2

Entry Level Lab Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Sterile Processing Trainer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$44.15K - $66.22K/yr

... entry-level positions in healthcare facilities. The Trainer will work collaboratively with ... Conducts and oversees clinical training demonstrations and lab sessions. Maintains the quality of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Lab Tech information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$21

$45

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab tech in Tennessee is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Lab Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Tech, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and a relevant science background, often supported by an associate degree or equivalent coursework. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry software, and proper sample handling is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help ensure accuracy and teamwork. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining reliable results and supporting smooth lab operations.

What kind of training and mentorship can I expect as an entry level lab tech?

As an entry level lab tech, you can typically expect a combination of hands-on training and supervision from experienced technicians or lab managers. Many labs provide structured onboarding processes, including safety protocols, equipment handling, and standard operating procedures. Mentorship often comes through shadowing senior staff and regular feedback sessions, which help you build confidence in your techniques and understand quality standards. Collaboration with other team members is common, and asking questions is encouraged to ensure accuracy and adherence to lab protocols.

What does an Entry Level Lab Tech do?

An Entry Level Lab Tech, also known as a laboratory technician, assists scientists and researchers by preparing and processing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and recording data accurately. Their duties often include measuring chemicals, conducting basic experiments, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed at all times. This role is essential for keeping the laboratory running smoothly and supporting more advanced research work. Entry level positions typically require attention to detail, good organizational skills, and at least an associate degree in a science-related field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lab Tech vs Laboratory Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Lab TechLaboratory Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; certifications varyHigh school diploma; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsHospitals, clinics, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesPerforming tests, preparing samples, recording dataAssisting with sample preparation, cleaning, and equipment setup

The Entry Level Lab Tech and Laboratory Assistant roles often overlap in work environment and basic responsibilities. However, Entry Level Lab Techs typically perform more technical testing and data analysis, requiring some formal education or certification, whereas Laboratory Assistants focus on supporting tasks and sample handling. Both roles serve essential functions in laboratory settings, with the Lab Tech generally taking on more technical duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Tech jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Lab Tech jobs in Tennessee are:
Anesthesia Technician, FT Evenings

Anesthesia Technician, FT Evenings

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community ofindividuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniquenessis sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

Anesthesiology

Job Summary:

Anesthesia Technician
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Your Role:
Prepares the Operating Rooms with equipment and supplies to support the daily workload with occasional guidance; assists anesthetists and anesthesiologists, patients and co-workers; tracks and maintains equipment, specialty carts, trays and inventory and participates in the advancement training program. Conducts FDA anesthesia machine check.

.

Position Shift:

  • 2p-10:30p, M-F

Department Summary: The Vanderbilt Department of Anesthesiology embraces the anesthesia care team approach to patient care, involving anesthesiologists and residents, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) and anesthesia technicians. The department at Vanderbilt provides anesthesia for all types of surgical procedures, including cardiac, pediatrics, vascular, trauma, neurosurgery, plastics, radiologic, and special procedures.

Position Qualifications:

Required:

  • High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent experience)
  • Bachelor's Degree is strongly preferred
  • Our department prefers candidates with some prior or current experience in comparable clinical settings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts FDA anesthesia machine check.

Prepares general, MAC, or regional cases.

Consults operating room schedule to determine equipment needs for procedures and prepares operating room for indicated procedure to include setting up and calibrating monitoring equipment.

Assists licensed anesthesia care provider in clinical settings outside the operating rooms, included but not limited to: interventional and or/diagnostic radiology, Cath Lab, endoscopy, ambulatory surgery suites, and any other areas as needed.

Functions as a first line of defense in troubleshooting situations involving machines, monitors, and equipment relative to Anesthesia.

Assists Anesthesia Provider during Invasive line placement - arterial, central, PA (knowledge of how to calibrate and troubleshoot).

Maintains inventory of emergency carts - trauma and airway.

The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Medical Terminology & Documentation (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with medical terminology and documentation.

Equipment Maintenance (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience conducting maintenance activities in area of assignments.

Anesthesiology/Anesthesia Technical Support (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working as Anesthesia Technical Support.

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.

These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.

Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.

Core Accountabilities:

* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

Less than 1 year

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.