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Lab Assistant information

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$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 Lab Technician (MLT/MT) - Laboratory- .9 FTE

Medical Lab Technician (MLT/MT) - Laboratory- .9 FTE

Mille Lacs Health System

Onamia, MN • On-site

$25.14 - $37.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Summary
Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technicians aid in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Medical Technicians are under the supervision of the Medical Technologists, Laboratory Manager and Pathologists.
  • Uses sophisticated laboratory equipment to analyze body fluids and has the expertise to look for and identify cellular, parasitic and other microbiology specimens
  • Monitors tests and procedures
  • Analyzes the chemical content of fluids
  • Matches blood for transfusions
  • Tests therapeutic drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment

Job Duties
The essential functions of this job are identified with an asterisk (*) at the end of the bullet point.
  • Able to successfully procure blood samples from all age groups, and assists in the processing of bone marrow aspirations.*
  • Identifies patients with 2 identifiers and labels and processes specimens accurately 100%.*
  • Proficient in accurately report Moderate and highly complex CLIA test results in the areas of Blood Bank, Hematology, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Serology, Microbiology, Coagulation and Miscellaneous areas. Seeks assistance from MT's, or Lab Manager when necessary.*
  • Documents in a clear and concise manner as needed for critical and abnormal results or any other adverse situation.*
  • Documents supply shortages on the "supply order form" to notify the manager for future supply orders.*
  • Assists in the development of in-service education programs or competency evaluation programs for Laboratory related items.
  • Assumes responsibility for enhancing personal and professional development. Performs at a minimum of 12 independent or workshop CEU's/year .
  • Uses the Quality Control Program accurately and extensively to meet the standards set up by the laboratory and regulating agencies that inspect MLHS. Resolves or seeks assistance with QC problems successfully 100%.*
  • Assist in the collection, organizing and processing of QC/QA data 50%.*
  • Must be able to plan and act independently in most situations. Individual recognizes situations that require consultation. *
  • Serves as designated Section Head in area specified by the laboratory manager, and provides assistance in maintaining procedure manuals as needed.
    • Able to understand the reasoning behind a test order and coordinate the test results with the patient history to aid the physician to a diagnosis.*
    • Able to multitask and keep composure in a setting that is constantly changing and with a great deal of outside interruption.*
    • Communicates important information to the next shift or the following day. Acts on information forwarded to them in a concise and accurate way.*
    • Attends meetings in the absence of the laboratory manager & disseminates information accordingly.
    • Follows Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations 100%.*
    • Maintains courteous and professional manner in dealing with patients, visitors, medical practitioners and co-workers.*
    • Uses standard practices for Safety and Infection Control as defined by the Laboratory and the Mille Lacs Health system.*
    • Understands and follows policies and procedures related to universal precautions and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard to prevent the spread of pathogens through self, patients and equipment.*
    • Manage and operate laboratory equipment safely and correctly.*

    Other Duties
    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employee will comply with all Mille Lacs Health System (MLHS) policies, including safety policies, procedures, and rules. All will be expected to report unsafe conditions to a member of management.
    Required Education and Experience
    • 2 year Medical Laboratory Technician program

    Additional Eligibility Qualifications
    • Professional written and verbal communication
    • Expertise with computer based data
    • Customer/Client Focus
    • Ethical Conduct
    • Flexibility
    • Initiative
    • Personal Effectiveness/Credibility
    • Stress Management/Composure
    • Teamwork Orientation
    • Technical Capacity
    • Thoroughness
    • Time Management
    • Quality and Safety focused

    Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
    Rotating shifts (days, evenings, nights).
    Supervisory Responsibility
    Position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
  • Company Benefits Overview
    • Medical, Dental and Vision
    • Life Insurance and Voluntary Life Insurance
    • Paid Time Off
    • Tuition Reimbursement, Discounts and Scholarships Programs
    • Retirement Plans
    • Long-Term and Short-Term Disability
    • Health Savings Account
    • Flexible Spending Account
    • Wellness Program
    • Service and Pharmacy Discounts
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Holiday Pay

Mille Lacs Health System may obtain information about you from a third party consumer reporting agency for employment purposes. Thus, you may be the subject of a "consumer report" which may include information about your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and/or mode of living. These reports may contain information regarding your criminal history, social security verification, motor vehicle records ("driving records"), verification of your education or employment history, or other background checks.
You have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time, to request whether a consumer report has been run about you and to request a copy of your report. These searches will be conducted by Verified Credentials, LLC, 20890 Kenbridge Court, Lakeville, MN 55044, 800-473-4934, www.verifiedcredentials.com - https://www.verifiedcredentials.com. The scope of this disclosure is all-encompassing, however, allowing the Company to obtain from any outside organization all manner of consumer reports throughout the course of your employment to the extent permitted by law.

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