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Entry Level Lab Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Entry Level Lab Technician information

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$13

$25

$52

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

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab technician in Riverside, CA is $25.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of basic laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data entry systems such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in supporting scientific investigations and maintaining lab accuracy. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring precise results, regulatory compliance, and efficient lab operations.

What is the lowest salary for a lab tech?

Entry-level lab technicians typically earn starting salaries around $30,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on location and industry. Salaries can vary based on certifications, education level, and the complexity of laboratory work involved.

What does a typical day look like for an Entry Level Lab Technician, and how do they interact with other team members?

As an Entry Level Lab Technician, your daily tasks often include preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting routine tests or experiments, recording data accurately, and following strict safety protocols. You’ll regularly collaborate with senior technicians, scientists, and lab managers to support ongoing research or quality control projects. Communication is key, as you may need to report findings, troubleshoot equipment issues, or help ensure compliance with lab standards. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, making it a strong foundation for career growth in laboratory sciences.

What Does an Entry-Level Lab Technician Do?

As an entry-level lab technician, you help senior technicians and technologists to test and analyze medical samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue. Typically, a doctor or other healthcare professional takes a medical specimen and sends it to a lab for analysis. When labs complete their tests, they send their reports to the pathology lab, which aids in a doctor’s diagnosis of a patient. In this job, you use specialized equipment, such as cell counters, centrifuges, and powerful microscopes, and log your analysis for technologists.

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

AspectEntry Level Lab TechnicianLaboratory Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentLaboratories in healthcare, research, or manufacturing settingsSupport roles in labs, hospitals, or research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and research industriesCommon in hospitals, clinics, and research institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Lab Technician and a Laboratory Assistant lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Entry Level Lab Technicians typically perform more technical tasks and may require specific certifications or degrees, while Laboratory Assistants focus on supporting roles and routine tasks. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings across healthcare, research, and industry sectors.

Can you get a lab tech job without experience?

Entry level lab technician positions often do not require prior experience, but candidates typically need a relevant degree or certification in a science or laboratory field. Some employers may provide on-the-job training for new hires, and having basic skills in lab equipment and safety procedures can improve chances of employment.

What is the starting pay for a lab tech?

The starting pay for an entry-level lab technician typically ranges from $12 to $20 per hour, depending on location, industry, and required certifications. Salaries may increase with experience, specialized skills, or additional training in laboratory procedures and equipment.

How can I start working in a lab?

To start working as an entry-level lab technician, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, and consider earning relevant certifications such as OSHA or laboratory safety training. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions, along with developing skills in laboratory techniques and familiarity with lab equipment, can improve job prospects.

What does an Entry Level Lab Technician do?

An Entry Level Lab Technician assists in laboratory operations by preparing samples, conducting basic tests, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often record and analyze data under the supervision of senior staff. Their responsibilities may also include cleaning workspaces, labeling samples, and adhering to safety protocols. This role provides foundational experience in lab work and is a common starting point for a scientific career.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab Technician jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Lab Technician jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Lab Technician job openings:

Nursing Assistant - Per Diem: Emergency Room (NIGHT SHIFT)

Riverside County, CA

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

$4.9K/mo

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Nursing Assistant - Per Diem

The Riverside University Health System's (RUHS) - Medical Center seeks a Nursing Assistant - Per Diem to join our team in Moreno Valley. Under supervision, assists professional nursing personnel or other professional healthcare providers in providing basic patient care and treatment in a per diem employment capacity; observes patients via video monitoring equipment from a remote location; performs nonprofessional nursing duties in the care of physically and mentally ill patients; performs other related duties as required.

The Nursing Assistant is an entry level classification and typically reports to appropriate supervisory or management level nursing staff. Incumbents may be assigned to any outpatient clinic or inpatient nursing unit across the Riverside University Health System (RUHS). Per diem personnel are distinguished from regular employees in that they receive additional compensation in lieu of County fringe benefits and work assignments are flexibly scheduled or on an on-call basis.

We are looking for motivated individuals who are committed to delivering high-quality care in fast-paced, dynamic environment. Preferred Experience: In an acute care hospital setting and/or experience responding to 911 service calls with an EMS agency is highly preferred.

Copies of your Nursing Assistant/EMT Certification and AHA BLS card must be uploaded to your profile as an attachment at the time of submitting your application to be considered. If you are having difficulties uploading your required documents, please email them to xsanchez@rivco.org.

