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Medical Laboratory Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Methodist

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

The Medical Laboratory Assistant II has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. As an experienced and fully competent laboratory ...

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Medical Laboratory Assistant information

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$13

$23

$56

How much do medical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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 qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a medical laboratory assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with post-secondary education such as a certificate or diploma in medical laboratory assisting or a related field. Certification from a recognized body can enhance job prospects, and strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and familiarity with laboratory equipment are important for the role.

How much do MLTs make?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 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.

How much do lab assistants get paid?

Medical laboratory assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the healthcare setting and whether the role is full-time or part-time.

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.

Who gets paid more, MLS or MLT?

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) typically earn higher salaries than Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) due to advanced education and responsibilities. MLS professionals often hold a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing, which is reflected in their higher pay scale compared to MLTs, who usually have an associate degree and perform routine testing.

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.
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Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Medical Laboratory Assistant - Outreach

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Outreach

Essentia Health

Brainerd, MN

$17.63 - $26.45/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Essentia Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 205 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

403rd of 871 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Building Location:St Josephs Medical CenterDepartment:4002010 GENERAL LAB - SJMCJob 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.
The Outreach MLA position provides phlebotomy and laboratory services through offsite specimen collection.
This service supports community clients whose residents are unable to travel to a clinic, including non Essentia Health hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care settings.
ThisOutreach MLAposition will be used to covershifts at Outreach locations, SJMC, and Clinics.
This shift will be days and evenings, no weekends, but holidays are included.Education Qualifications:

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

Educational Requirements:

  • Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program

OR

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

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/CertificationQualifications:FTE:0.6

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Shift Rotation:Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America)Shift Start Time:Day/Eve RotationShift End Time:Day/Eve RotationWeekends:NoHolidays:YesCall Obligation:NoUnion:Union Posting Deadline:

Compensation Range:

$17.63 - $26.45Employee 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.

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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

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