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How much do specimen processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processing technician 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 a specimen processing technician?

Specimen Processing Technicians are healthcare professionals responsible for receiving, sorting, and preparing biological samples such as blood, urine, and tissue for laboratory analysis. They ensure that specimens are accurately labeled, properly stored, and delivered to the correct laboratory departments. Their work is essential for maintaining the integrity of samples and supporting accurate and timely test results, which aid in patient diagnosis and treatment. These technicians often work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic laboratories and must follow strict protocols to prevent contamination or errors.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a specimen processing technician?

To thrive as a Specimen Processing Technician, you need attention to detail, organizational skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring laboratory experience or relevant certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanning, and specimen handling protocols is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate specimen tracking, prevent errors, and support timely laboratory operations, directly impacting patient care and diagnosis.

What are common challenges faced by specimen processing technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Specimen Processing Technicians often manage a high volume of samples and must ensure each is labeled and handled correctly to prevent errors. Working efficiently under time constraints while maintaining stringent attention to detail can be challenging, especially during peak hours. To overcome these challenges, strong organizational skills, consistent adherence to standard operating procedures, and clear communication with laboratory staff are essential. Ongoing training and double-checking work can also help minimize mistakes and improve workflow.

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

AspectSpecimen Processing TechnicianMedical 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 diagnostic testing and analysis
Job ResponsibilitiesReceiving, labeling, and processing specimens; preparing samples for testingPerforming tests, analyzing samples, and reporting results

While both roles work in laboratory settings, Specimen Processing Technicians focus on specimen handling and preparation, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform diagnostic tests and analyze samples. The roles often overlap in work environment and certifications, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do I become a specimen processing technician?

To become a specimen processing technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue postsecondary training or certification in laboratory procedures or medical technology. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, and familiarity with specimen handling and processing tools. Some positions may require on-the-job training or experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
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Specimen Processing Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Specimen Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,475 per year, or $18 per hour.

Specimen Processing Technician

The University of Kansas Health System

Kansas City, KS • On-site

$15.25 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

University Of Kansas Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Position Title
Specimen Processing Technician
Evenings - Full Time
Bell Hospital
Position Summary / Career Interest:
Tuesday - Saturday 2:30pm - 11:30pm
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 time
Job Requisition ID:
R-55402
Important 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

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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

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