SALARY RANGE

$28.70 Hourly $4,974.66 Monthly $59,695.92 Annually

Per Diem Nursing Assistant Differentials:

Evening Shift Diff (6p - 11:00p): $ 0.35 for the time actually worked between the hours

Night Shift Diff (11:00p - 7:00a): $0.75 for the time actually worked between the hours

Schedule: Total of 8 shifts required in a 6-week scheduling period, that includes 3 weekend shifts (weekend shift for nights: Fri, Sat or Sun).

Night Shift: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM.

Work schedule and/or Shift Times subject to change upon operational needs.

Meet the Team! At Riverside University Health System Medical Center, nursing is more than a job, it's an opportunity to make a real difference in a vibrant and diverse community. Nationally recognized for its forward-thinking and innovative approach to patient care, RUHS Medical Center is also a proud teaching hospital and one of the top employers in the region.

Our 439-bed facility is a designated Level I Trauma Center, Primary Stroke Center, and home to the region's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Here, you'll gain valuable experience across a wide range of specialties, including trauma care, stroke, pediatrics, and critical care.

We are committed to your professional growth, offering continuous education, training, and career development programs in a collaborative, supportive, and rewarding environment. Whether you're an experienced nurse or just starting your career, RUHS Medical Center provides unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Could you see yourself making a difference here? Discover more about RUHS Medical Center at www.ruhealth.org

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Perform basic bedside care to ensure comfort and cleanliness of patients; perform oral care, bathing, and feeding of patients; provide bedpans, urinals, and other items to patients, as necessary.

• Record patient's height and weight, pain scale, temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure in the triage and ED assigned area, per ED policy.

• Assist staff in performing basic medical exams, treatments, and procedures; assist ED Registered Nurses in trauma resuscitation; respond to and assist RN's with code blue and code white situations.

• Assist patients in ambulation and transition from bed to wheelchair or gurney; properly lift, hold, reposition, and restrain patients as necessary; transport patients to and from diagnostic testing areas within RUHS-MC.

• Transport all patient specimens collected in the ED to RUHS-MC lab for analysis.

• Ensure assigned ED area and carts are properly stocked, cleaned, and ready for use; maintain and ensure operational readiness of all orthopedic equipment in the ED.

• Apply and remove splints, bandages, and slings, following physician orders; attend to problems with application and re-apply as necessary.

• Provide crutch and cane use training to patients.

• Perform EKGs on patients, as directed by ED physician.

• Perform ED clerical duties as needed, including answering ED phone calls and relaying messages as applicable; track visits to ED patients, admissions, discharges, transfers, and ED census.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Successful completion of the education required by the State of California to obtain the necessary valid certifications. Experience : Six months of performing technical duties as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Paramedic in a general acute care hospital, Emergency Department or per-hospital Emergency Medical Services, or successful completion of a state approved CNA or related training program in basic patient care within the past two years.

License/Certifications (Must possess one of the following):

  • Valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification approved by the State of California
  • Valid Paramedic license issued by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority
  • Valid Nursing Assistant Certification (CNA) issued by the State of California

Other Requirements: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) is required. Temporary Assignment Program (TAP): Current and valid Nursing Assistant Certification (CNA) issued by the State of California, Paramedic license issued by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority or current and valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification approved by the State of California is required. Current CNA Certification, Paramedic license or EMT Certification must be maintained while in TAP employment.

ALL OPTIONS Knowledge of : The principles, methods and techniques of basic patient care and safety; patient vital signs and basic medical terminology; video monitoring equipment and software; safe patient handling techniques, including lifting, positioning and transfer methods. Ability to : Read, write and speak the English language; learn the principles, methods and procedures of basic patient care; learn hospital routines and techniques; monitor and alert nursing staff when a patient becomes a danger to themselves; perform bedside nursing care in an understanding and sympathetic manner; communicate effectively with patients using a microphone and headset; follow oral and written directions; use a computer, 2-way radio, mobile phone, and video monitoring equipment; maintain simple records; apply proper body mechanics in lifting and moving patients.

Supplemental Information

Application Status How to confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to www.GovernmentJobs.com, click on your name in the upper right corner, and click on "Applications & Status."

Sign Up for Job Alerts Go to www.RC-HR.com, click on "Careers," click on "County Job Openings," and click on "Subscribe to Job Alerts" icon.

For questions regarding this recruitment: Contact Xochitl Sanchez at (951) 955-4061 or xsanchez@rivco.org . Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.