Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III)
How this pay compares
This posting states $20.86 an hour. Laboratory assistants employed in Tennessee earn a median of $29.84 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
Laboratory assistants in Tennessee: pay by town and employer
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Lab tech and phlebotomist jobs in our research
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- Applicant demand per open job on this site (1.00x is the average job): Index 1.83x · Clicks 59
- How often these jobs state their pay: Jobs stating any pay 49.9% · Stating an hourly rate 41.7%
From every open job we read and every apply click on this site, as of 11 Nov 2026. Every figure for Lab tech and phlebotomist jobs
About the job
Job Description
Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) - Cleveland, TN, Monday to Thursday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM
Pay range: $20.86+ per hour
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 has mastered all duties of the Specimen Processing Technician II. Work is highly self-directed, and role may include additional responsibilities such as client communications, internal training and problem solving related to special accounts and compliance. This individual will have completed the necessary training consistent with local business practices for Specimen Processing. Strong proficiency is required in test ordering policy and specimen requirements related to test ordering as well as accuracy and production standards. This position will be more involved in complex processing including but not limited to: Microbiology processing, Frozen splits, Send outs, Cytology processing, irreplaceable specimens (spinal fluid, bone marrow, etc.); Special handling; allergies; serial; pediatric specimens.
Responsibilities
- Demonstrates proficiency in responsibilities of the SPT II and understanding of all job duties and SOP’s related to the Specimen Processing department
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding available resources to fill in for any function within the Specimen Processing department as necessary
- Demonstrates a thorough understanding of how Specimen Processing impacts the testing laboratory
- Identifies problems and in some cases, may resolve issues with specimen types such as missing information etc.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the compliance policies related to test ordering, which requires developing the ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer systems, and the directory of services
- Understands the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received
- Completes all required documentation, legibly and within the assigned timeframe
- Meets standards for production and accuracy within 3 months
- Validates and verifies orders for other employees
- May assist in training employees in any Specimen Processing job function and may provide ongoing training
- Adheres to all Quest Diagnostics policies and procedures, including Safety and Compliance
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
'
Required Work Experience
Internal candidates must have a minimum of 9 months experience and be meeting all performance standards in the SPT II role
Preferred Work Experience
- Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory
- Previous experience in a production environment preferred
Physical and Mental Requirements
- Position requires data background with abilities to enter 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes/hour
- Works in a biohazard environment, practicing good safety habits
- Able to sit or stand for long periods
- Handles multiple tasks simultaneously and works in a production environment
Skills
- PC skills in MS office applications
- Communicates effectively with all levels of internal and external staff
- Maintains composure while working under pressure
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that fosters a positive attitude at all times
- Demonstrates flexibility and is able to adapt to changes in work assignments
- Demonstrates strong leadership and ability to resolve complex Specimen Processing related questions/issues
Education
- High School Diploma or Equivalent (Preferred)
Pursuant to code CA BPC 1269 under CLIA, any lab releasing results for California work must have at least a High School Diploma or equivalent.
73508
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.
From Quest Diagnostics's job posting, checked 13 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is a diagnostic testing company headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, with nearly 60,000 (source: Quest Diagnostics, About Quest Diagnostics (PR Newswire release, Oct 1, 2026)) employees, about 2,400 (source: Quest Diagnostics, Form 10-K for 2025 (SEC)) patient service centers and clinical laboratories across the United States, serving about half of U.S. physicians and hospitals each year. Sources: Quest Diagnostics, Form 10-K for 2025 (SEC); Quest Diagnostics, About Quest Diagnostics (PR Newswire release, Oct 1, 2026)
Based in Secaucus, NJHires in 33 statesPay on its listings: 79.2% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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