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Specimen Processing Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The position, Specimen Processing Specialist, will be responsible for performing clinical specimen accessioning, sample sorting and data entry in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment located ...

The position, Specimen Processing Specialist, will be responsible for performing clinical specimen accessioning, sample sorting and data entry in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment located ...

Specimen Accessioner

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

The position, Specimen Processing Specialist, will be responsible for performing clinical specimen accessioning, sample sorting and data entry in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment located ...

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Specimen Processing Specialist information

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$13

$18

$22

How much do specimen processing specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processing specialist 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 paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying careers often include roles such as laboratory directors, research managers, or senior pathologists, who typically require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions usually offer higher salaries due to their leadership responsibilities and specialized expertise.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Specimen Processing Specialist typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training or experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level often involve skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but most require relevant skills, certifications, or experience rather than just a degree. Such salaries are uncommon in entry-level or purely technical laboratory roles.

What are Specimen Processing Specialists?

Specimen Processing Specialists are laboratory professionals responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue samples—for laboratory analysis. They ensure specimens are handled correctly and efficiently to maintain their integrity and support accurate testing. Their duties also include data entry, verifying patient information, and following strict safety and quality control protocols. Specimen Processing Specialists play a vital role in the diagnostic process by ensuring that specimens are processed in a timely and organized manner.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Specimen Processing Specialist, salaries typically range from moderate to high but rarely reach $300,000 annually. High-paying roles in healthcare or specialized scientific fields, such as senior pathologists or laboratory directors, can reach or exceed this level, often requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities.

What is a specimen processing specialist?

A specimen processing specialist is responsible for preparing and handling biological samples, such as blood, tissue, or fluids, for laboratory testing. They follow strict safety and quality protocols, often using specialized equipment and documentation systems to ensure accurate sample processing and tracking.

What is the difference between Specimen Processing Specialist vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen Processing SpecialistMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, phlebotomy certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, clinics handling specimen preparationLaboratories performing tests, analysis, and reporting
Job DutiesReceiving, labeling, and processing specimens for testingPerforming laboratory tests, analyzing samples, recording results

While both roles work in laboratory settings, a Specimen Processing Specialist primarily handles specimen preparation and processing, whereas a Medical Laboratory Technician performs testing and analysis. The Specialist role focuses on specimen management, often requiring less formal education, while the Technician role involves more technical testing skills and certifications.

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

To thrive as a Specimen Processing Specialist, you need attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with experience in a clinical or lab setting. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and specimen tracking software is important. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills. These qualifications ensure accurate specimen handling and timely processing, which are critical for reliable diagnostic results and laboratory workflow.

What are some common challenges faced by Specimen Processing Specialists, and how can they be managed effectively?

Specimen Processing Specialists often work in fast-paced environments where accuracy and attention to detail are critical. Common challenges include managing high specimen volumes, handling time-sensitive tasks, and ensuring proper labeling and documentation to avoid errors. Effective strategies to overcome these challenges include staying organized, communicating clearly with team members and laboratory staff, and adhering strictly to standard operating procedures. Continuous training and familiarity with laboratory information systems can also help specialists handle workflow efficiently and minimize mistakes.
More about Specimen Processing Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Specimen Processing Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Specimen Processing Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Specimen Processing Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Specimen Processing Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Specimen Processing Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,475 per year, or $18 per hour.
Specimen Processing Specialist #8562

Specimen Processing Specialist #8562

St. Clair Hospital

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$16 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Performs patient and specimen identification, collects blood and non-blood specimens, and performs specialized procedures specific to patient age.

  • Performs computer functions to support laboratory, hospital, reference lab, and registration systems.

  • Processes reference testing and handles internal and external customer communications regarding reference testing.


St. Clair Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
Performs patient/specimen identification, collects blood and non-blood and performs specialized procedures specific to the age of the patient; performs computer functions to support laboratory, Hospital, reference lab and registration systems. Processes reference testing and handles internal and external customer communications regarding reference testing.
Minimum Qualifications
  1. High school graduate or equivalent.
  2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  3. Completion of an approved phlebotomy training and 1 year of clinical laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  1. Completion of a Medical Assistant Program
  2. 3 year of clinical laboratory experience.
  3. Proficient with Sunquest laboratory information system.

What St. Clair Health employees say

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About St. Clair Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

St. Clair Hospital is a highly honored, independent, 329 bed acute-care medical center that provides advanced, high quality health care to the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania. A member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, St. Clair has 600 physicians and 2,500 employees. St. Clair Hospital is the largest employer in Pittsburgh’s South Hills. Providing virtually every health care service that residents may need throughout their lives, the Hospital is focused on continuously enhancing its services and technologies to ensure that the community’s health needs are met. The Hospital offers a comprehensive array of high-quality inpatient and outpatient services, including advanced cardiovascular services; specialized care for women and children; oncology services; orthopedics; emergency care; urgent care; and psychiatry and mental health services.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1954