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How much do medical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical laboratory assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $24.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical laboratory assistant?

Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) are healthcare professionals who support laboratory technologists and scientists in performing laboratory tests and procedures. They are responsible for tasks such as collecting, preparing, and processing patient samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring accurate labeling and documentation. MLAs help ensure that laboratory operations run smoothly and that test results are delivered efficiently and safely to aid in patient diagnosis and treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical laboratory assistant?

To thrive as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you need a background in laboratory science, specimen handling, and data entry, often supported by a certificate or diploma in medical laboratory technology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and sample preparation tools is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining accuracy and ensuring efficient workflow. These skills and qualities are important to ensure reliable test results, patient safety, and smooth lab operations.

What are some common challenges faced by medical laboratory assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Medical Laboratory Assistants often face challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining strict attention to detail, and ensuring accurate labeling and processing under time constraints. Effective organization, clear communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare staff, and following standardized protocols help manage these challenges. Continuous training and staying updated on safety procedures also contribute to minimizing errors and ensuring a smooth workflow within the laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Medical Laboratory Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technologist?

AspectMedical Laboratory AssistantMedical Laboratory Technologist
CredentialsPost-secondary diploma or certificateBachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field
Work EnvironmentAssist with specimen collection, prepare samples, perform basic testsPerform complex analyses, interpret results, oversee lab operations
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic centers

The main difference between a Medical Laboratory Assistant and a Medical Laboratory Technologist lies in their education, scope of work, and responsibilities. Medical Laboratory Assistants support sample collection and basic testing, while Medical Laboratory Technologists perform advanced analyses and interpret results. Both roles are essential in healthcare labs, but Technologists typically require higher credentials and have a broader scope of practice.

How do you become a medical laboratory assistant?

To become a medical laboratory assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a post-secondary diploma or certificate program in medical laboratory assisting or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with laboratory equipment; certification may also be required or preferred by some employers.

What are popular job titles related to Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,652 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Assistant II, PRN Nights

Baltimore, MD • On-site

University of Maryland Medical System
See more jobs at University of Maryland Medical Systemexternal

Per diem

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements

Overviews

Under direct supervision, assists medical laboratory scientists by performing routine laboratory support duties and approved testing in any one of various specialized laboratories throughout UMMS, following departmental procedures and regulations stipulated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.

Key Responsibilities

 

1.      Receives and accessions patient samples into the Laboratory Information System. Ensures that all codes and information are entered accurately and timely. Maintains accurate patient identification and information for billing purposes following departmental procedures.

2.      Processes (centrifuges, aliquots, and performs other special handling procedures for specimens) and delivers specimens to specific laboratories as required. Saves or preserves specimens as needed in refrigerator, freezer, incubator, dry ice, or other storage as appropriate.

 

3.      Identifies and resolves specimen integrity issues such as mislabeled specimens, quantity not sufficient (QNS), specimen integrity, incorrect container type, incorrect/incomplete requisitions, etc., and documents all information for quality assurance purposes.

 

4.      Processes add-on testing according to departmental procedures.

 

5.      May perform waived to moderate complexity testing.

 

6.      Answers telephones and responds to customer inquiries and requests.

 

7.      May perform waived to moderate complexity as approved by the supervisor in accordance with departmental guidelines.

 

8.      Resolves customer complaints/issues and follows through with appropriate documentation.

 

9.      Communicates test results, test descriptions, etc. Assures a high level of customer satisfaction by communicating and responding to a variety of internal and external customers in a professional and courteous manner.

10.  Reviews and acts on test pending list.

11.  Troubleshoots and solves instrument problems with some assistance from medical laboratory scientists.


Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. Additional credit hours in biology and/or chemistry at an accredited institution are preferred.

Experience: Minimum of two year's work experience as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant I (CLAI) or equivalent experience in a clinical or hospital setting required.  



Employment Type: OTHER

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