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Entry Level Lab Tech Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Hitachi

Electron Microscopy Analyst I-III

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$60K - $101K/yr

... lab) EXPERIENCE AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS EMA I * This is an entry level position, and HTA will ... Hitachi High-Tech America, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunities for qualified ...

Hitachi

Electron Microscopy Analyst I-III

Hillsboro, OR

$60K - $101K/yr

... lab) EXPERIENCE AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS EMA I * This is an entry level position, and HTA will ... Hitachi High-Tech America, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunities for qualified ...

Varsity Tutors

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using virtual lab environments, hardware identification practice, and practice ... for entry-level CompTIA A+ certification. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify ...

All JobsLab Tech JobsEntry Level Lab Tech JobsEntry Level Lab Tech Jobs in Portland, OR

Entry Level Lab Tech information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$25

$53

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

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab tech in Portland, OR is $25.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $27.45 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Lab Tech jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Lab Tech jobs in Portland, OR are:
Entry Level Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab Tech job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,880 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Accessioning Technician-Mon, Thursday-Saturday

Accessioning Technician-Mon, Thursday-Saturday

Kelly Services

Vancouver, WA

$19.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Accessioning Technician
 
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking an Accessioning Technician, a contract position at a cutting-edge diagnostic laboratory in Vancouver, WA.  If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.
 
Pay Rate: $ $19.25/hour  
 
Contract Length: 3mo with ability to extend further
 
Overview
 
This client is an industry-leading medical diagnostic testing company that’s leading the way in accessible healthcare, diagnostics, and testing services.
 
In this role you’ll be working with the Accessioning Team to aid the laboratory. This role will give you an opportunity to learn and gain experience helping you to advance your career.
 
Schedule Options:
  • Shifts:
    • Mon, Thursday-Saturday 9:30am- 6pm OR 9:30am-8pm
 
Responsibilities:
  • Receive specimens from mail carriers, count and sort specimens by department.
  •  Enter demographic information, test request, insurance information, and other pertinent data into the Laboratory Information System; scrutinize all samples for acceptability.
  • Prepare samples for further laboratory analysis.
  • Prepare specimen aliquots.
  • Transport specimens to appropriate departments.
  • Capture client and specimen data electronically.
  • Prepare specimens to be sent to reference laboratories.
  • Scan requisition forms and any other necessary paperwork onto the network server.
  • Dispose of specimens more than 14 days old.
  • Sanitize benchtops.
  • Adhere to all safety and operational procedures.
  • Work closely with supervisor and laboratory technologists as a part of an accessioning team.
 
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Ability to work in a laboratory environment and be comfortable handling human specimens.
  • Attention to detail and ability to multitask.
  • Ability to perform to high level of accuracy.
  • Great communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Flexibility and willingness to respond to changing work conditions.
  • General PC knowledge, Outlook, and proficiency with Windows programs.
  • Use of barcode readers, scanners, and copiers/printers.
  • Typing and data entry.
  • Patient care or office experience preferred.
  • Must be able to sit or stand for up to 8 hours per day.
  • Occasionally required to lift up to 20 lbs
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about facilities.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.

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