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Entry Level Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Nutrien

Seasonal Lab Technician, Day Shift

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Seasonal Waypoint Analytical has been a trusted ... Document activities and report results accurately and concisely. * Assist group leaders and ...

Nutrien

Seasonal Lab Technician, Night Shift

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Seasonal Waypoint Analytical has been a trusted ... Document activities and report results accurately and concisely. * Assist group leaders and ...

ALPLA Group

QA Technician

Iowa City, IA · On-site

To assist the Quality Assurance Manager in all Quality Assurance activities in Production and in ... Experience with physical lab testing equipment, calipers, scales, digital height gauge and ...

Rexel

Truck Driver

Muscatine, IA · On-site

May assist in preparing orders for delivery * Ensure all appropriate documentation is thoroughly ... Senior Truck Driver will participate in the training of entry level Truck Drivers; and provides ...

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Entry Level Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do entry level lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab assistant in Iowa is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab assistant?

An Entry Level Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by performing basic laboratory tasks, such as preparing samples, organizing lab equipment, and recording data. They follow strict safety protocols and ensure the lab stays clean and organized. This role is ideal for individuals with a background in science who want hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. Depending on the workplace, lab assistants may work in medical, research, or industrial labs. It is a great starting position for those looking to advance in the scientific field.

What are some typical daily tasks for an entry level lab assistant?

Entry Level Lab Assistants typically handle tasks such as preparing and labeling samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, recording data, and helping maintain a clean and organized workspace. You may also assist senior lab staff with routine experiments and monitor inventory of supplies. The role often involves following strict safety procedures and ensuring all activities comply with laboratory standards. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to lab techniques and a collaborative team environment, making it an excellent starting point for those interested in scientific careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level lab assistant position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Entry Level Lab Assistant, you need basic laboratory skills, familiarity with safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring coursework or experience in biology or chemistry. Experience using laboratory equipment like centrifuges, pipettes, and data entry systems is often valuable. Strong attention to detail, communication, and time management skills help you stand out in the role. These abilities ensure that laboratory procedures are performed accurately, efficiently, and safely, supporting the overall success of scientific projects.

Can you get an entry level lab assistant job with no experience?

Entry level lab assistant positions often do not require prior experience, but they typically seek candidates with basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and sometimes relevant coursework or certifications. Employers may provide on-the-job training to new hires, making it possible to start without previous lab experience.

How do I become an entry level lab assistant?

To become an entry level lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from coursework in science or biology. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic laboratory techniques, and familiarity with lab equipment; some positions may require certification or training provided on the job.

Is it hard to become an entry level lab assistant?

Becoming an entry level lab assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and basic knowledge of laboratory procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with lab equipment, and sometimes certification in safety protocols; however, the role often provides on-the-job training. The difficulty varies depending on the specific employer and required qualifications, but it is generally accessible for candidates with a basic science background.

What qualifications do I need to be an entry level lab assistant?

To become an entry-level lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic laboratory techniques, and familiarity with safety protocols; some positions may prefer or require post-secondary education or certifications in science or laboratory procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Lab Assistant job openings:

Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,555 per year, or $19 per hour.

Component Technician - FT - Entry-Level Lab

LifeServe Blood Center

Johnston, IA • On-site

$18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

LifeServe Blood Center rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Your Blood. Your Hospital. Your Neighbors.
There's no better way to support your local community than by working at LifeServe Blood Center, an organization driven by the mission to save lives locally. We're all familiar with blood: it's red, it's essential to life, and we all have it. Less commonly known are the many roles that blood plays and its many parts. Each donation can impact up to three lives, but not in its whole blood state. This is where YOU come in! We're looking for a full-time Component Technician to join our amazing team of LifeServers.
As a Component Technician, you will work in our lab manufacturing whole blood donations into transfusable components (red cells, platelets, and plasma), playing a central role in the lifesaving process for patients in our communities. The manufacturing process involves the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and equipment, such as centrifuges. Component Technicians are also heavily involved in instrument quality control and maintenance.
Shift:
  • Full-Time
  • Monday-Friday
  • Hours from 2:30pm - 10:00pm

Compensation:
  • Starting at $18.75/hr
  • Night shift differential of $4.00/hr when working 6pm - 6am
  • Weekend shift differential of $2.00/hr

Our type:
You have a strong attention-to-detail. You navigate fluctuating demands like a pro by way of your excellent communication skills. Your superior ability to multitask is due to your fierce organization skills and your uncanny ability to prioritize a list of tasks. You really want to work in a laboratory setting and love the idea of manufacturing a lifesaving product. You thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment.
Key responsibilities:
  • Process blood components according to established policy and SOP.
  • Perform review of component manufacturing and equipment related documentation and release of quality control results.
  • Perform calibration and maintenance tasks.
  • Identify, troubleshoot, and document problems that may influence the quality or completion of blood manufacturing.
  • Assist with validation of new equipment and manufacturing processes.
  • Perform data entry and navigation within multiple computer programs.

Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Associate's degree or higher preferred.
  • The ability to multitask and set priorities is essential.
  • This position requires use of knowledge and judgement to ensure accuracy of tasks related to quality.
  • Proficiency with computers is a must; experience with MS Office is preferred.

Working conditions:
  • Repetitive tasks and repetitive motions during long periods of standing will occur over the course of the work shift.
  • This position requires work in a variety of environments. The bulk of the work will occur in ambient room temperatures with limited time working in refrigeration or freezing temperatures. Handling of refrigerated and frozen products will occur on a daily basis.
  • Work will occur in areas with ambient noise from equipment and alarms.
  • Holiday work shifts are dependent on the business needs of the department. Team members may work a holiday dependent upon business needs.

Physical Requirements:
  • Twist/turn
  • Stoop/bend
  • Squat
  • Balance
  • Reach/work above shoulders
  • Use hands/wrists to include fine/simple/gross motor skills and machinery usage
  • Forearm rotations
  • Lift/carry 26-50 lbs.

Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of pre-employment, post-offer drug testing and background checks.
LifeServe Blood Center is fully committed to equal employment opportunity. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact us at careers@lifeservebloodcenter.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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