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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ascend Clinical

Medical Lab Assistant

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Medical Lab Assistant Locations: Sunnyvale, CAWhy Ascend? Come work for a company that is transforming the industry! Ascend Clinical, LLC is one of the highest-volume clinical laboratories in the ...

Ascend Clinical

Medical Lab Assistant

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Medical Lab Assistant Locations: Sunnyvale, CA Why Ascend? Come work for a company that is transforming the industry! Ascend Clinical, LLC is one of the highest-volume clinical laboratories in the ...

Apidel Technologies

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas, CA · On-site

A Lab Assistant will be working in a high volume, production based environment performing a vital ... Previous medical/lab or production experience is preferred. Comfortability with handling biological ...

Opendoorhealth

Lab Assistant III

Willow Creek, CA · On-site

This position requires a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT I or CPT II), LVN, or a Certified Medical Assistant. Our lab assistant hourly wage ranges are listed below. All new hires will start at ...

CommonSpirit Health

Lab Assistant

Northridge, CA

Founded in 1955, Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed, acute care ... One Mission. One California As our Lab Assistant, you will play a crucial role in solving ...

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$50/hr

The courses utilizing lab assistants are PT 512L Kinesiology Lab, PT 525L Clin Path, PT 531 Gen Med, PT 539 Physical Agents, PT 578 Short Term Integrated Clinical Experience I - Community Exercise ...

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All JobsMedical Lab JobsMedical Lab Assistant JobsMedical Lab Assistant Jobs in California

Medical Lab Assistant information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$55

How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in California is $23.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, MLT or MLS?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) and Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are different roles with MLS typically earning higher salaries due to advanced education and responsibilities. MLS professionals usually have a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing, which is reflected in higher pay compared to MLTs, who often have an associate degree and perform routine testing.

What are Medical Lab Assistants?

Medical Lab Assistants are healthcare professionals who support laboratory technologists and technicians by preparing samples, conducting basic tests, and ensuring lab equipment is clean and functioning. They play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients by handling specimens such as blood, urine, and tissue. Their responsibilities include labeling samples, recording data, and sometimes interacting with patients to collect samples. Medical Lab Assistants work in hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and diagnostic centers, helping to ensure accurate and timely test results.

Is a medical lab assistant a good career?

A medical lab assistant is a valuable healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests and prepares specimens, supporting diagnosis and treatment. The role typically requires attention to detail, technical skills, and certification, with job prospects generally stable due to ongoing demand in healthcare settings.

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

To thrive as a Medical Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and safety protocols, typically gained through a diploma or certificate in medical laboratory technology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), centrifuges, and automated analyzers is important for efficient workflow. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate results and smooth collaboration with healthcare teams. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining high standards of laboratory accuracy, safety, and timely patient care.

What are some common challenges Medical Lab Assistants face in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Medical Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of specimens, maintaining accuracy under time pressure, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Managing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, effective communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare staff, and diligent attention to detail. Many labs offer ongoing training and support to help assistants stay current with best practices and improve workflow efficiency, ensuring patient safety and reliable test results.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Medical lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with postsecondary training or certification in clinical laboratory procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Certification or formal training can improve job prospects and may be required by some employers.

What is the difference between Medical Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectMedical Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, phlebotomy certificationAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification often required
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job DutiesSample collection, preparing specimens, basic testingPerforming complex tests, analyzing samples, operating lab equipment
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, clinicsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic centers

Medical Lab Assistants typically handle sample collection and basic tasks, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in healthcare labs, but Technicians usually require more advanced education and certification.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Medical lab assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. The job often requires knowledge of laboratory procedures and the use of testing equipment.

What Does a Medical Lab Assistant Do?

As a medical lab assistant, you typically work in a hospital or clinical/medical laboratory. This role is slightly different than a lab tech position in that you have less responsibility. As a lab assistant, it’s your job to assist technologists and technicians with lab tests. Depending on the specific position, your duties may include preparing specimens, managing their storage, and keeping track of the results. Other everyday tasks involve keeping the lab equipment clean, maintaining an accurate inventory of supplies, and placing orders as needed. You may also have administrative duties, like billing and filing.

More about Medical Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Medical Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in California? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Lab Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Lab Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in CA? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Medical Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,355 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Medical Lab Assistant

Medical Lab Assistant

Ascend Clinical

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Medical Lab AssistantLocations: Sunnyvale, CAWhy Ascend?
Come work for a company that is transforming the industry!
Ascend Clinical, LLC is one of the highest-volume clinical laboratories in the United States, processing millions of tests each month with advanced tools and technology. For over 30 years, we've set the standard for service and excellence in testing.
What sets Ascend apart is our unique combination of clinical and healthcare water testing as we drive innovation across multiple areas of laboratory science. We're growing rapidly and looking for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, embrace new challenges, and want to help shape what's next.
Job Summary:
As a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you will assist the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) with routine specimen processing in accordance with protocols established by Ascend Clinical. You will process specimens, perform some test preparation, specimen verification and tracking, all related clerical functions and general laboratory tasks. You will also assist in placing specimens on automated instruments and work with the laboratorians for documentation review and computer verification. Our company has Hematology, Preanalytics, Chemistry, Environmental, and Immunochemistry departments.
Responsibilities:
  • Knows and complies with Ascend Clinical policies and procedures: general policies and Exposure Control (blood borne pathogens), Chemical Hazard, Illness and Injury Prevention Program and Quality Assurance Program. Understands the hazards associated with failing to follow those procedures.
  • Organizes work for large batch processing appropriately. Prioritizes tasks and organizes work for efficient completion.
  • Documents in a clear, concise and thorough manner. Sees that all paperwork is completed properly during the shift.
  • Sets up automated instruments.
  • Performs quality control procedures on instruments.
  • Performs routine testing on automated instruments.
  • Performs minor hardware troubleshooting on automated instruments.
  • Actively participates in facility's Quality Assurance program.
  • Assumes responsibility for special projects, as directed by Management.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED required, college preferred.
  • Background in chemistry, math, medical terminology, knowledge of specimen preparation techniques, and principles of operation of common laboratory instruments.
  • Capability of performing repetitive work with a high degree of precision.
  • Capability of working biologic specimens in a safe manner.
  • Able to read, write, speak, understand and communicate.
Compensation:
  • $22-$25/hr
  • Salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to individual competencies, education/professional certifications, experience and performance in the role.
Benefits:
As an Ascend Clinical employee, you will become part of a company that has received national recognition as a great place to work. We offer excellent full-time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays and vacation, personal days, and dental and vision options.
Ascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Disabled/Veteran
Ascend Clinical, LLC is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace environment and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the company that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, genetic information (GINA), disability, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state, or local law. The company's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer all employment-related matters on the basis of an individual's qualifications, abilities and efforts without regard to protected status.

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