1

Specimen Processor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Prep Technician

Sonora, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

This position reports to Specimen Processing Supervisor, and takes direction from Senior Specimen Preparation Technicians, and Specimen Preparation Coordinators. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS ...

Specimen Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Basic understanding of computers with a preferred knowledge of laboratory testing and/or laboratory specimen processing. * No experience required but previous laboratory experience preferred.

Specimen Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Basic understanding of computers with a preferred knowledge of laboratory testing and/or laboratory specimen processing. * No experience required but previous laboratory experience preferred.

Specimen Accessioner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Labcorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in San Diego, CA . Work Schedule: 3rd shift starts times will vary as early as 7pm.

Labcorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in Riverside, CA. Work Schedule: 3rd shift starts times will vary as early as 7pm.

Specimen Accessioner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Labcorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in San Diego, CA . Work Schedule: 3rd shift starts times will vary as early as 7pm.

Specimen Accessioner

Riverside, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Labcorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in Riverside, CA. Work Schedule: 3rd shift starts times will vary as early as 7pm.

Specimen Accessioner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Labcorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in San Diego, CA . Work Schedule: 3rd shift starts times will vary as early as 7pm.

Labcorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in Riverside, CA. Work Schedule: 3rd shift starts times will vary as early as 7pm.

Showing results 21-40

Specimen Processor information

See California salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Specimen Processor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,985 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Specimen Processing Trainer

Quest Diagnostics

Trabuco Canyon, CA • On-site

$24.12 - $28.63/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Specimen Processing Trainer

This position is responsible for training all Specimen Preparation Technicians in all phases of Specimen Processing. The Trainer is responsible for providing input to Supervisors regarding the Specimen Preparation Technician's progress and performance and may also conduct process and compliance audits as needed. The Trainer is responsible for training of new hires and existing employees on an on-going basis ensuring they have the opportunity to learn critical skills needed for career progression. This position requires strong training, presentation, facilitation and communications skills. Must also demonstrate the ability to learn and understand the skills and processes that are being taught. The ability to draw from both internal and external resources and knowledge to maximize training effectiveness is required.

Pay range: $24.12 - $28.63 / 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.

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!
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for coordinating and facilitating training for all new employees as well as existing employees
  • Responsible for maintaining a written training program and developing training as needed
  • Maintains all training materials, and might be called upon to answer questions during an inspection
  • Responsible for providing Supervisors with appropriate feedback when problems arise including progress reports on all new employees
  • Adheres to and applies all Quest Diagnostics policies and procedures, including safety and compliance during training sessions
  • Called upon occasionally to attend additional meetings and training sessions as needed by department leadership
  • Maintains confidentiality at all times. Will have access to overall employee and department performance. May have knowledge related to departmental performance that could be detrimental if released to the wrong environment
  • Demonstrates proficiency and understanding of all job duties and SOP's related to the Specimen Processing Department
  • Demonstrates and conveys a thorough understanding of how all the functions in Specimen Processing work together during training session
  • Demonstrates and conveys a thorough understanding of how Specimen Processing impacts the testing laboratory during training sessions
  • Demonstrates and conveys an understanding of the compliance policies related to test ordering, which requires the ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer system and the directory of services
  • Understands and conveys the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received during training sessions
  • Completes all required written documentation, legibly and within the assigned timeframe
  • Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications

Required Work Experience:

Internal candidates must have minimum of one year in PR Tech/Group Leader or related role

Preferred Work Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years Lab experience preferably in production environment
  • Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory or equivalent experience.
  • Training background or equivalent experience preferred
  • Training coursework/certification preferred (i.e. adult learning theory, ASTD, etc.)

Physical and Mental Requirements:

  • Works in a biohazard environment, practicing good safety habits
  • Handles multiple tasks and works in a production environment
  • Able to sit or stand for long periods

Skills:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to convey information and concepts are required
  • PC skills including a working knowledge of MS Office applications.
  • Maintains composure while working with new trainees and experienced employees that are difficult to train
  • Reflects good judgment at all times when determining what action to take when resolving problems
  • Demonstrates strong leadership and interpersonal skills that foster a positive environment
  • Exhibits flexibility and ability to adapt to changes in procedures and the training of those procedures quickly

Education:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.

Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.

About the Team

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