ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Medical Laboratory Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMedical Laboratory Assistant Jobs

Medical Laboratory Assistant information

See salary details

$13

$23

$56

How much do medical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical laboratory 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 are Medical Laboratory Assistants?

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.
More about Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Laboratory jobs? The most popular types of Medical Laboratory jobs are:
What states have the most Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs are:
Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,997 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Medical Laboratory Assistant - Phlebotomy

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Phlebotomy

Essentia Health

Brainerd, MN • On-site

$17.63 - $26.45/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Essentia Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Building Location:
St Josephs Medical Center
Department:
4002040 PHLEBOTOMY - SJMC
Job Description:
The Medical Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing tasks to support pre-analytical and post-analytical functions within Essentia Health Laboratories.
The MLA will promote patient safety while performing specimen collection and processing.
This position will also perform waived lab testing following standards of accreditation agencies and state licensure requirements.
Education Qualifications:
  • Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program

OR
  • Completes an internal Medical Laboratory Assistant training program within 1 year of hire

Key Responsibilities:
  • Collects specimens through venipuncture or capillary skin puncture and other miscellaneous specimens (Urine, swabs, etc.)
  • Performs specimen processing and handling according to testing requirements to support clinical laboratory testing
  • Performs laboratory testing, when applicable, per accreditation and licensure requirements
  • Participates in training of new employees, students, and other personnel as appropriate
  • Follows Essentia Health rules and policies while handling specimens and equipment to ensure safety and quality

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Phlebotomy or Medical Laboratory Assistant American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification
  • Recent specimen preparation and processing experience
  • Possession of a valid motor vehicle operators' license
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and basic computer skills

Licensure/Certification Qualifications:
FTE:
0.8
Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:
Shift Rotation:
Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America)
Shift Start Time:
Day/Eve Rotation
Shift End Time:
Day/Eve Rotation
Weekends:
Yes
Holidays:
Yes
Call Obligation:
No
Union:
Union Posting Deadline:
Compensation Range:
$17.63 - $26.45
Employee Benefits at Essentia Health:At Essentia Health, we're committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.

What Essentia Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Essentia Health logo

About Essentia Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Essentia Health combines the strengths and talents of 13,500 employees, including 3,500 registered nurses & licensed practical nurses, who serve our patients and communities through the mission of being called to make a healthy difference in people's lives. Essentia Health, which includes many Catholic facilities, is guided by the values of Quality, Hospitality, Respect, Joy, Justice, Stewardship and Teamwork. The organization lives out its mission by having a patient-centered focus at 14 hospitals, 70 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, five ambulance services and one research institute.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Duluth, MN, US

Year founded

2004

View All Essentia Health Jobs

Apply