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How much do specimen processing manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processing manager in the United States is $18.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In laboratory settings, the highest paid 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 industry and location.

What is the difference between Specimen Processing Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen Processing ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, medical technology, or related field; often requires certificationAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing specimen processing departments in labsHands-on testing and processing specimens in laboratory settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesClinical labs, hospitals, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonManagement, oversight, specimen processingLaboratory work, specimen handling, testing

The Specimen Processing Manager focuses on supervising and coordinating specimen processing operations, requiring leadership skills and management experience. In contrast, Laboratory Technicians perform the technical, hands-on work of processing and testing specimens. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ mainly in responsibility level and scope of work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Specimen Processing Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Specimen Processing Manager, you need a solid background in laboratory operations, specimen handling protocols, and typically a degree in laboratory science or a related field. Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS), chain-of-custody documentation, and regulatory compliance (such as CLIA or CAP) is essential. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively help manage teams and ensure workflow efficiency. These skills are crucial to maintaining specimen integrity, regulatory compliance, and timely laboratory operations.

What is the highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest-paying careers often include senior roles such as Laboratory Director or Chief Scientific Officer, which require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to their responsibility for overseeing operations, research, and compliance within the lab environment.

What does a Specimen Processing Manager do?

A Specimen Processing Manager oversees the daily operations of the specimen processing department in a laboratory or medical facility. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring accurate and timely processing of biological specimens, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing workflow efficiency. They also handle training, quality control, and may coordinate with other departments to ensure smooth laboratory operations. This role is crucial in ensuring that specimens are handled properly for accurate diagnostic testing.

How can I become a specimen processor?

To become a specimen processor, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and training in laboratory procedures. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols is important; some positions may require certification or experience in specimen handling.

What are the main challenges a Specimen Processing Manager may face when overseeing laboratory workflow?

A Specimen Processing Manager often encounters challenges such as managing high sample volumes during peak periods, ensuring timely and accurate specimen handling, and maintaining compliance with strict laboratory protocols. Balancing workflow efficiency with quality control, especially when coordinating a diverse team across multiple shifts, can also be demanding. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for troubleshooting issues quickly and ensuring that specimens are processed without delays, which directly impacts overall laboratory performance.

Is lab manager a stressful job?

A lab manager, including specimen processing managers, often faces stress related to managing tight schedules, ensuring accuracy in sample handling, and maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. The role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, which can contribute to a high-pressure environment, especially during busy periods or when deadlines are tight.
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Specimen Processing Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Specimen Processing Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,475 per year, or $18 per hour.
Specimen Processing Manager

Specimen Processing Manager

Quest Diagnostics

Marlborough, MA • On-site

$102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 105 rated laboratories

Job description


Specimen Processing Manager - Marlborough, MA, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with rotational weekends
Pay range: $102,520.00 - $136,163.50 / year
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!

Oversee Specimen Processing, Imaging, Cytology Processing and Tech Ops, may also oversee some or all of the following: Referral Testing, Test In Question, and Histology Processing. Responsible for overseeing the following activities: training of all personnel, all daily operations of related departments, Ensure all Compliance Policies are followed, low error rate, and productivity within company standards. Ensure maintenance of a safe, ergonomically sound, professional environment.
Responsibilities
  • Must have the mental alertness and high energy required to appropriately performing the job.
  • The ability to effectively work with other departments to resolve problems. Must have interpersonal skills to gain cooperation with other departments, and foster continuous improvements.
  • Must be flexible and available based on staffing requirements, weekends, and holidays, on call and long hours.
  • Demonstrate excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, and is able to manage client concerns, technical department and employees in a professional manner.
  • Make independent decisions and execerise consistent sound judgment.
  • Capable of handling multiple priorities in a high volume setting.
  • Able to organize and lead projects within the work group and with cross functional groups. Required to give presentations and speak in front of groups.

Qualifications
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Required Work Experience:
Minimum of 8 years laboratory experience with at least 4 years of direct supervisory experience in the clinical or anatomical pathology laboratory.
Preferred Work Experience:
Medical or production background preferred
Skills:
  • PC skills, MS Office applications
  • Must have proven leadership, interpersonal skills and technical knowledge, strong organization and planning skills.

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree BA/BS or equivalent combination of education and experience (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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