ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Clinical Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apidel Technologies

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas, CA

Description: A Lab Assistant will be working in a high volume, production based environment ... Receive and sort clinical lab specimens. Prepare specimens for testing and analysis Scan and/or ...

Apidel Technologies

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas, CA

A Lab Assistant will be working in a high volume, production based environment performing a vital ... Receive and sort clinical lab specimens. Prepare specimens for testing and analysis Scan and/or ...

Apidel Technologies

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas, CA

A Lab Assistant will be working in a high volume, production-based environment performing a vital ... Label and sort clinical lab specimens. Prepare specimens for testing and analysis Scan and/or data ...

Prime Healthcare

Lab Assistant - Clinical Lab

Chino, CA · On-site

$21 - $27.56/hr

Etc. 12) Assist in Pathology with training and eval. 13) Runner Education and Work Experience * HS Diploma or Equivalent required. * Minimum 1-year clinical laboratory experience performing similar ...

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA

$50/hr

Position Information Position Title General Lab Assistant Position Type Temporary Job Number ... Follows the course clinical performance guidelines to assess student performance. c. Monitors ...

Actalent

Clinical Lab Scientist

Irvine, CA

Job Title: Clinical Lab Scientist This role provides hands-on clinical laboratory support in a small, growing molecular diagnostic environment. The Clinical Lab Scientist performs manual and ...

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$50/hr

Posting Details Position Information Position Title General Lab Assistant Position Type Temporary ... Follows the course clinical performance guidelines to assess student performance. c. Monitors ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsClinical Lab Assistant JobsClinical Lab Assistant Jobs in California

Clinical Lab Assistant information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$69

How much do clinical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab assistant in California is $25.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Clinical Lab Assistant?

A clinical lab assistant works in a medical lab, helping senior researchers to assess, analyze, and discover diseases and other medical issues. The duties of these technicians include inspecting specimens and running routine and specialized tests. They also maintain records, which are used to make reports to doctors or patients. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in biology, medical sciences, or a related field, as well as experience or training in a lab setting. Depending on state laws, clinical lab assistants may need certification. Other skills include attention to detail and strong written and verbal communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Lab Assistant, you need a strong background in biology or medical laboratory technology, attention to detail, and typically a certificate or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen processing equipment, and adherence to safety protocols is essential. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in a fast-paced, accuracy-driven environment. These skills ensure precise sample handling, reliable test results, and smooth laboratory operations, which are critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What are some common challenges faced by Clinical Lab Assistants, and how can they be managed?

Clinical Lab Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail is critical, especially when handling multiple samples and processing tests under time constraints. Managing workload efficiently and maintaining accurate records are essential to avoid errors. Communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare professionals is also key, as it ensures smooth workflow and timely delivery of results. Staying organized, following strict protocols, and proactively seeking clarification when uncertain can help manage these challenges effectively.

What are Clinical Lab Assistants?

Clinical Lab Assistants are healthcare professionals who support laboratory operations by preparing specimens, conducting basic tests, managing laboratory equipment, and maintaining records. They work under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists or scientists to ensure that lab results are accurate and samples are handled properly. Their role is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as they help provide critical data for patient care.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CertificationsNone required, but certification can enhance prospectsCertification often preferred or required (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with specimen collection, prepare samples, maintain lab equipmentPerform tests, analyze samples, record results
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalentPost-secondary education (associate degree)

While both roles support laboratory operations, Clinical Lab Assistants mainly assist with specimen handling and preparation, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed testing and analysis. The roles often overlap in work environment and required credentials, but Medical Laboratory Technicians typically have more advanced training and responsibilities.

More about Clinical Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in California? For Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Clinical Lab Assistant job openings:
Clinical Lab Assistant jobs near you
Clinical Lab Assistant

Clinical Lab Assistant

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$21.64 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The full-time Clinical Lab Assistant will support technical laboratory personnel in day-to-day operations of the Cytopathology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
The incumbent will:
  • Prepare simple and complex reagents or media under direct supervision.
  • Receive, accession and triage patient specimens, blocks and slides.
  • Process GYN ThinPrep PAP specimens.
  • Accession non-GYN cases and process non-GYN specimens.
  • Monitor incoming phone inquiries and requests.
  • Identify and separate specimens to be referred to outside laboratories or analyzed by other USC laboratories.
  • Handle and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.
  • Maintain and organize laboratory supplies. Monitor inventory levels.

The Keck School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is one of the largest pathology departments in the United States. The Department aims to shape the future of pathology as it will be practiced in community hospitals, academic medical centers and clinical laboratories throughout the country. The Department is growing very rapidly and there is great opportunity for advancement in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratories.
The University offers a competitive salary package.
Shift: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Hourly range:
The hourly rate range for this position is $21.64 - $26.50 DOE. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education: Related undergraduate study, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 0 - 6 months
Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience as a laboratory assistant in a clinical lab.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$146315.htmld

What University Of Southern California employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Southern California logo

About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880

View All University of Southern California Jobs

Apply