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Per Diem Lab Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lab Assistant I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$14.71/hr

Lab Assistant I - Chantilly, VA, Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM Department: Clinical ... Pay range: $17.20+ per hour Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant ...

Per Diem GNA | Bowie, MD 20716 Bowie, Maryland 20716 | Skilled Nursing / Rehabilitation | All ... residents. * Assist with ambulation, transfers, and repositioning using safe body mechanics.

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Per Diem Lab Assistant information

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$11

$22

$33

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem lab assistant in Washington is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $26.15 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 Washington? For Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Per Diem Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Per Diem Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Lab Assistant job openings in Washington 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 $47,697 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Lab Assistant I

Quest Diagnostics

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$14.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description


Lab Assistant I - Chantilly, VA, Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Department: Clinical Laboratory - Serology IFA
Entry level role; Performs various routine laboratory functions in a precise and accurate fashion to assist the laboratory professional staff and to facilitate production.
Pay range: $17.20+ per hour
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Organizes specimens and reagents prior to the day technologists' arrival.
  • Identifies missing specimens to Specimen Processing.
  • Stores and prepares order for reagent and materials delivered by the warehouse.
  • Responsible for informing supervisory personnel of suspected problems.
  • Perform specimen receiving, labeling, handling and preparation.
  • Assist with pre-analytical preparation of specimens (e.g., printing labels, uncap/cap specimen tubes, aliquot specimens, prepare racks, worklists, enter/scan specimens).
  • Record digital temperature; notify license-qualified personnel if the temperature is out of range.
  • Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment, under direct and constant supervision. Activity must be signed-off by license-qualified personnel.
  • Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
  • Clean, organize and maintain work area, glassware and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers and supply cabinets, as needed).
  • Assist with monitoring the department pending and overdue lists, which includes, searching, locating, following up and filing appropriate documentation.
  • Perform other departmental tasks such as filing, archiving and retrieving slides/blocks, reports, requisitions/other paperwork and answering the telephone.
  • Dispose of biohazardous material.
  • Perform QA/QC duties as assigned.
  • Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
  • Comply with all health and safety policies, procedures and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Qualifications
Education Required:
  • High School Graduate or equivalent required.

Work Experience:
  • Previous laboratory experience and/or training preferred

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
  • Frequent walking and/or standing.
  • May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Extreme willingness to work in a cooperative manner.
  • Required to handle biological samples and potentially hazardous chemicals.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an ongoing basis and retain the information once learned.
  • Must be detail-oriented, able to work independently, establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
  • Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and, Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.

About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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