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Lab Associate I Jobs in Pacoima, CA (NOW HIRING)

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Associate I

West Hills, CA · On-site

$20.44/hr

Lab Associate I - West Hills, CA, Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pay range: $21.80 - $23.85 / hour Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training ...

Cedars Sinai

Research Associate I, Dou Lab

Tarzana, CA · On-site

$25 - $30.46/hr

The Research Associate I in the Dou Lab at Cedars-Sinai will create and lead research to improve translational cancer research by leveraging clinical and image data. In the Dou Lab we use advanced ...

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All JobsLab Associate I JobsLab Associate I Jobs in Pacoima, CA

Lab Associate I information

See Pacoima, CA salary details

$13

$23

$35

How much do lab associate i jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate i in Pacoima, CA is $23.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Lab Associate I?

Lab Associate I jobs are entry-level positions in laboratories where individuals assist scientists and technicians with routine tasks such as preparing samples, operating basic laboratory equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. These roles often include responsibilities like recording data, labeling specimens, and following safety protocols. Lab Associates I typically work under the supervision of more experienced staff and help ensure that experiments and tests are conducted efficiently and accurately. This position is a great starting point for those interested in a career in laboratory science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Associate I, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Associate I, you need a solid background in laboratory procedures, basic scientific knowledge, and at least a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data entry systems such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain laboratory safety, and support efficient team collaboration in a regulated environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a Lab Associate I, and how can they be overcome?

Lab Associate I professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple sample tests simultaneously, and maintaining accurate records. To overcome these challenges, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, pay close attention to detail, and regularly communicate with team members and supervisors. Utilizing checklists and digital tracking systems can also help ensure consistency and accuracy in daily tasks, while ongoing training can keep you up-to-date with best practices and lab safety standards.

What is the difference between Lab Associate I vs Lab Technician?

CriteriaLab Associate ILab Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require an associate degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; often an associate degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with basic tasksLaboratory settings, performing more technical procedures
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, research labs, biotech companiesMedical labs, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level lab roles and responsibilitiesClarifying technical duties and qualifications

The main difference between a Lab Associate I and a Lab Technician lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Lab Associate I roles typically involve basic lab support tasks and require minimal formal education, while Lab Technicians perform more technical procedures and often have additional certifications or degrees. Both roles are essential in laboratory environments across healthcare, research, and industry sectors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab I jobs in Pacoima, CA?

The most popular types of Lab I jobs in Pacoima, CA are:

What cities near Pacoima, CA are hiring for Lab Associate I jobs?

Cities near Pacoima, CA with the most Lab Associate I job openings:

Lab Associate I jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Associate I job openings in Pacoima, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,885 per year, or $23 per hour.

Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics

West Hills, CA • On-site

$20.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description


Lab Associate I - West Hills, CA, Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pay range: $21.80 - $23.85 / hour
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
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:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
  • Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
  • Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
  • Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately.
  • Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance. Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
  • Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post- analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
  • Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices. Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
  • Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
  • Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
  • Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing.
  • Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
  • Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
  • Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
  • Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
  • Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
  • Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
  • Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
  • Complies 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:
For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments the following qualifications are required:
  • Basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment

Preferred Work Experience:
  • 1 - 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
  • Have good eye and hand coordination.

Knowledge:
  • A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
  • An awareness of the factors that influence test results.

Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong typing skills desirable.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
  • Other automation skills helpful.

Education
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
  • Some College Courses Two to three years of college courses preferred. (Preferred)

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
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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