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Lab Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Laboratory Assistant will follow the guidelines set by CLIA, and the CA Business and Professions Codes (bpc: 1212, 1269). Unlicensed laboratory personnel ("aides") may not, read, record, result ...

Responsibilities Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, California , is a licensed 122-bed facility accredited by the Joint Commission. It is Southwest Riverside County's only ...

Lab Assistant - Full Time

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$21.90 - $31.75/hr

Responsibilities Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, California , is a licensed 122-bed facility accredited by the Joint Commission. It is Southwest Riverside County's only ...

Laboratory Assistant - SVOA

Orange, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

A Day in the Life As a Full-Time Laboratory Assistant based in our Orange, CA Laboratory , you'll ... Conduct lab analyses asrequiredand adheretoaccuratedata/record keeping practices;stay current with ...

A Day in the Life As a Full-Time Laboratory Assistant based in our Orange, CA Laboratory , you'll ... Conduct lab analyses asrequiredand adheretoaccuratedata/record keeping practices;stay current with ...

Pill Sorter Packer

Chino, CA · On-site

$17/hr

We are looking for a dependable and detail-oriented Lab Assistant to join our small team. The main responsibility is counting and organizing pills accurately in a lab environment or packing pills.

Cardiovascular Lab Assistant Under the general direction of the physician (Cardiologist/Radiologist), will assist by scrubbing procedures or monitoring physiologic and hemodynamic data, as related to ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Riverside, CA is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.09 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 are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,935 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
*Lab Assistant - Clinical Lab

$23 - $27.56/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview

Chino Valley Medical Center is a 112-bed community hospital established in 1972 and centrally located in Southern California's Chino Valley. A nine-time recipient of the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award (2014-2022), Chino Valley Medical Center has been recognized nationally for its quality, including as among the 100 Great Community Hospitals by Becker's Hospital Review in 2018 and as among the 100 Top Hospitals by IBM Watson Health. Chino Valley Medical Center is committed to serving the community's health care needs with top-rated emergency care as well as senior services, orthopedics, surgical services and more. Learn more at www.cvmc.com.

Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community!

Why Prime Healthcare? Chino Valley Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

Chino Valley Medical Center offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs

Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to:

  • Paid Time Off
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Outstanding Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision Coverage
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Many more Voluntary Benefit Options!

Benefits may vary based on collective bargaining agreement requirements and/or the employment status, i.e. full-time or part-time.

Chino Valley Medical Center is nationally recognized, locally preferred, and community focused.

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Assistant will follow the guidelines set by CLIA, and the CA Business and Professions Codes (bpc: 1212, 1269). Unlicensed laboratory personnel ("aides") may not, read, record, result, verify or interpret any laboratory test. Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not perform any test involving the quantitative measurement of specimen or reagent, or perform any mathematical calculation in determining a test result or validity of a test procedure. Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not perform instrument calibration or review quality control results to monitor the performance of the instrument or test procedure. Unlicensed personnel require direct and constant supervision by a CLS or other licensed person identified in bpc: 1269, during the entire time they are assisting in the analytical testing phase. The Laboratory Assistant: 1) performs computer entry, filing, telephone communication and other clerical duties, 2) demonstrates good telephone etiquette and be able to greet patients and other visitors in a polite and friendly manner, 3) possesses good communication skills, 4) demonstrates adequate knowledge of the terminology of tests ordered in the laboratory, 5) demonstrates a good working knowledge of phlebotomy and the equipment used in collecting specimens from newborns to geriatric patients, 6) processes pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank specimens, 7) processes specimens for reference laboratory, 8) stocks and orders routine supplies, 9) keeps storage areas, trays, centrifuges, and collection areas clean, 10) processes or places specimens on laboratory instruments in accordance with established policy and procedures, 11) with proper documented training the laboratory assistant may perform, instrument preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, assist in quality control procedures, perform, primary culture inoculations, stain slide preparations, and subculture from liquid media. 11) other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned by the department manager/director, ie monitor, mail, fax, answer phone, inter departmental deliveries. Etc. 12) Assist in Pathology with training and eval. 13) Runner

Qualifications

Education and Work Experience

  • HS Diploma or Equivalent required.
  • Minimum 1-year clinical laboratory experience performing similar job functions preferred.
  • State Certified as CPT I or CPT II if the laboratory is located in a state where required.
  • Current BCLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current preferred.
  • #LI-DNI

    Pay Transparency

    Chino Valley Medical Center offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options. A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $$23.00 to $27.56. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.

    Employment StatusPart Time < 60ShiftVariableEqual Employment Opportunity

    Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

     Privacy Notice

    Privacy Notice for California Applicants: https://www.primehealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Notice-at-Collection-and-Privacy-Policy-for-California-Job-Applicants.pdf

    Employment Type: OTHER