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Specimen Processor Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Collector- 1590

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Process and package collections for shipping * Serve as an intermediary between the practice ... Resolve specimen concerns with billing or patient information in ordering portal * Order and ...

Specimen Collector -1535

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$19 - $21.75/hr

Process and package collections for shipping * Serve as an intermediary between the practice ... Resolve specimen concerns with billing or patient information in ordering portal * Order and ...

Specimen Collector - 1592

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Process and package collections for shipping * Serve as an intermediary between the practice ... Resolve specimen concerns with billing or patient information in ordering portal * Order and ...

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Specimen Processor information

See Kent, WA salary details

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How much do specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processor in Kent, WA is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $20.62 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 popular job titles related to Specimen Processor jobs in Kent, WA? For Specimen Processor jobs in Kent, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Specimen Processor jobs in Kent, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Specimen Processor jobs in Kent, WA are:
What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Kent, WA with the most Specimen Processor job openings:
Infographic showing various Specimen Processor job openings in Kent, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,305 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Clinical Research Specimen Processing Specialist I

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Seattle, WA • On-site

$29.77 - $42.39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.
With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.
At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.
The Clinical Research Specialist I is responsible for supporting the needs of clinical investigators at Fred Hutch as users of the Clinical Research Specimen Processing shared resource (CRSP). The Clinical Research Specialist will support scientific research by handling and processing clinical research specimens in accordance with standard operating procedures while maintaining strict chain of custody. The Specialist will operate and maintain lab instrumentation, record and track specimen data, perform calculations, and prepare charts, graphs and summaries. This is an entry level position within CRSP with substantial room for growth.
At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect.
Responsibilities
  • Research Support: Works under the direction of the Supervisor or higher-level laboratory personnel. Uses limited discretion and judgment in processing clinical research blood and tissue specimens according to SOPs and study-prescribed laboratory manuals. Support lab supply ordering and maintenance of appropriate levels of supply stocking.
  • Bench work duties: Performs bench work as assigned. Processing clinical research specimens (e.g., blood tissue, urine, etc.) for fractionation and preservation (e.g., plasma/serum, PBMC, slides, etc). Shipping processed specimens to central labs and collaborators. Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents, stocks.
  • Research development: Establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with lab members and resource users in daily CRPL operation and service needs.
  • Equipment Oversight: Perform basic equipment operation and maintenance or coordinate with senior staff to complete maintenance on equipment and software.
  • Training and Education: Assist in developing and modifying lab protocols, training materials, and specimen handling guidelines for investigators. May supervise work-study students, interns and lab aides.
  • Administrative tasks: Maintain laboratory records and compile data on experiments and assays.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Required: bachelor's degree Field of Education: Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field.
  • Work Experience can be substituted for education: 2-3 years of work experience in a related field or clinical research processing, in addition to school lab experience is usually necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new protocols and techniques;
  • Ability to learn and operate all specimen processing equipment in accordance with biosafety standards.
  • Strong communication skills and organizational skills;
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team-oriented environment;
  • Experience with MS Office suite of applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, One Drive, etc);
  • Capable of accurate record keeping and data entry.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $29.77 to $42.39 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.
Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).
Additional Information
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.