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Lab Assistant Jobs in Perry, IA (NOW HIRING)

Certified Medical Assistant

Waukee, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

UnityPoint Clinic Certified Medical Assistant - LAB Waukee Med Park Waukee, IA Monday-Friday 7:45AM-5:30PM Full-time + benefits We are seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Certified Medical

Certified Medical Assistant

Waukee, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Overview UnityPoint Clinic Certified Medical Assistant - LAB Waukee Med Park Waukee, IA Monday-Friday 7:45AM-5:30PM Full-time + benefits We are seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Certified

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

• Assist with creating, executing, and scoring results supporting research team needs, including but not limited to: processing samples under sterile lab conditions measuring, imaging, and analyzing

Research Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Title- Laboratory Technician Location-Johnston, IA, USA,50131 Duration- 12+ months contract Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 am-4:30pm Pay range: $20- $22/hr. Description: * We are world-class

Certified Medical Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Overview UnityPoint Clinics Certified Medical Assistant Full-time + benefits We are seeking compassionate Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) to join our growing team across multiple UnityPoint

Job Title: Laboratory Technician - Genotyping (3rd Shift) Job Description This role supports daily operations in a genotyping laboratory by ensuring smooth workflow, maintaining a clean and orderly

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Lab Assistant information

See Perry, IA salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Perry, IA is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.45 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.

What cities near Perry, IA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Perry, IA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Perry, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,991 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Medical Lab Technician/Medical Lab Scientist

Boone County Hospital - Lab

Boone, IA

$25.87 - $35.62/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description



Position: Medical Lab Technician (MLT)

Status: PRN

Shift: Varies

Shift Time Schedule: Varies

Days: Varies

Salary Range: $25.87 - $35.62, based upon experience

General Summary:

Performs tests and procedures in assigned section(s) of the laboratory, including those which require exercise of independent and professional judgment and responsibility with minimum supervision. Independently performs qualitative and quantitative tests, following established guidelines and predetermined criteria to provide information used in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease. Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance and/or results and uses knowledge, critical thinking skills and judgment to troubleshoot and resolve them. Consults with medical technologists and laboratory director when appropriate. May be assigned to assume the duties of a lead technician.

Required Qualifications/Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Associate degree in a science-related field with completion of a six-month clinical internship from a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science program approved alternate career path as designated in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88).
  • Registration by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) as a Medical Laboratory Technician as a Clinical Laboratory Technician or by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) as a Medical Laboratory Technician is required.
  • A person may be hired into this position if he/she has completed the requirements for registration but has not successfully completed the exam. However, the exam must be successfully completed within 6 months subsequent to hiring.
  • Completion and maintenance of BLS/CPR.
  • Mandatory reporter training for Dependent Adult and Child Abuse.
  • Ability to communicate well verbally. Must work effectively as a team member.

Essential Functions:

  • Understand and abide by the Boone County Hospital Standards of Behavior, confidentiality statement, EMTALA guidelines and general hospital policies, procedures, and related practices.
  • Performs qualitative and quantitative analysis for waived, moderately, and highly complex testing on biological laboratory specimens utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of disease as appropriate for patient age to include neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric adult.
  • Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and standard work.
  • Follows safe work practices.
  • Complies with the requirements of laboratory regulatory and accrediting agencies.
  • Recognizes deviation from expected results while analyzing and correcting problems using scientific principles.
  • Provides information to health care providers regarding test methodology and interpretation.
  • Analyzes quality control data/material, makes judgment concerning the results and takes appropriate action to maintain test accuracy and precision.
  • Performs calibration, preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting of instrumentation and equipment.
  • Works independently while organizing work to meet established deadlines. Will seek technical direction from medical technologist, department director and/or medical director with specific procedural or instrumentation problems.
  • Assists with new instrument or procedure implementation and training.
  • Maintains inventory and orders supplies as needed.
  • Assists in training new employees at the direction of the clinical laboratory director.
  • Complies with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements of the laboratory.
  • Documents and reports variances to department director.
  • Participates in the Quality Assurance program within the department. Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations for resolution of identified problems/errors.
  • Assists with writing and revising laboratory procedures according to NCCLS guidelines.
  • Operates laboratory information system, personal computers, and instrument-related computer software.

Physical Activity Requirements: (Constant = 67-100% of workday, Frequent= 34-66% of workday, Occasional = 33% or less of workday)

  • Frequent: Reaching to perform test analysis, fingering entering data into the computer, grasping while handling equipment and specimens, talking while communicating with co-workers/patients/staff, hearing to receive information, lifting up to 10 lbs, and standing to perform test analysis.
  • Occasional: Pushing/pulling to stock supplies/deliver specimens, lifting up to 50 lbs while handling supplies, climbing ascending/descending stairs to retrieve supplies, and feeling to perceive that nature of veins by touching skin with fingerprints.

Visual Activity Requirements:

  • Works with computer terminals, instrumentation with small moving parts, reads labels and work lists, aliquots specimens, reads instructions, records data.
  • Needs to be able to distinguish between colors.

Working Conditions:

  • The employee is subject to chemical hazards.
  • Employees in this job classification have been identified as having the likelihood of occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, therefore, are included in the OSHA Exposure Control Plan with its specification for preventing contact with the above materials.
  • The employee is exposed to sharps.
  • The employee is subject to indoor environmental conditions.