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Clinical Laboratory Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Clinical Laboratory Associate information

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$55

How much do clinical laboratory associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical laboratory associate in the United States is $31.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $41.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectClinical Laboratory AssociateMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs; routine specimen processingHospitals, diagnostic labs; performing tests and analyzing samples
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in healthcare settings for specimen handlingStandard role in medical labs performing testing and analysis
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles in labsMore technical testing responsibilities

The Clinical Laboratory Associate typically handles specimen collection and processing with minimal technical testing, while the Medical Laboratory Technician performs more complex laboratory tests and analyses. Both roles are essential in healthcare labs, but the technician usually requires specialized training and certification.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

A Clinical Laboratory Associate or lab assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often working in hospital or diagnostic laboratory settings.

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

To thrive as a Clinical Laboratory Associate, you need a solid background in biology or medical laboratory science, often with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and relevant laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen processing equipment, and adherence to regulatory standards like CLIA is essential. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for handling samples and collaborating with healthcare teams. These abilities ensure accurate test results, maintain lab efficiency, and support patient care quality.

Who gets paid more, MLT or MLS?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) typically earn less than Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) because MLS roles usually require a bachelor's degree and more advanced training. MLS professionals often have higher salaries due to their greater responsibilities, education, and certification requirements in clinical laboratories.

Where do CLS get paid the most?

Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong healthcare industries, such as major metropolitan areas. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the specific employer, with some states offering higher pay due to demand for laboratory professionals.

What are some common challenges Clinical Laboratory Associates face in handling high sample volumes, and how can they effectively manage them?

Clinical Laboratory Associates often encounter periods of high sample volume, especially during peak testing times or public health events. This can present challenges in maintaining accuracy and meeting turnaround times. To manage these challenges, associates rely on strong organizational skills, adherence to standardized protocols, and effective communication with colleagues and supervisors. Utilizing laboratory information systems and staying proactive with workload prioritization also helps ensure that quality and efficiency are maintained even during the busiest shifts.

What is a clinical lab associate?

A clinical lab associate is a healthcare professional responsible for performing laboratory tests on patient samples to assist in diagnosis and treatment. They typically handle specimen collection, processing, and analysis using various laboratory equipment, often working under supervision and following strict safety protocols.

What are Clinical Laboratory Associates?

Clinical Laboratory Associates are professionals who support laboratory operations by preparing specimens, performing basic laboratory tests, and ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory processes. They work under the supervision of laboratory technologists or managers and play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by managing sample processing, data entry, and equipment maintenance. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining laboratory inventory and adhering to safety protocols to ensure a sterile and organized work environment.
More about Clinical Laboratory Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Clinical Laboratory Associate jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Laboratory Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Laboratory jobs? The most popular types of Clinical Laboratory jobs are:
What states have the most Clinical Laboratory Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Clinical Laboratory Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Clinical Laboratory Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,604 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Clinical Laboratory Associate

Clinical Laboratory Associate

Guardant Health

Redwood City, CA

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on guarding wellness and giving every person more time free from cancer. Founded in 2012, Guardant is transforming patient care and accelerating new cancer therapies by providing critical insights into what drives disease through its advanced blood and tissue tests, real-world data and AI analytics. Guardant tests help improve outcomes across all stages of care, including screening to find cancer early, monitoring for recurrence in early-stage cancer, and treatment selection for patients with advanced cancer. For more information, visitguardanthealth.comand follow the company onLinkedIn,X (Twitter)andFacebook.

Position Summary:

The Clinical Laboratory Associate (CLA) is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the Reagent Quality Control Clinical Laboratory and assisting the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) during testing. In addition to the primary role of CLA, there may be a need to provide back-up support to other groups. The nature of the work requires excellent attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, the ability to multitask and be flexible with tasks and schedules, and the ability to work independently in a team environment in both our Palo Alto and Redwood City locations, depending on the direction of management on a day to day schedule. This is an ONSITE FT position at our Redwood City/ Palo Alto, CA location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

In accordance with California Business and Professions Code BPC 1269, the following activities may be performed under the supervision of the laboratory director or appropriately licensed personnel:

Sample collection or receipt, sample preparation, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, assay processing or preparation, and/or transportation and storage of samples;

Assist the CLSs in a licensed clinical laboratory in performing sample processing;

Assist the CLSs during automated methods of patient testing;

Perform routine equipment maintenance according to the laboratory's standard operating procedures;

Create sample batches, print labels and label tubes and plates;

Assist licensed testing personnel in troubleshooting activities;

Prepare and store reagents for sample processing and sample archiving;

Order and stock laboratory supplies;

Print and file of laboratory records;

In the case of qualitative and semi-quantitative tests, the unlicensed personnel may add the test reagent to the specimen or vice versa, but the results must be read by the laboratory director or appropriately licensed personnel.

