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Specimen Processing Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Specimen Processing Manager information

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How much do specimen processing manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 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 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.

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.
More about Specimen Processing Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Specimen Processing Manager jobs? Cities with the most Specimen Processing Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processing jobs? The most popular types of Specimen Processing jobs are:
What states have the most Specimen Processing Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Specimen Processing Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Specimen Processing Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,475 per year, or $18 per hour.
Specimen Processing Tech

$15.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


University Of Kansas Health System rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 169 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

248th of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Title
Specimen Processing TechLiberty HospitalPosition Summary / Career Interest:M - F 9am - 5:30pm
The Specimen Processing Technician is a position within the clinical laboratory and microbiology that is responsible for managing specimens once they arrive in the department and handling multiple pre-analytical variables. Depending on the area of the lab, this may include, but are not limited to: positive patient identification, correct tube types, specimen conditions and integrity and how they affect laboratory results. The Specimen Processing Technician accepts samples in the laboratory and performs tasks including releasing orders out of the Hospital Information System (HIS), receiving specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), and processing specimens to include aliquoting and preparation for the automation line. The specimen Processing Technician troubleshoots specimen and order issues and communicates with care providers across the Health System. The Specimen Processing Technician working in Microbiology is responsible for performing pre-analytic functions such as: specimen receipt, sterile processing, specimen manipulation including sonication and tissue grinding, determination of appropriate culture media for different specimen types and plating. The Specimen Processing Technician follows regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards, policies and procedures, and participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

  • Creates Registration encounters, releases orders out of HIS when indicated; receives samples in LIS; prints barcode labels and affixes labels to specimens.
  • Completes order entry functions or paperwork as required. Ensures proper container type, centrifugation, specimen sterility, and transport conditions for specimens.
  • Ensures positive patient identification, correct specimen collection and handling/transport; performs specimen processing duties and prioritizes based on urgency
  • Ensures the specimen and orders received are appropriate for requested testing. Prioritizes specimens based on clinical urgency. - Performs specimen processing duties including but not limited to: aliquoting urine and body fluid samples, supply storage, Kanban supply, inventory monitoring and storing patient samples appropriately.
  • In Microbiology, uses sterile techniques to handle, manipulate, and inoculate specimens on to culture media, including but not limited to determination of selecting the correct culture media based on specimen, order and protocols, sterile aliquoting, sonification and tissue grinding.
  • Assists in pathology specimen preservation, by adding formalin to specimens, and/or paging residents or providers as needed.
  • Fields inquiries and communicates information in written and verbal formats. Answers the phone and provides customer service to internal and external customers following established standards.
  • Consults Specimen Processing Coordinator, supervisor or lab leadership when appropriate.
  • Assists other staff with processing questions or automation line issues.
  • Assists with training new hires, students, or medical students, if applicable.
  • Disposes of bio-hazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials according to policy and strictly adheres to safety and infection control procedures. Uses and wears PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as necessary to perform job duties safely and minimize risk.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
  • These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.


Required Education and Experience

  • High School Graduate
  • 6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory - working with biological specimens


Preferred Education and Experience

  • Completion of a Phlebotomy program
  • 1 or more years of experience in specimen collection and processing.


Required Licensure and Certification

  • If required by position to be filled, must obtain Department of Transportation and International Air Transportation Association certification within 180 Days
Time Type:Full timeJob Requisition ID:R-51328Important information for you to know as you apply:
  • The health system is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected status. See also Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

  • The health system provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need to request reasonable accommodations for your disability as you navigate the recruitment process, please let our recruiters know by requesting an Accommodation Request form using this link asktalentacquisition@kumc.edu.

  • Employment with the health system is contingent upon, among other things, agreeing to the health-system-dispute-resolution-program.pdf and signing the agreement to the DRP.

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About University of Kansas Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Operating within the healthcare industry, The University of Kansas Health System is a renowned medical institution located in Kansas City, KS, United States. Established in 1905, this not-for-profit health system has evolved to offer an extensive range of products and services, which spans across a variety of specialist areas such as cancer care, neurology, cardiology, and organ transplants, among others. The core mission of The University of Kansas Health System is to enhance the health and wellness of individuals and communities by providing world-class healthcare services, quality education and conducting advanced research. They are also known for their unwavering commitment to academic medicine, which sets them apart from their peers.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, KS, US