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What is an assistant laboratory technician and how to become one
Assistant laboratory technicians, sometimes also known as lab assistants, make it possible for brilliant discoveries to happen in labs. While the laboratory scientists design and conduct innovative experiments, assistant laboratory technicians do the slightly less glamorous tasks that help keep a lab running.
The day-to-day of an assistant laboratory technician might look a little different depending on the kind of laboratory they work in. Some assistant laboratory technicians even get to take care of mice! No matter the lab they work in, most assistant laboratory technicians have to maintain lab samples and equipment. They also prepare experiments and sometimes conduct them themselves. The job also involves cleaning--lots of cleaning.
Most assistant laboratory technicians have a bachelor's or associate's degree in biology or a related field, but a diploma isn't necessary to do the job. With experience, an assistant laboratory technician can work their way up to become a technician or even a team leader.
What general advice would you give to an assistant laboratory technician?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA
Assistant Professor / MLS Program Director, Northern Michigan University
Avg. Salary $35,556
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 1%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%
Asian 11.94%
Black or African American 11.02%
Hispanic or Latino 17.40%
Unknown 5.13%
White 53.71%
Genderfemale 28.37%
male 71.63%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Assistant laboratory technician career paths
Key steps to become an assistant laboratory technician
Explore assistant laboratory technician education requirements
Start to develop specific assistant laboratory technician skills
Skills Percentages Patients 23.35% Ladders 11.10% Computer Lab 8.38% Vital Signs 7.05% EKG 5.89% Complete relevant assistant laboratory technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New assistant laboratory technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an assistant laboratory technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real assistant laboratory technician resumes.Research assistant laboratory technician duties and responsibilities
- Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
- Work with non-gynecological specimens including thin prep, cytospins or formalin and cellient cell blocks.
- Work in cytology lab performing prep duties of surgical fluids, FNA aspirates and pap smears.
- Verify test requirements utilizing LIS.
Prepare your assistant laboratory technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your assistant laboratory technician resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an assistant laboratory technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable assistant laboratory technician resume templates
Build a professional assistant laboratory technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your assistant laboratory technician resume.
Apply for assistant laboratory technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an assistant laboratory technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first assistant laboratory technician job
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Average assistant laboratory technician salary
The average assistant laboratory technician salary in the United States is $35,556 per year or $17 per hour. Assistant laboratory technician salaries range between $21,000 and $57,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do assistant laboratory technicians rate their job?
Assistant laboratory technician reviews
I really like everything about being a Medical Technologist. Is a great profession
Love taking something that can't be used and giving it life again...
The pay is too low for the experience one must have...
Hands on work and being able to learn new things everyday. Working side by side with the medical director was great too.
Updated January 8, 2025