Check, monitor and resolve routine cold storage temperature and laboratory temperature and initiate a service request as necessary;

Perform general laboratory tasks include cleaning of racks, laboratory equipment and benches;

Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications;

Assist with internal audits and inspection preparation,

Ensure calibration of laboratory equipment is scheduled and performed on time;

Ensure laboratory equipment is properly labeled;

Write and revise standard operating procedures under supervisor instruction, as needed;

Perform other duties as assigned; and

Report all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Laboratory Supervisor, Laboratory Director or Safety Officer. The following duties may NOT be performed by unlicensed personnel:

Perform any test or part thereof that involves the quantitative measurement of the specimen, or test reagent, or any mathematical calculation to determine the results or the validity of a test procedure;

Perform any phase of clinical laboratory testing or examinations in the specialty of immunohematology beyond the initial collection and centrifugation;

When any of the following mechanical or electronic instruments are employed, unlicensed personnel shall not perform any of the following activities:

o Standardization or calibration of instruments or assessment of instrument performance by monitoring results of standards and controls; and

o Recording of test results (but may transcribe results that have been previously recorded, either manually by licensed personnel or automatically by a testing instrument)

o Quantitatively measuring any sample or reagents unless done automatically by the instrument during its normal operation or by using previously calibrated and approved automatic syringes or other dispensers.

Qualifications:

Minimum of Associate degree or equivalent required;

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science or related field preferred;

Guardant Health Clinical Laboratory experience or equivalent high complexity and volume laboratory experience preferred;

Previous laboratory work experience preferred, with skills including (but not limited to) proper specimen collection or retrieval, patient preparation, labeling, handling, assay assist or assay preparation, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, and/or transportation and storage of specimens.

Ability in giving and receiving constructive feedback, fostering open communication and continuous improvement;

Demonstrates strong practical reasoning and sound judgment;

Skilled in making informed and effective decisions;

Exhibits attention to detail and a strong commitment to precision in all tasks;

Strong computing skills;

Knowledge of Good documentation practices;

Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage, quality control policies, and factors that influence test results;

Strong communicator with ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers;

Able to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner; and

Ability to work as part of a team. Work Environment:

Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs;

Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary;

May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation; Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary; and

Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be necessary. Delegated Duties and

Responsibilities:

Refer to assigned Delegation of Responsibilities Form Approvals: This job description is used as a guideline for major duties. The company reserves the right to change or assign additional duties as needed.


AI & Digital Fluency

  • Demonstrate curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to critically evaluate and responsibly leverage AI-enabled tools in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of work.


Hybrid Work Model: This section is applicable to onsite employees who are eligible for hybrid work location as specified by management and related policies. Guardant has defined days for in-person/onsite collaboration and work-from-home days for individual-focused time. All U.S. employees who live within 50 miles of a Guardant facility will be required to be onsite on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. We have found aligning our scheduled in-office days allows our teams to do the best work and creates the focused thinking time our innovative work requires. At Guardant, our work model has created flexibility for better work-life balance while keeping teams connected to advance our science for our patients.

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. This range does not include benefits or, if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity. Each candidate's compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, education, job-related skills, job duties, and business need. Primary Location: Redwood City, CA Primary Location Base Pay Range: $38 - $52 Other US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $32 - $44 If the role is performed in Colorado, the pay range for this job is: $34 - $47


Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use office equipment.Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment.Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

Guardant Health is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our hiring processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, mental health conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need support, please reach out toPeopleteam@guardanthealth.com

A background screening including criminal history is required for this role. GH will consider qualified applicants with criminal arrest or conviction histories in a manner consistent with applicable law including but not limited to the LA County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).

Guardant Health 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
To learn more about the information collected when you apply for a position at Guardant Health, Inc. and how it is used, please review ourPrivacy Notice for Job Applicants.

Please visit our career page at:http://www.guardanthealth.com/jobs/