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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medical Lab Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.63 - $24.91/hr

Rush Medical Center Hospital: Rush University Medical Center Department: Molecular Probe Laboratory ... the lab area. Labels and processes specimens properly. Performs all laboratory procedures ...

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Baptist Health is currently looking for a Medical Laboratory Assistant II to join our Lab Outreach team at Baptist Medical Center . This is a day shift, location and shifts may vary between Monday ...

Medical Lab Assistant

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$20.84 - $24.77/hr

Shift: 9p-5:30a * Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test material/reagents, blood products, and quality control material. * Works in various areas of ...

Medical Lab Assistant

Atlanta, GA

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Overview Shift: 5a-3:30p Description * Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test material/reagents, blood products, and quality control material. * Works ...

Medical Lab Assistant

Atlanta, GA

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Overview Shift: 9p-5:30a Description * Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test material/reagents, blood products, and quality control material. * Works ...

Medical Lab Assistant

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Overview Shift: 9p-5:30a Description * Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test material/reagents, blood products, and quality control material. * Works ...

Medical Lab Assistant

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Overview Shift: 5a-3:30p Description * Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test material/reagents, blood products, and quality control material. * Works ...

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Medical Lab Assistant information

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$56

How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in the United States is $23.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a medical laboratory assistant do?

A medical laboratory assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing specimens, recording data, and performing basic tests under supervision. They handle sample collection, maintain lab equipment, and ensure accurate documentation, often working with laboratory information systems and following safety protocols.

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.

Who gets paid more, MLS or MLT?

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) typically earn higher salaries than Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) because MLSs usually have a bachelor's degree and more advanced training. MLTs generally hold an associate degree and perform routine lab tests under supervision. Salary differences reflect education level, certification, and experience in the laboratory setting.

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, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and basic knowledge of biology and chemistry. 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 do MLTs make?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and additional skills such as proficiency with laboratory equipment or specialized testing.

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 cities are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Lab jobs? The most popular types of Medical Lab jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? The top employers for Medical Lab Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Medical Lab Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Medical Lab Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,997 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Medical Lab Assistant I

Medical Lab Assistant I

Lexington Medical Center

West Columbia, SC • On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Lexington Medical Center rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

440th of 1,003 rated hospitals


Job description

Lab Administration  
PRN
PM Shift 
1230-2100 and some weekends

Lexington Health is a comprehensive network of care that includes six community medical and urgent care centers, nearly 80 physician practices, more than 9,000 health care professionals and Lexington Medical Center, a 607-bed teaching hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. It was selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare and was first in the state to achieve Magnet with Distinction status for excellence in nursing care. Consistently ranked as best in the Columbia Metro area by U.S. News & World Report, Lexington Health delivers more than 4,000 babies each year, performs more than 34,000 surgeries annually and is the region's third largest employer.

Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first HeartCARE Center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, and an Alzheimer's care center. Its postgraduate medical education programs include family medicine and transitional year residencies, as well as an informatics fellowship.

Job Summary

The Medical Lab Assistant I performs a variety of tasks related to specimen collection and pre-analytical processing of biological specimens for testing performed in the clinical laboratory. Responsible for providing excellent customer service to patients and visitors during registration and laboratory procedure ordering. Will obtain all demographic and financial information to ensure accurate and legal billing and medical record data. Provide clerical functions such as ordering, reporting registration, filing, and scanning with accuracy while maintaining competency in all computer modules including EPIC. Manages telephone inquiries timely providing guidance or direction as needed. Collect specimens in accordance to procedure and/or federal guidelines, including Department of Transportation. Preparation of specimens for review by Cytotechnologist, Pathologists, and technologist, where applicable. Provide general maintenance of working areas to maintain clean workspace environment and instruments. 

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Minimum Years of Experience: Six months experience in a Laboratory setting or equivalent customer service experience.
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): Experience can be substituted for an Associate's Degree or a Technical Certification in health related field.
Required Certifications/Licensure: None
Required Training: Basic computer skills. Interest and skills in biological, chemical or biochemical sciences.

Essential Functions
  • Greets patients and/or representatives in a professional and courteous manner to obtain proper identification and insurance information along with physician orders to complete the registration process. 
  • Provides instructions to patients and/or representatives in the proper preparation and collection of self-collected tests (i.e. stool, urine, semen, etc.)
  • Receives and tracks specimens delivered to the laboratory by patients, couriers, nurses, or other medical personnel to testing departments, and manages the storage and disposal of patient samples.
  • Ensures specimens are labeled properly to maintain accurate patient identification.
  • Answer telephone calls to provide guidance for inquiries providing excellent communication and customer service skills.
  • Collect urine specimens with Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines for federal transportation or client's post-accident collections while following proper chain of custody protocols (Outreach and Phlebotomy only).
  • Responsible for delivering high quality service for all laboratory testing inquiries and serves as a resource to address problems and identify resolutions when possible.
  • Prepares, processes, stores and disposes all biologically hazardous reagents, chemicals and specimens following all regulatory and safety policies and procedures. 
  • Independently interprets physician orders and/or communicating with physician for clarification while following policies and procedures for verbal orders.
  • Assists with data collection for statistical reports and quality assurance monitoring.
  • Assesses inventory needs, orders and restocks supplies in a timely manner. Assists will filling supply orders for clients.
  • Maintains competence in all policies/procedures and LIS/HIS systems including upgrades or changes. Maintains a working knowledge of reference lab portals to navigate patient's orders/results, where applicable.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Provides essential assistance to professional staff within both the clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory, including pathologists, cytotechnologists, pathology assistants, and medical laboratory scientists. 
  • Work assigned hours to meet the need of the department.
  • Maintain productivity by effectively prioritizing and organizing workload in a constant changing environment to meet daily needs and deadlines.
  • Adapts to changes in the work environment, job situation and job requirements.
  • Maintain an optimistic and professional image and exhibits excellent customer service to patients, visitors, providers, and coworkers.
  • Works independently and as a team member.
  • Follows and complies with all hospital and laboratory policies.
  • Complies with all regulatory policies and procedures including Safety as required by CLIA, CAP, FDA, OSHA, DNV, and SC Dept of Public Health.
  • Demonstrates competence to provide developmentally appropriate care/treatment for the following patient population; Infant (birth to 1 year), child (1 through 12 years) adolescent (13 years through 17 years), adult (18 years to 65 year) and geriatric (over 65 years).
  • Skilled knowledge and organization preparation of pending workload and processing of various types of specimens for interpretive review. 
  • Skilled knowledge for operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of all instruments and documentation of all events to include temperature and/or humidity, as required. 
  • Preparation and maintaining various reports to include abnormal patient result lists, QA/QC logs, etc. 
  • Performs additional duties as assigned and requested. 

We are committed to offering quality, cost-effective benefits choices for our employees and their families:

  • Day ONE medical, dental and life insurance benefits 
  • Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Employees are eligible for enrollment into the 403(b) match plan day one.  LHI matches dollar for dollar up to 6%.
  • Employer paid life insurance - equal to 1x salary
  • Employee may elect supplemental life insurance with low cost premiums up to 3x salary 
  • Adoption assistance
  • LHI provides its full-time employees employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability coverage after 90 days of eligible employment
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Student loan forgiveness

Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Lexington Health to provide equal opportunity of employment for all individuals, and to remain compliant with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Lexington Health strives to provide a discrimination-free environment, and to recruit, select, on-board, and employ all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including but not limited to, lactation. Lexington Health endeavors to upgrade and promote employees from within the hospital where possible and consistent with the employee's desires and abilities and the hospital's needs.


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