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Lab Assistant information

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$9

$17

$26

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Lexington, KY is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $20.29 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.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced lab assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

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?

Lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or certifications in laboratory procedures or safety. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Some roles may also require familiarity with specific tools or software used in labs.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing experiments, 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.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Managers or Principal Investigators tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, or extensive experience generally offer higher pay compared to entry-level lab assistant roles.

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 Lexington, KY? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Lexington, KY are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Assistant jobs in Lexington, KY? For Lab Assistant jobs in Lexington, KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Lexington, KY look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Lexington, KY are:
What cities near Lexington, KY are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Lexington, KY with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Lexington, KY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,010 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

HISTOLOGY LAB ASSISTANT - Slide and Block Room

HRG Retained Search

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: HISTOLOGY LAB ASSISTANT - Slide and Block Room

DEPARTMENT: HISTOLOGY / SURGICAL PATHOLOGY

REPORTS TO: HISTOLOGY MANAGER & DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR

POSITITION SUMMARY:

A PCL Histology Lab Assistant puts together slides and accompanying paperwork for pathologist to review and give a diagnosis. Troubleshoots and alerts technical employees and department manager of any problems.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

The PCL lab assistant must be able to perform all duties within their job description and be willing to learn other duties as needed within their scope of work. The lab assistant must be willing to learn all the following functions as they are applicable to their assigned station and shift.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Accessioning of specimens in Orchard
    • This will include specimen set-up, printing of cassettes, maintenance of printer, notification of client services for problems, filing log sheets, recording of receipt of specimens from courier
  • Next day specimen set-up
  • Gross Room maintenance
  • Changing of special stains as needed
  • Organization of forms
  • Printing Labels
  • Writing levels on labels
  • Creating slides
  • Matching slides with labels
  • Matching labeled slides with correct paperwork.
  • Reviewing paperwork and slides before giving to doctors.
  • Notifying Histology manager, PA, Pathologists, transcriptionists, or personnel "grossing-in" of problems in dictation and discrepancies from what is visible on slides.
  • Troubleshooting slides and notifying techs of problems such as "holes" in sections
  • Verifying presence of a lumen in fallopian tubes and vas deferens
  • Writing 1 or 2 on slides of fallopian tubes and vas deferens when they are placed in a divided cassette
  • Matching cell block slides with labels and appropriate paperwork
  • Matching pap and biopsy slides and paperwork with correct surgical case.
  • Initialing histology work sheet
  • Proper, basic, functions of stainer and coverslipper
    • Removal of slides from coverslipper
    • Troubleshooting slides, to make sure they are correctly coverslipped
    • Maintenance of coverslipper and stainer
  • Basic functions of embedding center
    • Changing of paraffin
    • Cleaning
  • Safe pumping of alcohol
  • Filing blocks and slides - PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITY for slide and block room
  • Retrieval of blocks and slides for deepers, requested specials, send outs, etc...
  • Other duties as assigned

ADMINISTRATION:

  • Work on alternate shift as needed
  • Monitor department supplies and needs
  • Knowledge experience with CAP inspections and checklists
  • Knowledge of LIS

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be extremely detail oriented
  • Great Hand-Eye coordination
  • Great concern for patient quality of care
  • Ability to work independently
  • Dexterity and skill to handle many different kinds of fragile, delicate, and extremely small tissue
  • Must be able to stand for extended amounts of time
  • Education:
    • High School Diploma or equivalent
    • Must be able to read, interpret, understand, and spot possible errors

Job Posted by ApplicantPro