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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Medical Lab Technician

Northridge, CA · On-site

$33.85 - $50.36/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Medical Lab Technologist, you will perform vital clinical ... One year of experience as a Lab Assistant or Technician in a clinical laboratory preferred. * AA ...

New

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 ...

Medical Lab Assistant MLA II PRN

Cypress, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

The Medical Laboratory Assistant II has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling ... Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Medical Lab Assistant information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$55

How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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.

What is a medical lab assistant?

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.

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.

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 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 medical lab assistant get paid?

A medical lab assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification. Salaries can vary based on the healthcare setting and whether the role involves specialized skills or advanced equipment. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with additional certifications can earn higher wages.

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 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 cities in California are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,355 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

$33.85 - $50.36/hr

Per diem

Posted 8 days ago


Dignity Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 284 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Medical Lab Technologist, you will perform vital clinical laboratory procedures to detect, identify, measure, and report data crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Every day, you will expertly conduct waived and moderate procedures using technical skills, instrumentation, and information systems, providing essential clinical laboratory support while ensuring the quality and accuracy of all tests under leadership direction.

To be successful in this role, you will possess comprehensive knowledge of laboratory principles across various disciplines (microbiology, hematology, chemistry, etc.), understand sample processing and result interpretation, prioritize chemical and biological safety, and be adept at operating and maintaining lab equipment.

Job Requirements
  • One year of experience as a Lab Assistant or Technician in a clinical laboratory preferred.
  • AA degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, including a minimum of 36 semester units of physical or biological science from an accredited college or university.
  • Continuing education requirements must be maintained
  • Current CA MLT license.
  • Current Los Angeles City fire card is required.
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1955, Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located. Serving over 80,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II Trauma Center, heart care, cancer care and women’s health. It is the only pediatric trauma center in the San Fernando Valley. 

Additionally, Northridge Hospital Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center and has been recognized as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2026.

One Community. One Mission. One California 

Qualifications:
  • One year of experience as a Lab Assistant or Technician in a clinical laboratory preferred.
  • AA degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, including a minimum of 36 semester units of physical or biological science from an accredited college or university.
  • Continuing education requirements must be maintained
  • Current CA MLT license.
  • Current Los Angeles City fire card is required.
Employment Type: PRN

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About Dignity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We welcome the chance to help you feel your best. Excellent, affordable health care, delivered with compassion, is what we stand for. Since our founding in 1986, we've made it our goal to create environments that meet each patient's physical, mental, and spiritual needs. We also believe this healing philosophy promotes the wellbeing of our staff and the places they serve. Dignity Health is made up of more than 60,000 caregivers and staff who deliver excellent care to diverse communities in 21 states. Headquartered in San Francisco, Dignity Health is the fifth largest health system in the nation and the largest hospital provider in California. Through teamwork and innovation, faith and compassion, advocacy and action, we endeavor every day to keep you happy, healthy, and whole.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1986

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