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Lab Assistant Jobs in Reading, MA (NOW HIRING)

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position ...

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position ...

Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position is * Day ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Reading, MA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Reading, MA is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $24.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Pay can also vary based on full-time or part-time status and the complexity of tasks performed.

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 the supervision of scientists or technicians and may need knowledge of lab procedures and basic scientific techniques.

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 such as OSHA safety training can also be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Reading, MA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Reading, MA are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Reading, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Reading, MA are:

What cities near Reading, MA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reading, MA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Reading, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,437 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

New England Baptist Hospital

Boston, MA • On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

LAB ASSISTANT/PHLEBOTOMIST

Job Description:

Draws blood from patients and prepares specimens for screening, analysis, or other laboratory procedures. Inventories and orders computer, clerical and phlebotomy supplies.  Logs and replaces supplies as appropriate. Registers patients and specimens into the Hospital Computer system and orders laboratory testing. Centrifuges, aliquots and labels specimens for referral testing and laboratory testing.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1.    Performs phlebotomy procedures, venipunctures, finger sticks, nares and nasopharyngeal swab collection as needed, and completes routine quality control maintenance in accordance with established departmental procedures.
2.    Verifies, records, files, and organizes laboratory specimens, paperwork, and test results in accordance with established procedures.  Assists in maintaining paperwork for testing in the laboratory, making sure orders, face sheets and labels are available for the collectors.
3.    Central Processing function including receiving specimens, centrifuging, labeling and aliquoting to appropriate tubes, organize specimens for appropriate areas, including sendout testing.
4.    Investigates testing requirements, coordinates lab referrals, packages specimens for transport. Enters send out test results accurately and in a timely manner. Refers all abnormal send out test results to appropriate personnel.
5.    Greets laboratory visitors and provides direction and/or assistance to patients, families, and visitors in a courteous and positive manner. Answers incoming calls and responds to telephone requests with courtesy and accuracy.  Prints or fax reports to requested clients.
Schedules patients as needed.  Will review the phone message log in morning, calling patients back to register and schedule their testing appointment.
6.    Orders, organizes and maintains inventory of laboratory supplies. Maintains a clean work environment and checks for daily temperature readings.
7.    Follows up with supervisor, other labs, and/or physician offices regarding incomplete or pending test results.
8.    Registers patients, and specimens into the Hospital computer system and orders laboratory tests and labeling of specimens for analysis.  Pre-registers, and schedules patients, checks patients in on the day of testing, ordering the tests, printing the face-sheet and labels.
9.    Print all reports, investigates outliers, follow through with problems and incomplete registrations.
10.    Helps processing and sending specimens to the appropriate testing sites both on-site and reference laboratory testing. ending specimens to the appropriate testing sites both on-site and reference laboratory testing.

Decision Making: 

Makes decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation.  May make recommendations for solving problems of moderate complexity and importance.

Problem Solving: 

Addresses problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.

Independence of Action:

Follows precedents and procedures to perform tasks.  May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines.  Seeks assistance when confronted with difficult and/or unpredictable situations.  Work progress is monitored by supervisor/manager. 

Patient Contact: 

Regular, day-to-day contact; both face-to-face and hands-on (having close contact within three feet for at least five minutes).  Examples: physicians, clinical nurses, phlebotomist, medical assistants, PFT tech, and x-ray tech.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Has no supervisory responsibilities

EDUCATION

Required: High School Graduate or Equivalent

Non-degree Certificate Training : Phlebotomy Training

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Certification/Registration Preferred : ASCP (Phlebotomy), American Society for Clinical Pathology

Required : Basic Life Support Certification    

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: 0-1 years

QUALIFICATIONS

Computer Literacy: 

Experience with computer systems required, including web based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.

Written Communications: 

Ability to read, and write in English in order to understand basic safety instructions and take direction from supervisors; communicate effectively with patients, families and other medical center staff; and respond to basic questions.

Oral Communications: 

Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff, patients, families and external customers

Knowledge: 

Ability to demonstrate full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations.

Team Work: 

Ability to act as a team leader for small projects or work group(s), creating a collaborative and respectful team environment and improving workflows.  Results may impact the operations of one or more departments.

Customer Service: 

Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem solving.  Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Pay Range:

$21.00 - $28.26

The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law.  Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment. More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled