1

Specimen Processor Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Specimen Processor information

See Austin, TX salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processor in Austin, TX is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a specimen processor a good job?

A specimen processor is a healthcare support role responsible for preparing and handling biological samples in laboratories. It offers steady employment, typically requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols, and may involve shift work. Job satisfaction depends on individual interests in laboratory work and healthcare environments.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A specimen processor typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles in fields like sales, real estate, or certain skilled trades can reach that level without a degree, but they often require significant skill, effort, and sometimes licensing. Most laboratory or processing jobs pay less than this amount annually without advanced qualifications.

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.

How to become a specimen processor?

To become a specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must undergo on-the-job training to learn proper specimen handling, labeling, and processing procedures. Some employers prefer candidates with basic knowledge of laboratory safety and familiarity with medical terminology or laboratory equipment. Certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects and demonstrate competence in specimen processing tasks.

What are specimen processors?

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 does a specimen processor do?

A specimen processor prepares biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for testing by labeling, sorting, and ensuring proper storage. They operate laboratory equipment, follow safety protocols, and maintain accurate records to support diagnostic testing and analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Specimen Processor, and why are they important?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX? For Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Specimen Processor job openings:
Laboratory Assistant PRN

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


St. David's HealthCare rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 871 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Do you have the PRN career opportunities as a(an) Laboratory Assistant PRN you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join St. David's South Austin Medical Center which is part of the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare.

Job Summary and Qualifications

As a Laboratory Assistant, you will perform various functions in the laboratory of a technical or clerical nature. You will be responsible for phlebotomy, specimen processing, specimen plating in microbiology, histology assistance, preparing specimens for referral to other laboratories, and reporting and document filing.  


  •  You will perform venipuncture and capillary collection appropriate to specific age groups 
  • You will collect, process, and transport specimens  
  • You will identify proper tubes, containers, transport media, and storage temperature for each test type 
  • You will ensure positive identification of each patient and respective samples  
  • You will keep collection trays and outpatient collection area neat and well stocked 
  • You will perform specimen processing for various sub departments  
  • You will assist in microbiology, including plating cultures, setting up antigen detection assays, quality control, and maintenance checks
  • You will assist in histology, including performing basic procedures, performing routine maintenance, and assisting in tracking specimens 
  • You will answer phones, relay messages, and transfer patient test results  
  • You will distribute reports to Health Information Management, physicians, and clients 
  • You will maintain records of standing orders for outpatients
What qualifications you will need:
  • 1 year of experience performing hospital phlebotomy
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent  
  • Formal phlebotomy training from an accredited program – preferred  
Benefits

St. David's South Austin Medical Center, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include some or all of the following:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location and position. 

St. David's South Austin Medical Center, is a 368‑bed acute care hospital within St. David’s HealthCare, offering comprehensive specialty and sub‑specialty services. Key programs include a nationally accredited oncology program featuring the region’s only adult Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program; a Level II trauma center; advanced cardiac, stroke, and orthopedic services; full‑service maternity and newborn care; and four community emergency centers in Bee Cave and Bastrop.


The facility is affiliated with the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery, providing advanced robotic capabilities for orthopedics, open heart and lung procedures, complex GI surgery, surgical oncology, general and colorectal surgery, and urology. It was also among the first hospitals in Central Texas to integrate CT imaging with robotics for early lung cancer detection.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.

"Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital. People do."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Laboratory Assistant PRN opening. We review all applications. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status


What St. David's HealthCare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom