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Per Diem Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PIH Health

Lab Assistant, Per Diem

Whittier, CA · On-site

The Laboratory Assistant performs specimen procurement, accessioning, processing and testing as assigned under the supervision of a licensed Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS). Provides phlebotomy ...

PIH Health

Lab Assistant, Per Diem

Whittier, CA

The Laboratory Assistant performs specimen procurement, accessioning, processing and testing as assigned under the supervision of a licensed Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS). Provides phlebotomy ...

PIH Health

Lab Assistant, Per Diem

Whittier, CA · On-site

$21 - $34.80/hr

The Laboratory Assistant performs specimen procurement, accessioning, processing and testing as assigned under the supervision of a licensed Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS). Provides phlebotomy ...

Labcorp

Lab Assistant

San Diego, CA

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Lab Assistant to join our teamin San Diego, CA ... Work Schedule: 2nd Shift - This is a Casual/Per Diem position; hours will be "as needed" and the ...

Labcorp

Lab Assistant

San Diego, CA

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Lab Assistant to join our team in San Diego, CA ... Work Schedule: 2nd Shift - This is a Casual/Per Diem position; hours will be "as needed" and the ...

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$50/hr

Posting Details Position Information Position Title General Lab Assistant Position Type Temporary ... Possesses working knowledge of physical therapy in the specialty area per pre-clinical program ...

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$50/hr

Posting Details Position Information Position Title General Lab Assistant Position Type Temporary ... Possesses working knowledge of physical therapy in the specialty area per pre-clinical program ...

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$50/hr

Position Information Position Title General Lab Assistant Position Type Temporary Job Number ... Possesses working knowledge of physical therapy in the specialty area per pre-clinical program ...

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All JobsPer Diem Lab JobsPer Diem Lab Assistant JobsPer Diem Lab Assistant Jobs in California

Per Diem Lab Assistant information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do per diem lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem lab assistant in California is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Per Diem Lab Assistant vs Full-Time Lab Technician?

AspectPer Diem Lab AssistantFull-Time Lab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary, flexible shifts in laboratories, hospitals, or clinicsFull-time, permanent positions with regular hours in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, research labs, clinics; used for short-term staffing needsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutions; core staff roles

Per Diem Lab Assistants typically work on a temporary, flexible basis with minimal credentials, focusing on support tasks. Full-Time Lab Technicians hold permanent roles with more advanced qualifications, performing routine testing and analysis regularly. The main difference lies in employment status, credentials, and job stability.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a per diem lab assistant?

To thrive as a Per Diem Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), phlebotomy equipment, and proper safety protocols is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you excel in this fast-paced, flexible role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accurate results, maintain lab efficiency, and support patient care in variable work schedules.

What is a per diem lab assistant?

Per Diem Lab Assistants are laboratory support staff who work on an as-needed basis rather than a regular, full-time schedule. Their primary responsibilities include preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting with testing procedures. Because their hours can vary depending on the laboratory's needs, this role offers flexibility and is often used to cover staff shortages, busy periods, or special projects. Per Diem Lab Assistants are commonly found in hospitals, research institutions, and diagnostic laboratories.

What are the most common challenges faced by per diem lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Per Diem Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different lab environments, managing fluctuating work schedules, and staying updated on diverse testing procedures. Since the role typically involves filling in for full-time staff or covering peak workloads, strong adaptability and time management skills are essential. Building good communication with permanent staff and being proactive in asking questions can help ease transitions and ensure quality work. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the specific protocols of each lab assignment can make your shifts smoother and more efficient.
What are popular job titles related to Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in California? For Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Per Diem Lab Assistant job openings:
Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Per Diem Lab Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,562 per year, or $20 per hour.

Lab Assistant - Per Diem

Tahoe Forest Health

Truckee, CA

$35.33/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Bargaining Unit: EA

Rate of Pay:  $35.33/hour + DOE (Base Pay of $31.41/hour includes 12.5% per diem premium) 

Summary
Laboratory Assistant utilizes universal precautions and appropriate laboratory safety practices and knowledge of laboratory science to perform a variety of technical and clerical duties and tasks. The Assistant performs duties such as venipuncture, EKG’s, specimen processing and urine drug screen collections.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following list of job duties fall within the scope of the laboratory assistant.  Staff only perform the job duties for which they have completed initial and annual competency assessments.  All lab assistants do not perform all functions listed.
  • Verifies the accuracy of patient registration information in computer.
  • Prioritizes and enters orders.
  • Obtains specimens for testing for all age groups including finger stick glucose.
  • Receives and processes all requests for laboratory orders, results and reports.  Enters and retrieves data from computer system.
  • Answers telephones and routes calls as appropriate.
  • Processes and packages specimens as required for delivery to main laboratory and/or reference laboratories.
  • Review pending logs and reports every shift.
  • Performs physician prescribed EKG testing.
  • Performs legal drug collection.
  • Inventories and maintains department supplies. Notifies Supervisor of supply needs when stock is low.
  • Cleans glassware from all areas of the laboratory.
  • May perform Evidential Breath Testing (EBT).
  • May perform registrations using procedure specified in training.
  • May set up microbiology cultures.
  • May need to transport specimens to other locations.
  • May perform document scanning into the electronic medical record.
  • Demonstrates System Values in performance and behavior.
  • Complies with System policies and procedures.
  • Other duties as may be assigned.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
 
Licenses, Certifications
Minimum CPT1 (California: Phlebotomy Technician) or higher. Tahoe Forest Hospital Laboratory Assistants are also needed to cover events at the Incline Village Community Hospital.  In these cases, the staff that are scheduled at that location are licensed by the State of Nevada and meet all requirements of the IVCH Lab Assistant Job Description.
 
Other Experience/Qualifications
Meets venipuncture requirements of the California Business and Professional Code and The California Administrative Code. Previous phlebotomy experience required.  Experience in the State of California is preferred.  Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.

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