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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Medical Lab Assistant information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$14

$26

$63

How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in San Ramon, CA is $26.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $26.06 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Lab jobs in San Ramon, CA? The most popular types of Medical Lab jobs in San Ramon, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in San Ramon, CA? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in San Ramon, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Lab Assistant jobs in San Ramon, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Lab Assistant jobs in San Ramon, CA are:
What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in San Ramon, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,755 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Medical Lab Technician Microbiology - Limited Term

Medical Lab Technician Microbiology - Limited Term

Sutter Health

Livermore, CA • On-site

$52.40 - $65.49/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Sutter Health rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 885 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

SSL-Sutter Shared Lab-Bay

Position Overview:

Performs pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic procedures on biological specimens to aid health care providers in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. Performs basic Laboratory procedures, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, quality control and waived or moderate complexity testing (as classified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment - CLIA). Reports lab results in a timely and accurate manner. If assigned to the Transfusion Service, performs moderate complexity testing within scope of license and other duties such as blood inventory management, blood product preparation, and issuing blood products for transfusion. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure patient privacy and maintain the highest level of safety and reliability in testing.
Note: An MLT may perform clinical laboratory tests or examinations classified as waived or of moderate complexity under CLIA, but not high complexity, and may report the test results. However, an MLT shall not perform microscopic analysis or immunohematology procedures, except for blood smear reviews other than manual leukocyte differentials, microscopic urinalysis, and blood typing of moderate complexity such as automated blood types (ABO/Rh) testing and antibody screen testing.

Job Description:

***This position is a full-time limited term 6-month position.***

EDUCATION:

  • Associate's Degree


CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

  • MLT-Medical Laboratory Technician Upon Hire


SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

  • Demonstrated knowledge and technical competence in routine specimen collection, preparation, testing applications, laboratory operations, and quality assurance in one or more assigned clinical specialty areas; examples: Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Hematology (no microscopy), Urinalysis (no microscopy) and Coagulation.

  • Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected time-frames

  • Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks. Demonstrates sound judgment and problem solving relevant to assigned duties.

  • Culturally Competent Communication: Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behaviors

  • Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to: 1) fluctuations in volume; 2) unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or information systems failure; 3) shift-to-shift hand-offs; 4) STAT test orders; 5) specimen integrity issues 6) regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.

  • Adherence to Practices and Procedures: Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence. Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.

  • Ability to use computers, including Microsoft Office suite, electronic mail, internet, etc.

These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development).

Job Shift:

Days

Schedule:

Full Time

Shift Hours:

8

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

Rotating Weekends

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

40

Employee Status:

Limited Term (Fixed Term)

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $52.40 to $65.49 / hour

The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health's comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.


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