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Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Hazleton, PA (NOW HIRING)

Medical Assistant - Otolaryngology

Wilkes Barre, PA · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Collects and prepares laboratory specimens and completes associated paperwork accurately and efficiently to expedite laboratory studies. * Performs phlebotomy and may assist in specific laboratory ...

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Laboratory Assistant information

See Hazleton, PA salary details

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How much do laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory assistant in Hazleton, PA is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory assistant?

Laboratory assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, and lab technicians by performing routine tasks in laboratories. Their duties often include preparing and cleaning lab equipment, collecting and labeling samples, conducting basic experiments, and maintaining accurate records of their work. They play a crucial role in ensuring that laboratories run smoothly and efficiently, and their work helps facilitate scientific research and development. Laboratory assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research institutions, and educational facilities.

What are some common challenges laboratory assistants face in maintaining accuracy and safety in their daily tasks?

Laboratory Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple samples simultaneously while adhering to strict protocols for accuracy and contamination prevention. Ensuring proper labeling, handling hazardous materials safely, and maintaining detailed records are essential responsibilities that require attention to detail and strong time management skills. Collaboration with scientists and technicians is also important, as clear communication helps prevent errors and promotes a safe, efficient work environment. Staying up-to-date on safety procedures and laboratory best practices is key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, sample handling, and safety protocols, usually supported by a relevant science degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), basic laboratory equipment, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining accuracy and collaborating with team members. These abilities ensure reliable results, uphold safety standards, and support the overall efficiency and integrity of laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Laboratory Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationPost-secondary education, often a diploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labs, educational institutionsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial laboratories
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sample collection, preparing specimens, cleaning equipmentPerforming tests, analyzing samples, maintaining lab equipment
Common UsageOften entry-level, supporting technical staffMore technical, with independent testing responsibilities

Laboratory Assistants typically support laboratory operations with basic tasks and require minimal formal education. Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, often needing specialized training or certification. Both roles are essential in lab settings, but Laboratory Technicians usually have a higher level of technical responsibility.

Do you need qualifications to be a laboratory assistant?

Laboratory assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require post-secondary education or certifications in laboratory techniques or related fields. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and basic knowledge of safety procedures.

How do you become a laboratory assistant?

To become a laboratory assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant laboratory or scientific coursework. Some positions require post-secondary education or certifications in laboratory techniques, and strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and familiarity with lab equipment are important for success.

How much does a laboratory assistant get paid?

The average salary for a laboratory assistant varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $25,000 to $45,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often working in clinical, research, or industrial labs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Hazleton, PA?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Hazleton, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Assistant jobs in Hazleton, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Assistant jobs in Hazleton, PA are:

What cities near Hazleton, PA are hiring for Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities near Hazleton, PA with the most Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Assistant job openings in Hazleton, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,739 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Phlebotomist or Phlebotomy Technician Laboratory Assistant

Geisinger

Wilkes Barre, PA • On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Geisinger Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 448 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 895 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Location:

Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre (GSWB)

Shift:

Evenings (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

20

Worker Type:

Regular

Exemption Status:

No

Job Summary:

Join our team at Geisinger Medical Laboratories. You can find your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in our state-of-the-art laboratories. Our mission is to provide exceptional patient care through innovative, efficient, and high-quality laboratory services.

Job Duties:

Phlebotomy Technician Lab Assistant II collects, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing in the various sections of Laboratory Medicine. The role functions in a technical and non technical capacity to assess fitness of specimens for all levels of testing. This role also performs waived testing where designated.

  • Performs venipunctures and skin punctures to obtain blood specimens according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.
  • Exhibits knowledge of adequate and correct collection requirements.
  • Performs accessioning procedures appropriately and accurately to ensure positive identification of the specimens.
  • Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, body tissues, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens. Rejects unacceptable specimens according to established protocols.
  • Reviews order and specimen details to ensure accuracy.
  • Recognizes and resolves discrepancies as appropriate.
  • Troubleshoots missing specimens and other preanalytical errors including courier log review, and specimen archives.
  • Accessions and results according to procedure via appropriate computer application.
  • Correctly assign billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers.
  • Verifies physician orders when test requests are unclear.
  • Prepares specimens as appropriate including centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling.
  • Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing areas in a timely manner.
  • Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications as needed. Applies laboratory programs to store, locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing as requested.
  • Maintains computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and departmental assigned duties.
  • Manages phone inquiries and provides information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results as appropriate.
  • Serve as a mentor to students and new employees.
  • Assists with packaging ordering and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation and commercial carrier regulations as required.
  • Maintains equipment, participates in established preventative maintenance program, and alerts supervisor of any equipment problems.
  • Assists in proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies, and notifies supervisor when inventory is low.
  • As appropriate in addition to point of care testing, record keeping and instrument maintenance, performs other testing processes limited to the scope of the assigned duties. Completes related training and maintains competency to perform assigned testing processes.
  • Provides phlebotomy coverage as required to Medical Group offices, skilled nursing facilities, or performs in-home phlebotomy for homebound patients.
  • Successful completion of initial and subsequent competency exams required.
  • Completes departmental continuing education requirements.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Position Details:

Additional Job Description:

As a phlebotomist, you'll support Geisinger's mission of providing exceptional patient care through innovative, efficient, and high-quality laboratory services. At Geisinger, our phlebotomists are the friendly faces that collect samples to be analyzed by our state-of-the-art labs. Supporting a varied patient population, you'll be responsible for venipunctures/skin punctures on patients in our inpatient setting.

There are many other tasks our phlebotomists complete, such as troubleshooting physician orders, processing specimens for testing, as well as aiding our patients.

We have many different skill levels in our labs, from new to experienced phlebotomists, and all skill levels are well utilized. Geisinger employs phlebotomists in roles I, II, and III. We also have numerous staff members who pursue their ASCP certification and become trainers for our department!

Phlebotomist I, II and III qualifications will be considered at appropriate compensation. Salary commensurate with experience.

  • Experience as a nursing assistant (NA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant (MA), certified medical assistant (CMA) or similar will be considered!
  • Military experience will be considered. US Army 68W Combat Medic, 18D, US Navy Hospital Corpsman, and related medical specialties.
  • Phlebotomist I - less than 1 year of experience
  • Phlebotomist II - 1-2 years of experience or if you graduated from Geisinger's School of Phlebotomy Program
  • Phlebotomist III- qualifications of Phlebotomist II and ASCP Certification and Internal preceptor course

Phlebotomy Lab Tech:

One of the following is required upon hire:

  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
  • Graduate of NAACLS approved Phlebotomy program
  • One year of related experience

Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre (GSWB)

Part time

evenings

Benefit Highlights:

  • Full benefits (health, dental and vision) starting on day one
  • Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents
  • Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA) with employer contribution
  • Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows you to accrue time quickly
  • Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year
  • MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health while earning a financial incentive
  • Family-friendly support including adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, military leave pay and a free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more
  • Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, identity theft protection, universal life and pet and legal insurance

    Education:

    High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)- (Required)

    Experience:

    Minimum of 1 year-Related work experience (Required)

    Certification(s) and License(s):

    Certified Phlebotomy Technician - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

    Skills:


    OUR PURPOSE & VALUES: Everything we do is about caring for our patients, our members, our students, our Geisinger family and our communities.

    • KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves.
    • EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence.
    • LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow.
    • INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation.
    • SAFETY: We provide a safe environment for our patients and members and the Geisinger family.


    We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. Perhaps just as important, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality.


    Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.


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