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Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Irmo, SC (NOW HIRING)

MUSC

Medical Laboratory Tech

Winnsboro, SC · On-site

... persons, assist with training laboratory personnel in routine procedures, participate in continuing education, recognize normal and abnormal values, and model Standards of Behavior in daily ...

MUSC

Medical Laboratory Technician I

Columbia, SC · On-site

... persons, assist with training laboratory personnel in routine procedures, participate in continuing education, recognize normal and abnormal values, and model Standards of Behavior in daily ...

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See Irmo, SC salary details

$8

$16

$24

How much do laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory assistant in Irmo, SC is $16.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.85 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 Irmo, SC?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Irmo, SC are:

What cities near Irmo, SC are hiring for Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities near Irmo, SC with the most Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Assistant job openings in Irmo, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,387 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Technician [Day Shift], Columbia, SC

Fidelity Partners

Columbia, SC

$32.09/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Day Shift

Location:
Columbia VA Healthcare System
William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center
6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209

  • Clearance Requirements: National Agency Check and Inquiries with Fingerprints.
  • Type of Employment: Full-Time, 40 hours per week with rotation on weekends and holidays.
  • Total Compensation: $32.09 per hour.
  • Shift Work: Day Shift (8:00 am – 4:30 pm).
  • Benefits Offered: Health/Dental and Vision.
  • Paid Time Off per Year: Up to 80 hours per year, starting on the day of hire.
  • Sick Leave per Year: Up to 56 hours per year, starting on the day of hire.
  • Paid Federal Holidays: Eleven (11) Paid Federal Holidays.

Work Schedule:

The Medical Laboratory Technician [Cytology and Histology] service is required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, including weekends and holidays, on an eight-hour shift basis to support testing in the Laboratory.

The positions require individuals to work either of the following shifts, depending on the laboratory's needs and requirements:

  • Regular work hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications/Credentialing

The Medical Laboratory Technician will be certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), or an equivalent certification, such as Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), and will have appropriate training.

  • Board Certification: Medical Laboratory Technicians are not required to be board certified; they are only certified as MLTs, MLSs, or CLSs by the ASCP or AMT.
  • Associate degree from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory, or related science.
  • Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program and having all licenses, permits, and certifications as required by law and this contract.
  • Two years of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work, such as, but not limited to, a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician.

A generalist is a Medical Laboratory Technician who can perform testing in all areas of the Clinical Laboratory, including Chemistry, Blood Banking, Hematology, Urine Chemistry, and Microbiology.

Descriptions of Services

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • This position will be limited to Cytology and Histology processing only and will not involve any testing.
    • Comprehensive training and competency assessment will be provided.
  • Perform technical laboratory functions including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and immunology.
  • Report test results following clinic protocols, alerting providers and/or nurses about abnormal results.
  • Ensure quality control in collecting specimens, ensure appropriate sampling, and maintain accurate record-keeping.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies. Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test the sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
  • Comply with all laboratory policies and OSHA regulations related to safety, cleanliness, and infection control.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Technical Knowledge: Hematology

  • Assist with preanalytical processing, including accessioning, spinning, staining, and delivering slides to a cytologist or pathologist for screening, interpretation, and result entry.
  • Conducts moderate‑ and high‑complexity hematology testing, including complete blood counts (CBCs), automated and manual differentials, reticulocyte counts, ESRs, and body fluid analyses.
  • Operates, calibrates, and maintains automated hematology analyzers and associated equipment, ensuring proper function through daily QC, calibration verification, and troubleshooting.
  • Reviews and validates hematology parameters, investigates abnormal or critical values, and performs manual smear reviews when indicated.
  • Performs coagulation testing (PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, D‑dimer) when required by the laboratory's organizational structure.

Technical Knowledge: Generalist

  • Abides by all procedures and policies set forth by the Laboratory and Chemistry Department.
  • Determines proper collection and timely submission of specimens.
  • Processes specimens in a timely manner, following written guidance in Lab policy for specific turnaround time rates.
  • Performs and reports all tests in accordance with established procedures, in an effort to meet specific turnaround-time criteria.
  • Performs quality control procedures on assigned instruments and methods as per the Quality Control procedure.
  • Analyzes and interprets test and control data.
  • Reports results expediently for STAT analysis.
  • Investigates inconsistent results and initiates corrective actions when warranted.
  • Prepares and loads onto the instrument: reagents, calibrators, and quality control materials as needed.

Employees must have proof of the following tests:

  • Tuberculosis Testing: A negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results. The TST or IGRA testing shall be repeated annually.
  • Measles, Mumps, & Rubella Testing: Provide proof of immunity for all contract employees.
  • Varicella: Proof of immunity for all contract employees.
  • Acellular Pertussis: Provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all contract employees.
  • Influenza: Proof that all contract employees have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the contract employee has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season.
  • COVID-19: Proof that all contract employees have received the Covid 19 vaccine unless there is a medical or religious waiver. If the contract employee has an approved medical or religious waiver from the vaccine, they shall be required to provide a negative COVID test weekly at the contractor's expense and at the administration's expense.
ABOUT US: Fidelity Partners is a Inc. 5000, USA company that provides medical, technical, logistical, and administrative services to the federal government and commercial Clients across the country. Fidelity offers competitive salaries and benefits packages. Qualified applicants are encouraged to learn more about us at www.fidelitypartners.org or or call us at (210) 822-4005 or Join our Team
Fidelity Partners provides equal employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or in accordance with applicable federal state, and local laws (EoE).