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Sputum Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arkansas Childrens Hospital

RRT II

Little Rock, AR

Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon ... process of breathing. Assumes primary responsibility for respiratory care treatments. Required ...

Arkansas Children's

RRT II

Little Rock, AR · On-site

Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon ... process of breathing. Assumes primary responsibility for respiratory care treatments. Required ...

Nitelines USA, Inc.

Phlebotomist Alderson, WV

Alderson, WV

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... urine, sputum) for the AIC testing requested by a clinician. Collection of specimens will be ... Processing will include, but not be limited to, specimen centrifugation, spin down, mixing ...

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Sputum Processing information

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$34K

$101.7K

$166.5K

How much do sputum processing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for sputum processing in the United States is $101,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sputum Processing vs Microbiologist?

AspectSputum ProcessingMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in lab proceduresBachelor's or higher in microbiology or related field; often advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentClinical laboratories, hospitals, diagnostic labsResearch labs, hospitals, public health agencies
Employer & Industry UsageDiagnostic testing for respiratory diseasesStudying microorganisms, disease research, diagnostics

Sputum Processing involves preparing and analyzing sputum samples to detect respiratory pathogens, focusing on sample handling and basic lab techniques. Microbiologists have a broader role, including studying microorganisms, conducting research, and interpreting complex data. While both roles require lab skills, microbiologists typically have higher education and work on a wider range of microbiological tasks.

What is sputum processing?

Sputum processing refers to the laboratory procedures used to prepare and analyze sputum samples, which are mucus and other matter coughed up from the respiratory tract. This process is crucial for diagnosing respiratory infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other lung diseases. Sputum is collected from the patient, treated with specific chemicals to liquefy and decontaminate it, and then examined under a microscope or cultured to identify pathogens. Proper sputum processing ensures accurate test results and guides appropriate treatment.

What are some common challenges faced in a sputum processing role, and how can they be managed?

A common challenge in sputum processing is ensuring specimen quality while maintaining safety and preventing cross-contamination. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to biosafety protocols, and thorough training in specimen handling are essential strategies to overcome these challenges. Additionally, clear communication with clinical staff helps address issues such as inadequate samples or labeling errors, ensuring accurate diagnostic results and smooth workflow in the laboratory environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sputum Processing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sputum Processing Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, biosafety practices, and a background in microbiology or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, specimen handling protocols, and data entry systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accuracy and collaboration. These competencies ensure reliable diagnostic results, maintain laboratory safety standards, and support efficient workflow in clinical settings.
Infographic showing various Sputum Processing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,733 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Clinical Research Coordinator (Pulmonary)

Clinical Research Coordinator (Pulmonary)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 202 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 875 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University conduct clinical trials and clinical studies to discover new ways to prevent and treat diseases and other health problems. The division of Pulmonary is seeking a Clinical Research Coordinator administratively coordinates clinical protocol implementation, typically for a single study. Will ensure efficient logistical implementation of the study activities and provide administrative support for research-related regulatory issues.
This Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) will be responsible for collection of data on participants who are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis or emphysema, and/or asthma. This position also will provide technical and administrative coordination and support for the lab activities related to the research studies.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Coordinate all activities of a clinical research study to ensure adherence to protocol and validity of findings.
  • Participate in clinical study start-up meetings.
  • Assist research nurses, study coordinators, principal investigators, and other study personnel in executing protocol-related activities.
  • Explain the study background and rationale for the research to potential and current participants
  • Contribute to the development of recruitment strategies for participants for assigned study.
  • Implement a variety of techniques for recruitment as appropriate, e.g., print and web-based advertisements, contact referring physicians, participate in community events, etc.
  • Independently conduct the consenting process or ensure consent is obtained on appropriate participants.
  • Schedule participants for required activities and provide any special instructions prior to upcoming tests/exams.
  • Serve as liaison to study participants.
  • Assist with setup of the data collection system and enter and organize data.
  • Assist in coordinating study meetings.
  • Participate in study meetings and provide updates on protocol implementation status and make recommendations on operational issues.
  • Assist with the preparation of submissions to the Institutional Review Board (IRB)
  • Liaison with IRB on administrative matters and facilitate communications with the PI.
  • Conduct literature searches to provide background information.
  • Obtain and maintain excellent operating knowledge of assigned clinical protocol, clinical equipment, and clinical computer systems.
  • Oversee budget expenditures for study operations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above
  • Perform blood and urine processing techniques including centrifugation, plasma/serum pipetting and RBC-depleted cell lysate creation.
  • Perform sputum processing including cell solubilization, hemacytomoter use, live/dead cell count and cytospin slide creation
  • Operate basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, pH meter, analytical balance, incubator, scintillation counter, spectrophotometer, light and confocal microscope, and utilize laminar flow hood.
  • Anticipate purchasing needs of the lab, order supplies and research devices as needed or requested using the SAP ordering system and maintain appropriate records for all purchases.
  • Create/edit laboratory protocols and forms providing expertise in the revision of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) for multiple COPD and asthma studies.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; database and spreadsheet knowledge.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Related undergraduate or work experience in human subjects research.
  • Certified Medical Assistant
  • Phlebotomy, experience using EPIC, SAP, RedCap, OpenSpecimen.

Classified Title: Clinical Research Coordinator
Role/Level/Range: ACRO37.5/03/CD
Starting Salary Range: $17.20 - $30.30 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:30 -5pm
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview
Department name: SOM DOM Pulmonary
Personnel area: School of Medicine

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