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Specimen Collector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Technician I - Wood Dale, IL, Monday to Friday, 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with rotational weekends Do you have strong organization skills and attention to detail? Are you looking to join a ...

Specimen Technician I - Wood Dale, IL, Monday to Friday, 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with rotational weekends Do you have strong organization skills and attention to detail? Are you looking to join a ...

Specimen Technician I - Wood Dale, IL, Monday to Friday, 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM, with rotational weekends Do you have strong organization skills and attention to detail? Are you looking to join a ...

Demonstrates ability to interpret specimen flow/tracking data utilizing all available reports and resources. * Responsible for supply ordering processes. * Performs remote accessioning (pre ...

Specimen Technician I - Wood Dale, IL, Monday to Friday, 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with rotational weekends Do you have strong organization skills and attention to detail? Are you looking to join a ...

Specimen Technician I - Wood Dale, IL, Monday to Friday, 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with rotational weekends Do you have strong organization skills and attention to detail? Are you looking to join a ...

Specimen Technician

Winfield, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Job is complex and requires that employee have good organization skills and is able to learn and understand specimen types related to test(s) ordered by client. * The SPT I must have the ability to ...

Laboratory Specimen Processor

Itasca, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $18.50/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Specimen Processor to join our team in Itasca, IL . Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00pm - 2:30am (rotating weekends). Job Responsibilities * Receive and sort clinical lab ...

Interpret specimen flow/tracking data utilizing all available reports and resources. * Manage supply ordering processes. * Perform remote accessioning and pre-accessioning. * Troubleshoot and resolve ...

Hospital Specimen Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$12.20 - $17.20/hr

Interpret specimen flow/tracking data utilizing all available reports and resources. Manage supply ordering processes. Perform remote accessioning and pre-accessioning. Troubleshoot and resolve ...

Laboratory Specimen Processor

Itasca, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $18.50/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Specimen Processor to join our team in Itasca, IL . Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00pm - 2:30am (rotating weekends). Job Responsibilities * Receive and sort clinical lab ...

Showing results 21-40

Specimen Collector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$17

$21

How much do specimen collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen collector in Chicago, IL is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a specimen collector do?

Specimen collectors collect specimens, such as blood, urine or tissue samples, in medical laboratories. They perform basic data entry tasks, get samples ready for additional laboratory testing and processing, and transport the samples to different facilities. More advanced positions may include other field or laboratory work, such as drawing blood or preparing tissue samples for microscopic analysis. High-level written and verbal communication skills are essential in this position. Specimen collectors or processors who work for government agencies also need to ensure that their collection processes follow the agency’s regulations and guidelines on drug and sample testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a specimen collector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Specimen Collector, you need knowledge of proper specimen collection procedures, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, chain-of-custody protocols, and possibly certifications like DOT specimen collection is important. Excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism, and the ability to maintain patient confidentiality help build trust with clients. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accurate specimen handling, compliance with regulations, and reliable test results.

What are some common challenges faced by specimen collectors, and how can they be addressed?

Specimen Collectors often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of patients, ensuring proper identification and labeling of specimens, and maintaining strict adherence to protocols to avoid contamination. Effective communication skills are essential when interacting with patients who may be anxious or uncooperative. Staying organized, following established procedures, and participating in regular training can help Specimen Collectors address these challenges and ensure the accuracy and integrity of collected samples.

What is the difference between Specimen Collector vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen CollectorMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, phlebotomy certificationAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, mobile collection sitesLaboratories, hospitals, clinics
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job FocusCollect and prepare specimens for testingAnalyze specimens, perform tests, report results

While both roles involve working with patient specimens, Specimen Collectors primarily focus on collecting and preparing samples, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed analysis and testing of specimens. The roles often overlap in healthcare settings, but their responsibilities and required qualifications differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Collector jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Specimen Collector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Specimen Collector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Specimen Collector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Specimen Collector jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Specimen Collector job openings:

Infographic showing various Specimen Collector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,568 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Specimen Technician I

Quest Diagnostics

Wood Dale, IL • On-site

$15.72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description


Specimen Technician I - Wood Dale, IL, Monday to Friday, 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with rotational weekends
Do you have strong organization skills and attention to detail? Are you looking to join a Fortune 500 company leading the world in providing diagnostic information services to kick start your career? Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team!
Pay range: $18.50 - $21.06 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities:
  • Data entry of test orders, presort, pickup and delivery of processed specimens to the laboratory, centrifugation and aliquoting
  • Process specimens to be sent out to additional facilities
  • Prepare laboratory specimens for various analysis and testing
  • Identifies problems and in some cases, may resolve issues with specimen types such as missing information etc.
  • Understands the relationship between tests ordered and specimen received

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • HS diploma or equivalent
  • No experience required
  • Previous experience in a production or medical environment preferred
  • Must have flexibility, majority of work on the nightshift, but based on staffing needs weekends, holidays, on call and overtime may be required

About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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