1

Specimen Processing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Immediate hiring for "Specimen Processor" in Itasca, Illinois, ! ?*Must be located closer to Itasca, Illinois, * * Introduce and prepare biological specimens to the laboratory to ensure accurate ...

Specimen Technician

Winfield, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Experience in processing is required. * FLU vaccine required. * HOSPITAL CREDENTIALS ALSO REQUIRED. Responsibilities: * Perform general support functions within the Specimen Processing Department.

Specimen Processor

Campus, IL

$16 - $18.50/hr

Job Summary Responsible for providing general specimen processing and clerical support for Laboratory Services. Ensures accurate handling and documentation of laboratory specimens. Coordinates ...

Specimen Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$12 - $17/hr

Perform general support functions within the Specimen Processing Department. * Conduct data entry tasks with a required speed of 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes/hour. * Handle A-station, presort ...

Specimen Processor

Campus, IL

$16 - $18.50/hr

Job Summary Responsible for providing general specimen processing and clerical support for Laboratory Services. Ensures accurate handling and documentation of laboratory specimens. Coordinates ...

Specimen Processor

Campus, IL

$16 - $18.50/hr

Job Summary Responsible for providing general specimen processing and clerical support for Laboratory Services. Ensures accurate handling and documentation of laboratory specimens. Coordinates ...

High school diploma or equivalent Preferred Qualifications * 3 months or more of specimen processing experience * 3 months or more of medical or laboratory experience Additional Job Standards

High school diploma or equivalent Preferred Qualifications * 3 months or more of specimen processing experience * 3 months or more of medical or laboratory experience Additional Job Standards

High school diploma or equivalent Preferred Qualifications * 3 months or more of specimen processing experience * 3 months or more of medical or laboratory experience Additional Job Standards

High school diploma or equivalent Preferred Qualifications * 3 months or more of specimen processing experience * 3 months or more of medical or laboratory experience Additional Job Standards

next page

Showing results 1-20

Specimen Processing information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processing in Illinois is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processing jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Specimen Processing jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Specimen Processing jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Specimen Processing jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Specimen Processing jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Specimen Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Specimen Processing job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,314 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Specimen Processing Group Lead

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

Winfield, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $26.24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Job Description

Specimen Processing Group Lead - Winfield, IL, Monday to Friday, Hour vary between 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with rotational weekends

Pay range: $17.50 - $26.24 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.

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!

This positionassists the department supervisors by performing combinations of the following activities: Schedule coordination, general supervision of allSpecimenTechnicians, providing input to supervisors for performance review and disciplinary action. The Group leader typically leads 8 - 12 employees, is involved in process and compliance audits and may be responsible for performing duties listed below. Priority consideration given to internal candidates for this position.

Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrates a proficiency and understanding of all job duties in Specimen Processing department
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem resolution skills; ability towork effectively with the technical departments to resolve problems andgain cooperation asneeded
  • Assists all SPT's in proper test selection and problemresolution
  • Answers and clarifies employee questions (including laboratory personnel) regardingprocessing
  • Provides appropriate feedback to supervisor(s) when problems arise.
  • Completes appropriate shift paperwork, setting up for production,andinsuringthat their staff has cleaned up at the end of the shift
  • Monitors supply inventory, ordering supplies asneeded
  • Repairs and maintains department equipment notifying appropriate personnel when repairs beyond the general scope arerequired
  • Assists in or performing all training, cross training and department auditing functions as assigned by the supervisor(s)
  • Perform all other job duties asassigned
  • In addition to above, the group leader may assist the supervisor(s) in the following:
  • Prioritizing work assignments
  • Monitoring production and activity of all SPT's in orderto meet departmentaldeadlines
  • Coaching for improved performancebyproviding appropriatefeedbackandmaintaining a positive work environment
  • Ensures effective employee utilization through workforce planning to include staffing weekends andholidays
  • Makessuggestions andrecommendations to enhanceworkflow
  • Helpsmanage departmentovertime
  • Ensuresthat all Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and Specimen Processing policies andprocedures are adheredto


Qualifications:

"

Required WorkExperience:

Internalcandidatesminimum of one year in SPT III/related role

Preferred Work Experience:

  • 3yearsexperiencein a laboratory environment with Specimen Processing experience preferred.
  • Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinicallaboratory

Physical and Mental Requirements:

  • Performs multiple tasks simultaneously and with interruptions, physical and mentalstress
  • Works in a biohazard environment and practices good safety habits
  • Able to sit or stand for longperiods

Skills:

  • PC skills including the ability to run reports & useto manageworkflow; real-time thru-put
  • Maintains confidentiality at all times.Will have access to overall employeeperformance, may have knowledge of disciplinary actions up to, and including termination.
  • Demonstrates leadership by example, exhibiting good attendance, good decision making, and keep the team ontask
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that foster a positiveenvironment
  • Demonstrates flexibility andadaptability
  • Drives frequent employee interaction on the floor providing feedback, coaching, andguidance
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills and ability to answer questions withboth internaland external clients
  • Adheres to Quest Diagnostics core values, safety, and compliance policies andprocedures
  • Works under pressure and assists department in maintaining productivity and qualitygoals
  • Ability to diffuse tense situations and applies good judgment when making decisions and resolvingproblems

Education

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (Preferred)


62797
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.

What ExamOne employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom