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Lab Assistant Jobs in Dillingham, AK (NOW HIRING)

Lab Assistant information

See Dillingham, AK salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Dillingham, AK is $21.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.47 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.

Is it hard to become a lab assistant?

Becoming a lab assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with some knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Some positions may prefer or require postsecondary education or certifications in relevant fields, and strong attention to detail and organizational skills are important for success in the role.

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 qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require an associate degree or relevant coursework in science. Strong attention to detail, basic laboratory skills, and familiarity with safety protocols are important. Certification in laboratory safety or related areas can be beneficial but is not always required.

What are the duties of a lab assistant?

A lab assistant is responsible for preparing laboratory equipment and samples, maintaining a clean and organized work environment, and assisting scientists or technicians with experiments and data collection. They may also handle inventory management, record keeping, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Proficiency with lab tools and attention to detail are essential for this role.

How much do lab assistants get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries can also vary based on the industry and work environment.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing samples, maintaining equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under supervision, use tools like microscopes and lab instruments, and may need basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety standards.

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.

What cities near Dillingham, AK are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Dillingham, AK with the most Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Dillingham, AK as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Temporary, and 51% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,617 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Travel Medical Lab Technician or Medical Lab Scientist

NurseStar Medical Partners

Dillingham, AK โ€ข On-site

$2.3K - $2.5K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Pay Rate: $2,300.00 - $2,500.00 gross per week

Specialty: Laboratory

Number of Positions: 1

Start Date: ASAP

Length: 13 weeks

Travel: On Compound Housing will be provided in a shared housing unit. All bedding and bath towels provided. Each unit has a washer and dryer. Full kitchen and shared common area. Employee is responsible for their own food and personal items. Meals are available at the Hospital Cafeteria 6am - 7pm. They provide items from the Grill and also full meals daily. A car is available for staff to run to town to get groceries, mail, etc.

Schedule for Clinic: ·                    

  • M-F
  • 1pm-9pm shift
  • 4pm-Midnight shift

On-Call:

  • Rotating call schedule
  • Different person is on call every night. Willing to have to do nights.
  • Will receive call back rate of 1.5x every time called back in and will get minimum 1 hr.
  • Be able to take night call (12am-6:30am)


EMR: Cerner

Procedures:

  • Follow the testing personnel responsibility standard as defined in 493.1495 of CLIA-88
  • Follow the Laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
  • Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
  • Follow all of the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance procedures
  • Perform and record all required instrument maintenance and calibration activities.
  • Ability to identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span (infant/pediatric/adolescent/adult/geriatric).


Laboratory/Specialty Equipment Used: 

  • Vitros 7600
  • Sysmex XN450
  • Manual Blood banking (no AB ID)
  • Cepheid
  • Biofire
  • CA660
  • Clinitek
  • Microscan Autoscan4


Lab Information System: Orchard Harvest and Copia

Additional Details:

  • Must be able to handle generalist duties, will be working partial shifts alone
  • Be able to perform some phlebotomyUnderstands HIPAA/HITECH requirements and maintains complete patient confidentiality.


Laboratory/Specialty Equipment Used: Papoose Board on small children


REQUIREMENTS/CERTIFICATIONS

  • ASCP is preferred, will consider AMT or other
  • Meets the minimum qualifications of testing personnel in a highly complex Laboratory, as defined in 493.1489 of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA).
  • Two or more years of professional registry as a Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society of Pathology (ASCP), National Certification Agency (NCA), American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), American Medical Technologists (AMT), or Federal government (HEW) and must be able to test and successfully pass the Medical Technologist certification exam within one (1) year of employment.


STATE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have completed an Accredited Dental Assisting course or 1 year of dental chairside experience.



ABOUT THE FACILITY

This facility includes 21 village clinics that are accredited by Joint Commission and are staffed by Community Health aides. Our Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) plays a very important role in village health services. Our health aides can provide Preventative, Acute, Chronic, and Emergency care within their scope of practice using the Community Health Aide Manual (CHAM) and reporting to a referral Physician at the Kanakanak hospital. They work closely with our case management and assist many other departments that include, but not limited to: Optometry, Audiology, Diabetes, Medical Staff, Dental, and Infant learning to ensure our patients are getting the appropriate and essential care that they need.


DC


Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid time off
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
  • Mobile Timekeeping