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Specimen Collector Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

FloatR

Phlebotomist

Sugar Land, TX

$15.25 - $19/hr

Company Description Founded by Evan Haupt in 2022 to address the perennial challenge of filling phlebotomist and specimen collector shifts for diagnostic lab's clinician clients, FloatR has rapidly ...

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All JobsSpecimen Collector JobsSpecimen Collector Jobs in Houston, TX

Specimen Collector information

See Houston, TX salary details

$9

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How much do specimen collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen collector in Houston, TX is $14.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $15.00 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.

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Cities near Houston, TX with the most Specimen Collector job openings:

Specimen Collector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Specimen Collector job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,719 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Lead Specimen Collector/Medical Laboratory Assistant

Houston, TX • On-site

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 301 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 898 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospitalexternal

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

This full time position typically works five, 8-hour shifts per week, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend shifts primarily during daytime and evening hours, plus must be flexible to occasionally work night shift as needed for coverage.
At Houston Methodist, the Lead Specimen Collector/Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) position is responsible for the oversight and operational performance of specimen collection or processing sites at designated facility/ clinic(s), ensuring daily operations are carried out in an efficient, safe, systematic and reproducible manner. This position must assess potential improvements for flow when it is warranted. The Lead Specimen Collector/MLA position requires the ability to foster a team environment and should emphasize the need for all Houston Methodist staff to work together effectively and efficiently. This position is responsible for ensuring the sites are adequately staffed and troubleshoots patient care or technical issues as they arise. This position will train employees to perform all necessary functions to maintain the operation of the collection or processing sites and performs the role of Specimen Collector or MLA, as needed. The Lead Specimen Collector/MLA position involves reporting of data, appropriate escalation of issues, communication and focus on patient, visitors and employee's safety and satisfaction.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
  • Must have a clinical education or training in one of the following areas, which include but are not limited to: Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Medical Assistant (MA), Nursing Assistant, Nursing student, Graduate Nurse, Phlebotomist, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

EXPERIENCE
  • Four years of related experience which must include data entry and specimen collection or handling
  • Previous experience leading a team preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology
  • Knowledge of donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the importance of infection control principles and best practices
  • Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic
  • Ability to adapt to change and manage multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
  • Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to show empathy and interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress
  • Critical thinking and sound judgment to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
  • Ability to consistently deliver excellent customer service
  • Strong training, leadership and mentoring skills
  • Basic computer knowledge and ability to operate multiple computer systems to include Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models to team members effective communication and customer service skills, assisting in their development of such skills.
  • Orients, guides and mentors team members to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge and abilities. Assists in interviewing and hiring of new staff.
  • Organizes work schedules and ensures the collection or processing sites are adequately staffed.
  • Functions as the liaison with employees, patients, and visitors at the collection or processing sites.
  • Identifies trends and opportunities for improvement with employee engagement. Leads initiatives to improve employee participation and satisfaction.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Acts as the point-person and resource for collection or processing site needs, issues, etc. Performs functions of Specimen Collector or MLA, as needed. Performs various Laboratory Information System functions.
  • Follows established procedure for collecting and handling biological specimens; handles samples expediently. Performs special collections/procedures as directed and according to competency and policies/procedures.
  • Anticipates the needs of the patient population.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Performs interactive patient ID as needed. Identifies patient and labels specimen correctly 100% of the time using two patient identifiers as needed. Accurately processes, organizes, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing.
  • Recognizes and initiates action to resolve specimen labeling discrepancies. Recognizes problems, investigates the cause, takes remedial action, or escalates to management for follow-up.
  • Maintains a safe environment, following all policies and procedures for safety and infection control, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines. Reviews team member’s time cards for accuracy and management approval.
  • Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently. Participates in inventory management by taking action to ensure supply levels are adequate.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
  • Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and activities. Follows up on action items to ensure completion of assignments.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: No
    • Scrubs: Yes
    • Business professional: No
    • Other (department approved): Yes

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
  • Must have a clinical education or training in one of the following areas, which include but are not limited to: Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Medical Assistant (MA), Nursing Assistant, Nursing student, Graduate Nurse, Phlebotomist, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

EXPERIENCE
  • Four years of related experience which must include data entry and specimen collection or handling
  • Previous experience leading a team preferred

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a Magnet-recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital that serves the growing Northwest Houston community. We are committed to providing quality, cost-effective health care in a compassionate environment for a full range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics and sports medicine, comprehensive women’s services, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, and primary and general medicine.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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