ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Clinical Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bannerhealth

Clinical Lab Assistant I

Sonora, CA

Lab POSITION SUMMARY This position assists technical lab staff and may be responsible for the ... Previous clinical laboratory experience. * Successful completion of a laboratory assistant program.

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 ...

Prime Healthcare

Lab Assistant - Clinical Lab

Chino, CA · On-site

$24.58/hr

Etc. 12) Assist in Pathology with training and eval. 13) Runner EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. HS Diploma or Equivalent required 2. Minimum 1-year clinical laboratory experience performing ...

St Johns Regional Medical Center

Lab Assistant

Oxnard, CA

$34.24 - $42.78/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Lab Assistant you will support scientific professionals by ... Clinical lab functions are clerical in nature, including, but not limited to such acts as patient ...

CommonSpirit Health

Lab Assistant

Camarillo, CA · On-site

One Mission. One California As our Lab Assistant you will support scientific professionals by ... Clinical lab functions are clerical in nature, including, but not limited to such acts as patient ...

CommonSpirit Health

Lab Assistant

Oxnard, CA · On-site

One Mission. One California As our Lab Assistant you will support scientific professionals by ... Clinical lab functions are clerical in nature, including, but not limited to such acts as patient ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsClinical Lab 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 Aug 19, 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 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.

What do clinical lab assistants do?

Clinical lab assistants support laboratory operations by preparing specimens, maintaining lab equipment, and recording test results. They often work under the supervision of medical technologists or laboratory managers and need attention to detail and basic knowledge of laboratory procedures.
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
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,787 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Clinical Lab Assistant - Pathology

Keck School of Medicine

Irvine, CA • On-site

$21.64 - $26.50/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

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. 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 a substitute for minimum education

Apply