirements and manufacture them fairly.  Join our team and make your mark on products that shape people's lives.
  • Higher Secondary Education. Effective communication skills and ability to interact with other associates and managers
  • Desire to work in a team-oriented environment with some over-time required 
  • Ability to use Microsoft Outlook and Teams
  • Good proficiency in computer skills and data entry on complex systems (training provided), LIMS software knowledge a plus  
  • Validation of instruments, using reference standards for each instrument, entering data into LIMS (Chemistry software). Testing a wide range of prepped samples for these instruments; including paints, alloy identification, toxics in packaging, precious metals, plastics, PVC verification and special projects samples when required.    
  • Receive samples from technicians, checking submitted component forms along with samples, logging required data into LIMS, making component labels, organize labs by priority due date, inform prep techs of any special requirements. 
  • Prepping submitted samples according to the requirements of each test requested. Scrapping surface coatings, cutting various metals for both chemistry and FDA/BPA submissions, prepping precious metals & fine jewelry samples - including chain of custody, confirmation of weight, final weight-out, LIMS data and prep for vendor return. Prep all Canadian samples according to their individual requirements. There are over 275 different test requests.
  • Using Infinity for inventory and daily control of samples. Scanning labs and making splits (i.e. XRF, ASR's) and working with supervisors on additional sample request. Alter / modify hardlines component forms to reflect any required changes and entering data as required (weights, prep time, analysis changes, description modifications and so forth).
  • Daily return of prepped samples back to respective teams, monthly disposal of consumed samples for XRF & HD and quarterly change out Dosimetry badges to assigned personnel. 

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