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Lab Assistant information

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$9

$19

$28

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in McAllen, TX is $19.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.92 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 postsecondary education or relevant coursework in science. Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment are important. Certifications in safety or specific techniques can enhance job prospects.

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.

More about Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in McAllen, TX? The most popular types of Lab jobs in McAllen, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Assistant jobs in McAllen, TX? For Lab Assistant jobs in McAllen, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in McAllen, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in McAllen, TX are:
What cities near McAllen, TX are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near McAllen, TX with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in McAllen, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,009 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Direct Wage - Lab Assistant (Law Enforcement)

South Texas College

Mcallen, TX • On-site

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

South Texas College rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Special Instructions
Dear Applicant,
The South Texas College Office of Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential or sensitive information from the documents that you attach to your application. Confidential and sensitive information include the following:
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Age
  • Citizenship Status
  • Gender
  • Ethnicity/Race
  • Marital Status
  • Applicant Photos

* A redaction guide can be found by clicking here.
Please make sure that you omit this information from your application prior to submission. We are advising you that the Office of Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the hiring department as per your submission.
Transcripts
Transcripts must be from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Foreign transcripts
Applicants submitting employment applications with foreign transcripts must provide transcript equivalency documentation from an approved evaluation service. The evaluation service must be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluation service links on the following site are provided by South Texas College for your convenience but are not affiliated with South Texas College: NACES Members
Job Description
Department: Law Enforcement
General Statement of Job
The Lab Assistant supports the instructional programs in the Police Academy Program. Assists instructors with lab work, cleans and maintains equipment that includes firearms simulator, driving simulator, firearms (pistols, rifles, and shotguns), tasers, and vehicles.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
  • Performs routine and assigned activities in the Police Academy Program.
  • Assists lab instructors during regularly scheduled labs or as needed.
  • Assists with routine repairs and notifies proper personnel for warranty maintenance and major non-warranty repairs.
  • Assists with the maintenance of the safety and security of the laboratory and equipment.
  • Assists with the maintenance of lab rooms and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
  • Assists in keeping accurate records related to inventory and ordering supplies.
  • Monitors use of college owned equipment and simulator and reports when equipment is malfunctioning, needing repair or replacement.
  • Operates and conducts routine preventive maintenance on College vehicles; notifies appropriate personnel of any vehicle maintenance required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience
  • College Certificate, a minimum of 30 college hours required.
  • Graduate of an accredited educational Basic Peace Officer program preferred.
  • Minimum one (1) year of firearms experience, preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, the Windows environment, and internet research skills.
  • Fine-motor control sufficient to operate related equipment independently.
  • Demonstrated practice of safety precautions and rules.
  • Must be insurable under South Texas College's insurance policy for driving.
  • Demonstrated commitment to achieving the vision and mission of South Texas College.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of students, customers or employees of organization.
  • Ability to apply practical understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Checks, Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations
  • All applicants are subject to a national criminal background check under South Texas College policy.
  • Must have a valid Texas driver's license and be insurable under South Texas College's insurance policy for driving.
  • Must maintain authorization to drive College-owned vehicles.
  • Successful completion of the Basic Peace Officer Licensing Exam required.
  • Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensure preferred.

Physical Requirements
  • Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
  • Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
  • Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.
  • Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
  • Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
  • Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
  • Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
  • Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
  • Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
  • Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Shouting in order to be heard above ambient noise level. Standing particularly for sustained periods of time.
  • Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading, including color, depth perception, and field vision.
  • Visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.
  • Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and operation of machines; using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.
  • Mobility to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Minimum Compensation
$15.75
Desired Start Date
January 20, 2026
Posting Close Date (No Close Date if Blank)
17 August 2026 11:59pm

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