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Specimen Processor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NeoGenomics

Specimen Shipping Specialist I

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Remains informed of all procedure changes pertaining to sample processing * Performs quality ... Follow Department's procedures including specimen routing and handling. Recognize and take ...

TEAM Companies

Specimen Collector - Fremont

Fremont, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.75/hr

SPECIMEN COLLECTOR POSITION SUMMARY This position is responsible for collecting specimens for testing including urine, hair, saliva, and breath alcohol tests for TEAM customers located at the ...

TEAM Companies

Specimen Collector - Fremont

Fremont, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

SPECIMEN COLLECTOR POSITION SUMMARY   This position is responsible for collecting specimens for testing including urine, hair, saliva, and breath alcohol tests for TEAM customers located at the ...

TEAM Companies

Specimen Collector - Fremont

Fremont, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.75/hr

SPECIMEN COLLECTOR POSITION SUMMARY This position is responsible for collecting specimens for testing including urine, hair, saliva, and breath alcohol tests for TEAM customers located at the ...

Actalent

Tissue Technician

Riverside, CA

$52K - $72K/yr

Ensure proper specimen accessioning and labeling of all tissue samples, handling 100+ cases daily with a high degree of accuracy. * Process paperwork related to accessioning and reporting ...

Actalent

Tissue Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$50K - $69K/yr

Ensure proper specimen accessioning and labeling of all tissue samples, handling 100+ cases daily with a high degree of accuracy. * Process paperwork related to accessioning and reporting ...

Staff Icons

Accessioning Lab Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Monday-Friday | 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM Employment Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt We are seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician - Accessioning to support daily specimen processing and accessioning ...

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Specimen Processor information

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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.

Problem Resolution Specimen Coordinator

Quest Diagnostics

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description


Problem Resolution Specimen Coordinator - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Sunday to Thursday, 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Pay range: $28.64 - $31.96 / 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 position assists department management and is responsible for conducting audits of all Specimen Processing processes to ensure the department maintains high standards in quality and compliance. Audits that could be performed by the Advanced Problem Resolution Coordinator may include Department and individual compliance audits, error tracking, etc. The position also functions proactively in a problem resolution capacity and works to identify and solve issues in regard to processing and testing laboratory specimens. Collaborates with various departments including, but not limited to Specimen Processing, Referral Testing, and Technical departments to research and resolve issues, expedite specimen testing and result reporting.
Responsibilities
  • All duties included in the Problem Resolution Technician job description with the clear objective and focus of preventing reoccurring issues.
  • Maintains confidentiality at all times. Will have access to overall employee and department performance. May have knowledge of disciplinary actions up to, and including termination. May have knowledge related to departmental performance that could be detrimental if released to the wrong environment
  • Demonstrates a good understanding of job duties and SOP's related to Specimen Processing in a production setting
  • Demonstrates and conveys an understanding of the compliance policies relating to test ordering, test reporting, add-on tests, TNP's, reflex tests, and custom panels
  • Conducts all regularly scheduled departmental audits and others as requested
  • Conducts audits comparing the requisition demographics and test information to the information that was entered into the laboratory information system during the data entry process
  • Identifies and documents any defects in the data entry process, using department defect definitions as a guide
  • Generates daily reports on quality to department supervisors
  • Maintains and reports department quality data to include compliance audits and Best Practice Team reports
  • Researches, responds, records, and submits additional errors regarding department quality to the department supervisor or manager as needed
  • Provides appropriate feedback to supervisors and managers when problems arise
  • Demonstrates ability to interpret specimen flow/tracking data utilizing all available reports and resources (e.g. specimen logs, work lists, management reports, laboratory information systems, front-end automation, testing instrumentation, etc.)
  • Understanding of QC electronic issues; ability to collaborate with IT & Sales on interfaces & technical issues
  • Manages projects as assigned that drive quality metrics
  • Performs audit of EMR requisitions to include: Pulls reports indicating failed EMRs and logs tickets for frequent offenders and follows up to ensure successful transmission of orders; Identifies discrepancies within EMR requisitions, such as test code or other data, logs ticket and follows up to ensure the quality of received orders
  • Client interfacing role requiring strong communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills

Qualifications
Required Work Experience:
Internal candidates must have a minimum of one year in Problem Resolution Tech/Group Leader or related role
Preferred Work Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years Lab experience preferably in a production environment
  • Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory
  • Previous data/analytics experience

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

Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills required
  • Maintains composure while working under pressure
  • Reflects good judgment at all times when determining what action to take when resolving problems
  • Adheres to Quest Diagnostics core values, safety, and compliance policies and procedures
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that foster a positive environment
  • Demonstrates flexibility and be able to change.
  • PC skills in Excel and Word applications with the ability to extract and analyze data

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.

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