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Entry Level Lab Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Vanderbilt Health

Medical Lab Technician 2

Lebanon, TN · On-site

Nights-6:30p-7:00a Should have a working understanding of medical technology and the ability to ... Assumes responsibility for routine and entry-level client analytical work. Knowledge of various ...

Actalent

Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

It is an excellent entry-level opportunity for candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent ... Interest in medical technology and laboratory analysis in a donor processing and manufacturing ...

Covenant Health

PHLEBOTOMIST

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

... lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It's consistently ranked among ... This is an entry level position in which a new employee will be developed in the following areas ...

Covenant Health

PHLEBOTOMIST

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

... lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It's consistently ranked among ... This is an entry level position in which a new employee will be developed in the following areas ...

Covenant Health

PHLEBOTOMIST

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

... lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It's consistently ranked among ... This is an entry level position in which a new employee will be developed in the following areas ...

Covenant Health

PHLEBOTOMIST

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

... lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It's consistently ranked among ... This is an entry level position in which a new employee will be developed in the following areas ...

Covenant Health

PHLEBOTOMIST

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

... lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It's consistently ranked among ... This is an entry level position in which a new employee will be developed in the following areas ...

Vulcan Materials Company

Quality Control Tech

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

... lab. • Develops and maintains relationships with state/county/city inspectors and customers to ... Experience • This is typically an entry level position. 0 to 2 years laboratory testing ...

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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 Sep 10, 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 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 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 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 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.

How to become an entry level lab tech with no experience?

To become an entry-level lab tech with no experience, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and complete relevant coursework in biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or certifications such as OSHA or CLT can improve your chances; familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols is also beneficial.

What is the starting pay for an entry level lab tech?

The starting pay for an entry-level lab technician typically ranges from $12 to $20 per hour, depending on the location, industry, and required certifications. Many entry-level positions also offer benefits such as training in laboratory equipment and safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Tech jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Lab Tech jobs in Tennessee are:

Entry Level Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab Tech job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,426 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Medical Lab Technician 2

Lebanon, TN • On-site

Vanderbilt Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Vanderbilt Healthexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform processing and testing in one or more laboratory departments during a shift.

  • Maintain mastery and practice of laboratory policies, procedures, testing methods, and diagnostic tools.

  • Ensure quality assurance, instrument maintenance, specimen collection, and accurate diagnostic reporting.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health:With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniquenesscelebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization:

Laboratory - Clinical

Job Summary:

Nights-6:30p-7:00a
Should have a working understanding of medical technology and the ability to recognize problems. Good communication skills. Works well under high stress. Patient care provider will possess knowledge, training, experience, and be competent in the following specific to the age of patients served; the ability to obtain and interpret information; a knowledge of growth and development; and an understanding of the range of treatments needed by these patients. The patients served include all age groups as follows: neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.

.

Key Responsibilities:
Processing and testing in one or more departments during a shift
Mastery and practice of laboratory policy and procedure
Intimate knowledge of testing methods theory and instruments and tools used for diagnostic utility
Quality Assurance, Kit Validation, Instrument Maintenance, Proficiency Testing, Environmental Monitoring, Reagent Preparation, Diagnostic Reporting and Alarm
Incident reporting and documentation
Professional and medical ethics, confidentiality police, PHI and patient privacy guardian
Specimen collection specialist
High complexity specialty management
Assisting Technologists and Administrative Laboratory Director as needed and where appropriate
Technical Capabilities:
Diagnostic Testing (Fundamental Awareness): Demonstrates proficiency of diagnostic testing in practical applications. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering results.
Equipment Maintenance (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience conducting maintenance activities in area of assignments.
Quality Assurance (Fundamental Awareness): Understands the goal of increasing organizational productivity and individual performance by making the products and services within your work assignments more efficient and more effective. Demonstrates quality management practices on the job which result in superior products and services delivered.
Data Analysis (Fundamental Awareness): Has some training, exposure, or limited experience in data analysis. Assumes responsibility for routine and entry-level client analytical work. Knowledge of various reporting analytic tools, such as ACL, SQL, SAS, etc.

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: Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area. Team Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues:- Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.- Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services:- Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.- Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.- Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.- Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.- Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation:- Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.- Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.- Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

LIC-Medical Technologist - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

Less than 1 year

Education:

Graduate of an approved discipline specific program (Required)

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.

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