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Specimen Processing Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

$20/hr

Collect, process, label, package, and ship laboratory specimens in accordance with established procedures. * Ensure specimen integrity by maintaining proper handling, storage, and transportation ...

$20/hr

Collect, process, label, package, and ship laboratory specimens in accordance with established procedures. * Ensure specimen integrity by maintaining proper handling, storage, and transportation ...

Lab Assistant/Phlebotomy

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$20 - $26.48/hr

The Laboratory Assistant II (LA II) is an experienced Lab Assistant, with advanced knowledge of specimen processing in the clinical and/or pathology areas of the lab. Posting Specifics We are looking ...

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Specimen Processing information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$18

$24

How much do specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processing in Colorado is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is specimen processing?

Specimen processing refers to the preparation, labeling, and organization of biological samples—such as blood, urine, or tissue—collected for laboratory analysis. Professionals in this role receive, verify, and log specimens, ensure they are correctly identified, and prepare them for testing or transport. This process is critical for maintaining sample integrity and ensuring accurate laboratory results. Specimen processors may also handle basic data entry and follow strict safety and quality protocols to prevent contamination.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a specimen processing technician?

To thrive as a Specimen Processing Technician, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode labeling, and specimen handling procedures is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, time management, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate specimen identification, timely processing, and support overall laboratory efficiency and patient safety.

What are some common challenges faced in a specimen processing role, and how can they be managed?

Specimen Processing professionals often handle a high volume of samples and must adhere to strict protocols to ensure accuracy and prevent contamination. Common challenges include managing time effectively during peak hours, maintaining attention to detail when labeling and documenting specimens, and communicating clearly with laboratory staff to resolve discrepancies. Staying organized, following standard operating procedures, and utilizing checklists can help manage these challenges and maintain the quality of work.

What is the difference between Specimen Processing vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen ProcessingLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification varies by specialty
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, clinicsLaboratories, hospitals, research facilities
Job FocusPreparing and labeling specimens for testingPerforming tests, analyzing samples, maintaining equipment
Common UsageSpecimen handling and preparationConducting laboratory tests and procedures

While both roles are essential in laboratory settings, Specimen Processing primarily involves preparing and handling samples for testing, whereas Laboratory Technicians perform the actual testing and analysis. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the healthcare and laboratory industry.

How do you become a specimen processing?

To become a specimen processing technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue post-secondary training or certification in laboratory procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, and familiarity with specimen handling and processing tools. On-the-job training is common, and some roles may require certification from professional organizations.

What are the duties of a specimen processing?

A specimen processing technician is responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for laboratory analysis. They follow strict safety and quality protocols, operate laboratory equipment, and ensure proper storage and documentation of specimens to support accurate testing results.

What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processing jobs in Colorado?

For Specimen Processing jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Specimen Processing jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Specimen Processing jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Specimen Processing job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,406 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Processing Technician

National Jewish Health

Denver, CO • On-site

$19.26 - $23.79/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


National Jewish Health rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary
The Clinical Laboratory Processing Technician is responsible for general support functions within the Specimen Processing Department of the Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories. Functions performed may include but are not limited to data entry of test orders, presort, pickup and delivery of specimens, proper specimen handling including centrifugation and aliquoting.

Essential Duties

  1. Performs all duties according to QA/QC guidelines outlined within the Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories quality system.
  2. Follows the laboratory’s and NJH established policies and procedure manuals. Reviews and signs laboratory and personnel SOP on an annual basis.
  3. Manages receiving and handling of samples for processing in multiple laboratories.
  4. Works closely with the phlebotomy staff to ensure timely delivery of critical samples.
  5. Communicates with laboratory staff on the status of the delivery or receipt of samples. 
  6. Identifies problems and may resolve or notify appropriate person of issues with specimen types such as missing information etc.
  7. Performs data entry and QC of all patient/client information into the LIS/LIMS system for sample tracking.
  8. Follows clinical department requirements with regard to specimen types, understands how specimen types are related to the test(s) ordered, and quantity needed for each test, prepares samples for biological processing, including specimen handling and delivery.
  9. Maintains understanding of compliance regulations related to test ordering which may change on a daily basis.

Other Duties
None

Competencies

  1. Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to National Jewish Health.
  2. Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ needs. 
  3. Drive for Results: Setting high goals for personal and group accomplishment; using measurement methods to monitor progress toward goals; tenaciously working to meet or exceed goals while deriving satisfaction from that achievement and continuous improvement.
  4. Informing and Communicating: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manger that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
  5. Peer Relationships: Interacts with others in a constructive, positive, and respectful manner, regardless of individual differences. Assists team members or co-workers in achieving personal goals and completing assignments.
  6. Problem Solving: Uses issue identification, data relation and comparison, pattern recognition and information gathering to create analyses and make recommendations. 

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility
None

Travel
None

Core Values

  1. Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
  2. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
  3. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly.
  4. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually.
  5. Promotes a workplace culture based on mutual respect and merit, where all individuals are treated fairly and provided with equal opportunity to contribute to the mission and goals of the institution.
  6. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures. 
  7. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
  8. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

  1. Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. College level courses in Biology, related life sciences and/or medical terminology is preferred. Medical Assistant certification preferred.
  2. Work Experience: Six months of recent work experience in a laboratory and/or lab assistant training, and a medical background which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory is preferred.
  3. Special Training, Certification or Licensure: None

Salary Range: $19.26 - $23.79

Benefits
At National Jewish Health, we recognize that our outstanding faculty and staff are the essence of our organization. For every aspect of health care, our employees are our greatest asset. With that in mind, we have designed a valuable, comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and their families. 

  • Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.
  • Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.
  • Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.
  • Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
  • Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
  • Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
  • Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.
  • Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan
  • Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.

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