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Entry Level Lab Tech Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA ... Bachelor's degree in medical technology, laboratory science, or in one of the chemistry, physical ...

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA ... Bachelor's degree in medical technology, laboratory science, or in one of the chemistry, physical ...

For entry-level job seekers to get client interviews and jobs, they need to differentiate ... at technology clients like apple, google, Paypal, western union, Client, visa, walmart lab etc to ...

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Entry Level Lab Tech information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$27

$57

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

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab tech in Washington, DC is $27.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $29.42 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Lab Tech jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab Tech job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,690 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Lab Technician

Lab Technician

GeneDx

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


GeneDx rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS) delivers personalized and actionable health insights to inform diagnosis, direct treatment, and improve drug discovery. The company is uniquely positioned to accelerate the use of genomic and large-scale clinical information to enable precision medicine as the standard of care. GeneDx is at the forefront of transforming healthcare through its industry-leading exome and genome testing and interpretation services, fueled by the world's largest, rare disease data sets. For more information, please visit www.genedx.com.

Summary
The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA specimens for the purpose of diagnosing genetic disease, using manual and automated methods in a team environment, and following established policies and procedures, in a professional manner.
Important: Interested candidates should be open to working alternative shifts including Morning, Midday, or Evening hours, which may include weekends; shift differentials are provided for Midday, Evening, and all weekend shifts. This will be reviewed during the initial phone screen.

Job Responsibilities 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Learns and follows the established standard operating procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, record-keeping, and reporting of results to team leads, supervisors and test managers, where such tests require the exercise of limited independent judgment and responsibility.
  • Adheres to quality control policies; documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, reagent preparation and testing, and instrument maintenance performed.
  • Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance, takes authorized corrective actions, and notifies key individuals.
  • Detects when test performance is not within acceptable levels. Documents all corrective action.
  • Always be able to document that proficiency testing is performed in the same manner as patient testing.
  • Meets or exceeds target workload with high accuracy and attention to detail.
    • Other duties may be assigned

Education, Experience, and Skills 

  • Bachelor's degree in medical technology, laboratory science, or in one of the chemistry, physical, or biological sciences and meets CLIA, CAP, and New York State CLEP personnel standards criteria.
  • Prior experience preferred but not required.
  • Mathematical, computer, reasoning, and language skills at the professional level.

Physical Demands

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision.

Work Environment

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Possible contact with water (hand washing and cleaning), biohazardous body fluids, and hazardous chemicals.
  • Sufficient noise and interruptions to cause distraction and stress.
  • Extended periods of stationary computer work.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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