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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Golden State Dermatology

Lab Assistant

Walnut Creek, CA

$21 - $25/hr

* GSD is a leading and comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery ... GSD is currently seeking a Full-time Lab Assistant to join our Laboratory based in Walnut Creek, CA.

Golden State Dermatology

Lab Assistant

Walnut Creek, CA

$21 - $25/hr

* GSD is a leading and comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery ... GSD is currently seeking a Full-time Lab Assistant to join our Laboratory based in Walnut Creek, CA.

TekWissen LLC

Lab Assistant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

US- Lab Assistant (Entry) Location: Berkeley,CA, 94710 Duration: 12 Months Work Type: Onsite We are seeking a part-time lab technician to join our BioSeparations team. The position is for up to 8 ...

Curion LLC

Part Time Food Lab Assistant

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The Food Lab Assistant supports sensory testing operations by preparing samples, setting up and maintaining testing environments, assisting study participants, and managing sensory lab inventory.

Sutter Health

Lab Assistant III

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$38.08 - $53.31/hr

MPHS-Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Position Overview: Performs duties primarily in support of ... Provides guidance to phlebotomists and lab assistants to promote optimal workflow and rapid problem ...

Sutter Health

Lab Assistant III

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$38.08 - $53.31/hr

MPHS-Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Position Overview: Performs duties primarily in support of ... Provides guidance to phlebotomists and lab assistants to promote optimal workflow and rapid problem ...

Sutter Health

Lab Assistant III

Burlingame, CA

$38.08 - $53.31/hr

MPHS-Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Position Overview: Performs duties primarily in support of ... Provides guidance to phlebotomists and lab assistants to promote optimal workflow and rapid problem ...

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All JobsMedical Lab JobsMedical Lab Assistant JobsMedical Lab Assistant Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Medical Lab Assistant information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$16

$28

$69

How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in Berkeley, CA is $28.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $28.56 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:
Medical Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,993 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Lab Assistant

Golden State Dermatology

Walnut Creek, CA

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

  • GSD is a leading and comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery medical group. We specialize in conditions of the skin, hair and nails, Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of skin cancer, surgical and non-surgical cosmetic skincare, anti-aging, body contouring, and plastic surgery. GSD provides excellent and personalized care to all of its patients. GSD is currently seeking a Full-time Lab Assistant to join our Laboratory based in Walnut Creek, CA.
    ***Shift Times are 3am-11:30am***

    • Perform all clerical duties associated with the histology laboratory
    • Answer phones and respond to questions in a courteous and highly motivated professional manner
    • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information concerning patients, physicians,
    • Ensure all corporate safety, quality control and quality assurance standards are
    • Ensure compliance with all local, federal, CLIA and CAP regulations.
    • Maintain a clean and well-organized work area.

  • Position Summary:

    Laboratory Assistants are responsible for performing routine for performing clerical duties related to the histology lab and to support the functions of the Histology Technicians and Grossing Technicians. An applicant with qualifications to gross dermatology specimens is preferred. (see qualifications below)

    Histology Lab Assistant Responsibilities
  • Accession cases
  • Make slides and cassettes and arrange with cases for grossing
  • Fill cassette and slide machines for next use
  • Prepare and ship slides for outside pathologists and outside consults
  • Check special stain log at 11 am and 3 pm
    • Print special stain slides (for PAS and GMS)
    • Package and ship blocks for send out stains
  • Log all shipments into the Send Out Binder
  • Enter gross descriptions into EMA
  • Block check all slides/blocks
  • Bring slides to pathologist
  • Package up slide boards by center and bring to front
  • Put blocks away in file and mark boxes
  • Make new boxes for next days use
  • Check faxes and distribute/respond as needed.
  • Change Autostainer reagents
  • Other duties, as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

  • Demonstrated skills in technical data interpretation and ability to troubleshoot.
  • Demonstrated ability to take and follow direction and to know who the resources are for their direction.
  • Understanding of the equipment used daily; including, tissue processors, embedding station, microtome, cover slipper, and cassette printer.
  • Adequate experience in routine histology to act as a resource for other team members.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of Internet for business use.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-past, deadline driven environment.
  • Drive for Results (Service, Quality, and Continuous Improvement) Ensure procedures and processes are in place that lead to delivery of quality results and continually reassess their effectiveness to achieve continuous improvement.
  • Communication Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Willingness to share and receive information and ideas from all levels of the organization in order to achieve the desired results.
  • Teamwork Commitment to the successful achievement of team and organizational goals through a desire to participate with and help other members of the team.
  • Customer Service Focus Demonstrate a focus on listening to and understanding client/customer needs and then delighting the client/customer by exceeding service and quality expectations.

Education, Certification/Licensure, and/or Experience

  • Specific Educational experience not required however experience in a laboratory is preferred.
  • CLIA/CA Grossing Guidelines CFR 493.1489 preferred

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