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Lab Assistant Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Services

Food Lab Kitchen Assistant

Motley, MN

$20 - $24/hr

We are hiring a Food Lab Kitchen Assistant to support their product development team in Motley, MN! This is an immediate opening with a contract length of six to nine months. This role is a great fit ...

Kelly Services

Food Lab Kitchen Assistant

Motley, MN

$20 - $24/hr

We are hiring a Food Lab Kitchen Assistant to support their product development team in Motley, MN! This is an immediate opening with a contract length of six to nine months. This role is a great fit ...

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All JobsLab Assistant JobsLab Assistant Jobs in Brainerd, MN

Lab Assistant information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Brainerd, MN is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate proactively with supervisors and colleagues, and remain attentive to details when handling samples or preparing equipment. Many labs offer training on safety and procedures, so taking advantage of these resources can help new hires adapt quickly and perform confidently in their roles.

What are lab assistants?

Lab assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, or instructors by preparing laboratory equipment, conducting routine experiments, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. They may also be responsible for recording data, managing supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. Lab assistants work in various settings, including educational institutions, research facilities, hospitals, and private laboratories.

What Is a Lab Assistant?

As a laboratory assistant or lab technician, you are responsible for helping scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory environment. You may be asked to prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment and log readings and results. Your responsibilities may also include performing basic analyses of samples and recording results accurately. Your responsibilities will vary based on the type of lab you work in, but compliance with protocols and commitment to safety and accuracy are critical in any lab.

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

To thrive as a Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and often an associate degree or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and proper sample handling techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain lab safety standards, and support smooth laboratory operations.

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

AspectLab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with sample collection, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and research settingsPrimarily in medical diagnostics and healthcare

While both roles support laboratory operations, Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more advanced testing and require specialized education. Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support lab staff, making them entry-level positions in healthcare labs.

More about Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Brainerd, MN? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Brainerd, MN are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Brainerd, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Brainerd, MN are:
What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Brainerd, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,204 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Medical Laboratory Assistant - Outreach

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Outreach

Essentia Health

Brainerd, MN • On-site

$17.63 - $26.45/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Essentia Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 205 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 872 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Building Location:
St Josephs Medical Center
Department:
4002010 GENERAL LAB - SJMC
Job Description:
The Medical Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing tasks to support pre-analytical and post-analytical functions within Essentia Health Laboratories.
The MLA will promote patient safety while performing specimen collection and processing.
This position will also perform waived lab testing following standards of accreditation agencies and state licensure requirements.
The Outreach MLA position provides phlebotomy and laboratory services through offsite specimen collection.
This service supports community clients whose residents are unable to travel to a clinic, including non Essentia Health hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care settings.
This Outreach MLA position will be used to cover shifts at Outreach locations, SJMC, and Clinics.
This shift will be days and evenings, no weekends, but holidays are included.
Education Qualifications:
Key Responsibilities:
  • Collects specimens through venipuncture or capillary skin puncture and other miscellaneous specimens (Urine, swabs, etc.)
  • Performs specimen processing and handling according to testing requirements to support clinical laboratory testing
  • Performs laboratory testing, when applicable, per accreditation and licensure requirements
  • Participates in training of new employees, students, and other personnel as appropriate
  • Follows Essentia Health rules and policies while handling specimens and equipment to ensure safety and quality

Educational Requirements:
  • Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program

OR
  • Completes an internal Medical Laboratory Assistant training program within 1 year of hire

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Phlebotomy or Medical Laboratory Assistant American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification
  • Recent specimen preparation and processing experience
  • Possession of a valid motor vehicle operators' license
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and basic computer skills

Licensure/Certification Qualifications:
FTE:
0.6
Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:
Shift Rotation:
Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America)
Shift Start Time:
Day/Eve Rotation
Shift End Time:
Day/Eve Rotation
Weekends:
No
Holidays:
Yes
Call Obligation:
No
Union:
Union Posting Deadline:
Compensation Range:
$17.63 - $26.45
Employee Benefits at Essentia Health:At Essentia Health, we're committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.

What Essentia Health employees say

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About Essentia Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Essentia Health combines the strengths and talents of 13,500 employees, including 3,500 registered nurses & licensed practical nurses, who serve our patients and communities through the mission of being called to make a healthy difference in people's lives. Essentia Health, which includes many Catholic facilities, is guided by the values of Quality, Hospitality, Respect, Joy, Justice, Stewardship and Teamwork. The organization lives out its mission by having a patient-centered focus at 14 hospitals, 70 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, five ambulance services and one research institute.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Duluth, MN, US

Year founded

2004

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