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Lab Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Lab Technician

Johnston, IA

$20 - $22/hr

Lab Technician The Lab Technician runs the molecular pipeline in a diagnostic laboratory while ... Associate degree in biotechnology or a related field, or * Bachelor's degree in biology ...

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PWS Employment

Lab Technician Factory

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$23/hr

As a Lab Technician in our factory, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and ... Associate's degree in Laboratory Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field. * Previous ...

New

PWS Employment

Lab Technician Factory

Urbandale, IA

$23/hr

As a Lab Technician in our factory, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and ... Associate's degree in Laboratory Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field. * Previous ...

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Employbridge

Be Seen First

Lab Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$22/hr

Associate Degree in Science-related field, and/or 3 yrs of lab experience; or an combination of education & experience. * Manufacturing or metals experience preferred. * General understanding of PCs ...

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All JobsLab Associate JobsLab Associate Jobs in Iowa

Lab Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$21

$32

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Iowa is $21.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

How much does a lab assistant earn?

Lab assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 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 salaries.

What are Lab Associates?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

Do you need qualifications to be a lab assistant?

Lab associates typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or relevant certifications. Strong attention to detail, basic laboratory skills, and familiarity with lab equipment are also important for the role.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those with specialized skills, advanced certifications, or experience in high-demand fields such as pharmaceutical or clinical research laboratories. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and level of expertise. Senior or supervisory roles typically offer higher compensation.

What are some typical challenges a Lab Associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.

What do lab associates do?

Lab associates perform tasks such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often work under supervision in research or clinical labs and may need knowledge of safety protocols and laboratory techniques.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Associate jobs in Iowa? For Lab Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Lab Associate jobs near you
Laboratory Technical Associate-Main Laboratory

Laboratory Technical Associate-Main Laboratory

UnityPoint Health

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

294th of 873 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Laboratory Technical Associate - Main Lab
UnityPoint Health - Allen
Shift: Full-time; 0400-1230, 0445-1315. Every other weekend, holiday rotation, and 3 on call shifts
Benefits Eligible
The Lab Technical Associate position assists technical staff in the laboratory in their daily functions. Duties include collection and processing of lab samples, running and minor maintenance of basic instrumentation, data entry into the Laboratory Information System, inventory control and basic office duties.
The Lab Technical Associate-Main Laboratory performs these functions primarily in the Main Laboratory.
Qualifies as Testing Personnel under Federal Register Sec 493.15, 493.20 & 493.1423 for waived and moderate complexity testing.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.
With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
  • Collects and processes samples for the laboratory including blood, urine, cultures (limited) and sendouts.
  • Runs and maintains basic lab instrumentation and testing
  • Assists technologists with duties including but not limited to stocking supplies, washing laboratory dishes, inventory management & follow up on reports
  • Answers incoming phone calls
  • Registers and looks up orders for samples in the Hospital Information System, enters data and orders samples into Laboratory Information system

Qualifications
Education:
  • High school education or equivalent

Licensure/Certification:
  • Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.

Experience:
  • 6 months experience in a clinical laboratory

Other:
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English
  • Must possess basic computer skills and knowledge using word processing, spreadsheet, email and web browser

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

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