1

Lab Associate Jobs in Lakewood, WA (NOW HIRING)

Lab Assistant

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$21.69 - $23.99/hr

Position Overview The Lab Assistant position will be responsible for supporting the functions of ... High School Diploma or Associates degree * Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability ...

Tech, Test Lab - Days / Nights

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$24 - $28.88/hr

At all times, Associates may be required to perform any other duties within this or a higher/lower ... Technician, Test Lab levels 1B - to level 5 follow progressive requirements as defined by each ...

Tech, Test Lab - Days / Nights

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$24 - $28.88/hr

At all times, Associates may be required to perform any other duties within this or a higher/lower ... Technician, Test Lab levels 1B - to level 5 follow progressive requirements as defined by each ...

S./B.A. in a relevant field with 3+ years of hands-on wet lab experience in industry or a technician role, or Associate's degree with 5+ years of relevant hands-on wet lab experience in a ...

S./B.A. in a relevant field with 3+ years of hands-on wet lab experience in industry or a technician role, or Associate's degree with 5+ years of relevant hands-on wet lab experience in a ...

Medical Lab Technician

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$30.67 - $50.69/hr

Nights_, Schedule: 8:00pm-6:30am, 7 days on and 7 days off Position Summary The Medical Lab ... Associate degree * Current Certification of Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT (ASCP)CM. or MLT ...

New

Travel Cath Lab Tech

Olympia, WA ยท On-site

$2.4K - $3.2K/wk

Cath Lab Technologist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 09/28/2026 * Duration ... Associates can enroll in the 401K plan after they have worked 1000 hours. * ESOP Benefits: As an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lab Associate information

See Lakewood, WA salary details

$13

$24

$36

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Lakewood, WA is $24.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab associate?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab associate?

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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Lakewood, WA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Lakewood, WA are:

What cities near Lakewood, WA are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities near Lakewood, WA with the most Lab Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Lakewood, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,134 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

$21.69 - $23.99/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the functions of the Clinical Laboratory and Integrated Development Operations Laboratory (IDOL) by performing routine laboratory tasks.

  • Clean, maintain, and prepare laboratory equipment and workspaces, and complete documentation related to maintenance and sample processing.

  • Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and accurate record-keeping.


Job description

Position Overview

The Lab Assistant position will be responsible for supporting the functions of the Clinical Laboratory and Integrated Development Operations Laboratory (IDOL). Technologists and Scientists working in these labs process samples for research, development, validation and clinical diagnostic results. ย 

This role is designed for employees who are seeking to gain experience in a clinical/molecular laboratory setting.

Possible working hours:

  • Sunday - Thursday 9:30am - 7:00pm
  • Tuesday - Saturday 6:00am - 2:30pm

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Scope/Impact

  • Performs basic and routine laboratory tasks under direction and supervision.
    • Clean and maintain various types of laboratory equipment and laboratory spaces on the designated schedules.
    • May prepare workspaces for upcoming sample processing.
    • Complete all applicable documentation associated with maintenance and processing assistance activities.
    • Complete other tasks as assigned.
  • Executes tasks in accordance with existing SOPs and procedures under compliance with regulatory agencies; models appropriate clinical, regulatory and safety practices.
  • Consistently meets deadlines and follows through on commitments.
  • Develops understanding of laboratory systems, procedures and requirements.

Complexity

  • Works on assignments that are routine in nature, requiring limited judgement.
  • Uses standard laboratory procedures and follows processes to solve routine problems under general supervision.
  • Gain familiarity with Adaptive's lab processes, such as DNA extraction methods, PCR amplification, or high-throughput sequencing assays on DNA libraries.
  • Ensure compliance with lab regulatory agencies (GxP, FDA, ISO).
  • Keep accurate and detailed records for all workflows following Good Documentation Practices.

Knowledge/Level of Expertise

  • Demonstrate good judgment and integrity while developing strong clinical mindfulness.
  • Build and continually develop an understanding of the underlying scientific principles of the equipment and analytical methods utilized in the lab.

Interaction, Supervision and Discretion

  • Receives close supervision from supervisors.
  • Seeks advice from lab management or senior staff to assist with questions or technical advice.
  • Exercises clinical discretion on a limited basis.

Regulatory Responsibility

  • Record or report incidents/nonconformances for all appropriate errors.
  • Enter and track data in a laboratory information database (LIMS), as needed.
  • Regulatory responsibilities per Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Regulatory responsibilities per Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
  • Regulatory responsibilities per Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

All other duties as assigned

Position Requirements (Education, Experience, Other)

Required

  • High School Diploma or Associates degree
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate across teams and disciplines.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time, organize work, and prioritize responsibilities to consistently meet deadlines and business objectives.
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited institution working on obtaining a BS or MS degree in a Chemical, Physical or Biological science.

Preferred

  • BS/BA degree or currently enrolled in an accredited institution working on obtaining a BS or MS degree in a Chemical, Physical or Biological science.
  • Relevant internship or laboratory familiarity.
  • Developed understanding of general molecular laboratory techniques and practices.
  • Working knowledge of laboratory terminology.ย 
  • Ability to work cohesively in a team environment with dynamic organization. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken.ย ย 
  • Experience following SOPs and procedures in a laboratory setting.

Working Conditions

Job involves working in a laboratory where human biological specimens are processed. Flexibility and willingness to work more than standard hours when necessary, including nights & weekends.

Physical Requirements

Individuals are required to sit or stand for much of the workday and perform data entry into computer systems.


Compensation

Hourly Rate: $21.69 - $23.99

Possible "other compensation" elements to include:

  • equity grant
  • bonus eligible