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Lab Assistant information

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How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Rochester Hills, MI is $18.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $21.25 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 Rochester Hills, MI? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Rochester Hills, MI are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Rochester Hills, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Rochester Hills, MI are:
What cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Lab Assistant II - Microbiology

Lab Assistant II - Microbiology

Quest Diagnostics

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 105 rated laboratories

Job description


Lab Assistant II - Royal Oak, MI, Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, with rotational weekend
Performs various routine laboratory functions in a precise and accurate fashion to assist the laboratory professional staff and to facilitate production.
employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
Part-time employees (29 hours or less per week) are eligible for:
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time (part-time employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week)
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off (if regularly scheduled to work 20+ hours per week)
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or ROTH IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • and so much more!

Responsibilities
  • Perform specimen receiving, labeling, handling and preparation.
  • Assist with pre-analytical preparation of specimens (e.g., printing labels, uncap/cap specimen tubes, aliquot specimens, prepare racks, worklists, enter/scan specimens and load automated instruments).
  • Record digital temperature; notify licensed personnel if temperature is out of range.
  • Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment.
  • Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions.
  • Clean, organize and maintain work area, glassware and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers and supply cabinets, as needed).
  • Assist with monitoring the department pending and overdue lists, which includes, searching, locating, following up and filing appropriate documentation.
  • Perform other departmental tasks such as filing, archiving and retrieving slides/blocks, reports, requisitions/other paperwork and answering the telephone.
  • Dispose of biohazardous material.
  • Enter data in laboratory information systems (LIS).
  • Perform QA/QC duties as assigned.
  • Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
  • Comply with all health and safety policies, procedures and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Qualifications
Required Work Experience:
One (1) year full-time experience in a technical or clinical laboratory department.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
  • Frequent walking and/or standing.
  • May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.

Knowledge:
Basic knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.
Skills:
  • Must demonstrate the ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an on-going basis and retain the information once learned.
  • Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and to handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
  • Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.

Education
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent High School Diploma is Preferred - Florida Only (Required)

About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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