What is a laboratory courier and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
introduction image

A laboratory courier is a special type of delivery service officer that specializes in the delivery of laboratory equipment, samples, and specimens. They pick up medical deliveries, which may sometimes include sensitive, biohazardous, or delicate materials, package them, and ensures that they are delivered safely and on schedule at the laboratory or medical facility where they are needed. They may also deliver laboratory documents and may be required to keep track of inventory and supplies. A medical courier is also in charge of the maintenance of the vehicle used for pickup and delivery and works to keep it in ideal conditions at all times.

The qualifications for the role of a lab courier are quite basic. All that's required in many cases is a high school diploma or GED and a driver's license. Additional skills needed for this role include great customer service skills and the ability to work unsupervised and handle delicate materials. A sense of timeliness and responsibility is needed for this position as well. Being a good driver is also a primary requirement. The average annual salary for this role is $30,000

ScoreLaboratory CourierUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,363

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.2

Growth Rate -5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.60%

Asian 6.16%

Black or African American 13.25%

Hispanic or Latino 19.42%

Unknown 5.75%

White 54.81%

Gender

female 46.41%

male 53.59%

Age - 37
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37
Stress Level
7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.1

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Laboratory Courier career paths

Key steps to become a laboratory courier

  1. Explore laboratory courier education requirements

    Most common laboratory courier degrees

    Bachelor's

    34.9 %

    High School Diploma

    29.5 %

    Associate

    22.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific laboratory courier skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Hospital Lab17.59%
    Cell Phones13.29%
    Stat12.74%
    OSHA10.98%
    Specimen Handling10.71%
  3. Complete relevant laboratory courier training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New laboratory couriers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a laboratory courier based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laboratory courier resumes.
  4. Research laboratory courier duties and responsibilities

    • Well verse with medical terminology associate with lab testing and phlebotomy.
    • Perform electronic patient registration, test ordering, and processing of microbiology specimens.
    • Use of micro-pipettors, scales and centrifuges.
    • Pick up and deliver bank documents, mail and packages on company time routes.
  5. Prepare your laboratory courier resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your laboratory courier resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a laboratory courier resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Laboratory Courier Resume templates

    Build a professional Laboratory Courier resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Laboratory Courier resume.
    Laboratory Courier Resume
    Laboratory Courier Resume
    Laboratory Courier Resume
    Laboratory Courier Resume
    Laboratory Courier Resume
    Laboratory Courier Resume
    Laboratory Courier Resume
    Laboratory Courier Resume
    Laboratory Courier Resume
  6. Apply for laboratory courier jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a laboratory courier job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Laboratory Courier Job

Zippi

Are you a Laboratory Courier?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average laboratory courier salary

The average Laboratory Courier salary in the United States is $44,363 per year or $21 per hour. Laboratory courier salaries range between $31,000 and $63,000 per year.

Average Laboratory Courier Salary
$44,363 Yearly
$21.33 hourly

What Am I Worth?

Loading...
Loading...
salary-calculator

How do laboratory couriers rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Laboratory Courier reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2022
Pros

I get to be on the road. I also enjoy having to pick up at different locations.

Cons

Gas prices


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Knowing that I am helping people

Cons

There is nothing that I do Not like.I have a lot of experience,and should I be hired by someone as a courier driver,I would do my very best and more.


Working as a Laboratory Courier? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse office and administrative jobs