ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Specimen Processor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CommonSpirit Health

Specimen Processor

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Specimen Processor Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the ...

St Josephs Medical Center

Specimen Processor

Stockton, CA · On-site

$31.91 - $36.44/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Specimen Processor, you will help clinical teams accurately process and accession specimens so they can provide precise and meaningful patient results. Every ...

Veracyte

Specimen Processor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Specimen Processor I are knowledgeable in sample integrity issues and are a resource to others in the lab. They maintain flexibility regarding work schedules including daily assignments, holiday ...

Dignity Health

Specimen Processor

Stockton, CA · On-site

$31.91 - $36.44/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Specimen Processor, you will help clinical teams accurately process and accession specimens so they can provide precise and meaningful patient results. Every ...

Veracyte

Specimen Processor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Specimen Processor I are knowledgeable in sample integrity issues and are a resource to others in the lab. They maintain flexibility regarding work schedules including daily assignments, holiday ...

Veracyte

Lead Specimen Processor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

Lead Specimen Processors are knowledgeable in sample integrity issues and are a resource to others in the lab. They maintain flexibility with work schedules including daily assignments, holiday ...

Veracyte

Lead Specimen Processor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

Lead Specimen Processors are knowledgeable in sample integrity issues and are a resource to others in the lab. They maintain flexibility with work schedules including daily assignments, holiday ...

Bannerhealth

Specimen Prep Technician

Sonora, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

As a Specimen Processing Technician on our night shift, you'll be at the critical first step of the testing process - accurately receiving, sorting, and preparing patient specimens so results move ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpecimen Processor JobsSpecimen Processor Jobs in California

Specimen Processor information

See California salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processor in California is $17.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by specimen processors, and how can they be effectively managed?

Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of samples, ensuring accurate labeling, and maintaining strict adherence to safety and quality protocols. Mistakes in processing or labeling can have serious consequences, so attention to detail and effective time management are crucial. Many teams use barcode systems and double-check procedures to minimize errors, and ongoing communication with laboratory staff helps resolve any issues quickly. Being proactive in seeking guidance and staying organized greatly helps new processors adapt and succeed in this fast-paced environment.

What do specimen processors do?

Your duties as a specimen processor, or specimen accessioner, include organizing and cataloging medical specimen sample materials. You typically work in a healthcare laboratory or other clinical setting. Your responsibilities may go beyond receiving and recording patient samples, to storing the samples safely and according to designated processes, and taking any other steps necessary to prepare the samples for analysis by physicians or medical technicians. In some jobs, specimen processors may also collect samples and perform other preparation tasks such as putting blood samples through a centrifuge. These tasks may require additional education and training.

What is a specimen processor?

Specimen processors are healthcare professionals responsible for receiving, sorting, labeling, and preparing biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue samples—for laboratory testing and analysis. They ensure that samples are handled accurately and according to strict protocols to maintain their integrity and prevent contamination. Specimen processors play a crucial role in the diagnostic process by helping ensure that test results are reliable and timely. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic laboratories, collaborating closely with laboratory technicians and other medical staff.

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

To thrive as a Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and specimen tracking software is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and efficient workflow. These skills are vital for maintaining specimen integrity and supporting accurate laboratory results in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen ProcessorLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in specimen handlingHigh school diploma or associate degree; often additional certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, focusing on specimen preparationLaboratory setting, performing tests and analyses
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic facilities
Common Search & ComparisonSpecimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician

While both roles work in laboratory environments, a Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation and labeling, whereas a Laboratory Technician performs testing and analysis. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Specimen Processor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processor jobs in California? The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processor jobs in California? For Specimen Processor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Specimen Processor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Specimen Processor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Specimen Processor jobs? Cities in California with the most Specimen Processor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processor jobs in CA? For Specimen Processor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Specimen Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Specimen Processor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,985 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Specimen Processor

CommonSpirit Health

Stockton, CA • On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Other

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

CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 531 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Specimen Processor

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation's largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 158 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings.

As our Specimen Processor, you will help clinical teams accurately process and accession specimens so they can provide precise and meaningful patient results.

Every day you will meticulously prepare, centrifuge, store, and deliver a high volume of specimens according to strict protocols, ensuring integrity and proper identification. You will be expected to expertly operate various laboratory equipment, meticulously document all actions, and maintain a clear understanding of pre-analytical factors to uphold excellent quality and safety standards.

To be successful in this role you will possess strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, the ability to work independently within a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and compliance with all laboratory regulations.

  • Accurately accession and process all clinical specimens, ensuring correct demographic information, clinical history, and test requests.
  • Prepare and process specimens according to established protocols, including centrifugation, storage, and transport, while maintaining specimen integrity.
  • Perform routine maintenance and calibration of processing equipment, including centrifuges, and troubleshoot any issues.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all specimen handling, accessioning, and distribution, including transport logs.
  • Collaborate effectively with ordering physicians and testing personnel to relay critical information and investigate delinquent reports.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all safety protocols, hazard programs, and regulatory standards, including HIPAA and clinical laboratory laws.

REQUIRED:

  • 2 years experience processing laboratory specimens
  • Medical Terminology Certificate required
  • Valid CA Driver's License
  • Good communication skills. Ability to handle people in diverse situations
  • Intermediate computer skills and keyboard operation

PREFERRED:

  • High School graduate or equivalent
  • AA or AS degree in chemical physical biological or laboratory science

Founded in 1899, Dignity Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center is a 355-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Stockton, California. Serving over 125,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level III NICU, cancer care, heart care, and a family birth center. Additionally, St. Joseph's Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center and was named one of America's 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2026.

What CommonSpirit Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply