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Clinical Lab Associate Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Clinical Lab Associate information

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$11

$28

$49

How much do clinical lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab associate in Hickory, NC is $28.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $37.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical lab associates, and how can they be managed?

Clinical Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining accuracy under time constraints, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. Effective time management, meticulous attention to detail, and consistent communication with team members are crucial in overcoming these hurdles. Many labs provide ongoing training and support to help staff stay current with best practices and emerging technologies, ensuring that associates can deliver reliable results in a fast-paced environment.

What is a clinical lab associate?

Clinical Lab Associates are healthcare professionals who assist in the preparation, processing, and analysis of laboratory specimens. They work under the supervision of laboratory technologists or scientists to ensure tests are conducted accurately and efficiently. Their responsibilities often include specimen collection, data entry, equipment maintenance, and quality control. Clinical Lab Associates play a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring patient health by supporting laboratory operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical lab associate?

A Clinical Lab Associate needs a strong background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, usually supported by a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), automated analyzers, and standard laboratory safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate test results, efficient workflow, and compliance with regulatory standards, which are critical to patient care and laboratory operations.

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

AspectClinical Lab AssociateMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification usually required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, processing, basic testing, data entryPerforming complex tests, analyzing samples, maintaining lab equipment
Industry UsageCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample handlingMore involved in testing procedures and analysis

While both roles support laboratory operations, Clinical Lab Associates typically focus on sample collection and basic processing, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. The choice depends on your education level and desired responsibilities within the lab environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs in Hickory, NC?

The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Lab Associate jobs in Hickory, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Lab Associate jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Clinical Lab Associate jobs?

Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Clinical Lab Associate job openings:

Clinical Lab Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Associate job openings in Hickory, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,737 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Medical Lab Scientist I - Lab Clinical

UNC HEALTH

Lenoir, NC • On-site

$23.24 - $33.41/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.
Summary:
Performs a variety of patient testing and administrative tasks in support of the clinical activities in the UNCHCS.
Responsibilities:
1. Demonstrates entry level technical competencies in producing accurate laboratory test results. Waived/POC/moderate complexity and High complexity CLIA level testing may be performed.
2. Maintains and investigates problems with equipment, test results, specimens, and/or workflow.
3. Demonstrates laboratory knowledge while continuing to work under direction from more experienced team members.
4. May participate on teams or perform special projects/assignments.
5. May serve as a technical resource.
6. Performs quality control, proficiency testing and monitors accuracy and precision of laboratory testing.
7. Prepares reagents and assists in the preparation of standard and control materials.
8. Monitors levels of reagents and assists in maintaining supplies.
9. Participates in teaching and training of new employees.
10. Other duties as assigned.
Other Information
Other information:
Education Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science or Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Biological Science or Associate's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technology
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
• None required
Professional Experience Requirements:
• None required.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
Job Details
Legal Employer: NCHEALTH
Entity: Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Organization Unit: Lab Clinical
Work Type: Per Diem
Standard Hours Per Week: 12.00
Salary Range: $23.24 - $33.41 per hour (Hiring Range)
Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity
Work Assignment Type: Onsite
Work Schedule: Variable
Location of Job: US:NC:Lenoir
Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No
This position is employed by NC Health (Rex Healthcare, Inc., d/b/a NC Health), a private, fully-owned subsidiary of UNC Heath Care System. This is not a State employed position.
Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

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