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Lab Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist FT Days

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

As a Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will support a variety of laboratory departments by assisting technical staff in the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of laboratory tests necessary ...

GHR Healthcare

Travel Nurse RN - CVOR

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$2.5K - $2.6K/wk

Provide nursing care before, during, and after diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures in the Cath Lab * Assist physicians and cardiac technologists with catheterizations, angioplasty, stent ...

Springboard Healthcare

Travel Cath Lab RN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Travel As a Cath Lab RN, you'll assist with cardiac catheterization procedures, angioplasties, pacemaker implantation, and other cardiac care. Cardiac Cath Lab nurses must closely monitor the patient ...

Stability Healthcare

Travel Cath Lab RN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Nurses who work in the cardiac catheterization lab (CCL) will assist the doctor in performing interventional procedures like cardiac catheterizations, valvuloplasties, and angioplasties. *$600 travel ...

Fastaff Travel Nursing

Travel Cath Lab RN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Travel As a Cath Lab RN, you'll assist with cardiac catheterization procedures, angioplasties, pacemaker implantation, and other cardiac care. Cardiac Cath Lab nurses must closely monitor the patient ...

TNAA

Cath Lab (Cath) Registered Nurse RN

Waterloo, IA

$59.53/hr

Learn complex technologies effectively. * Assist physicians with cardiac catheterization as a way ... Cath Lab Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, as well as bend ...

Fusion Medical Staffing

Travel Cath Lab RN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.3K/wk

Travel Cath Lab RN Company: Fusion Medical Staffing Location: Facility in Waterloo, Iowa Job ... * Assist physicians during procedures, including the placement of catheters, wires, balloons ...

Converdia Health

RN - Cath Lab

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Cath Lab Rn Travel Job ConVerdia Health Staffing assists RNs, LPNs, CNAs, Allied Healthcare professionals, Therapists, Physicians, and more. Work one on one with one of our committed recruiters to ...

PRN Healthcare

Travel Cath Lab RN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Specialty: Cardiac Cath Lab * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/03/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 ... CARDIAC CATH RN About PRN Healthcare Our story starts with a 21-year-old CNA named Pete Hietpas.

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Lab Assistant information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Waterloo, IA is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.74 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 Waterloo, IA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA? For Lab Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,526 per year, or $20 per hour.
Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist

Buchanan County Health Center

Independence, IA • On-site

$18 - $25.20/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

  • GENERAL DESCRIPTION
    • The Lab Assistant performs phlebotomy functions and a variety of routine non-technical duties, such as answering incoming calls, scheduling lab appointments and filing paperwork; to assist technical and professional personnel in the clinical laboratory.
  • EDUCATION & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
    • Graduate of high school or equivalent required with courses in biology or anatomy preferred.
    • American Heart Association Basic Life Support required.
    • In addition to meeting the educational and/or license requirement(s) associated with this position, must be able to provide documentation (copy of transcript or diploma) to verify completion of education. At a minimum, documentation provided must be for High School or GED equivalency, but more advanced diplomas are also accepted for other levels of education completed.
  • WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
    • Experience in an acute care laboratory preferred, but not required.
    • Knowledge of medical terminology and processes preferred.
    • Previous phlebotomy experience preferred, but not required.
    • Clerical skills and ability to work independently, preferred
    • Must have the ability to demonstrate self-confidence and positive attitude toward self and others. Maintains commitment and enthusiasm to goal achievement.
Salary Range: $18.00-$25.20

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