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Entry Level Lab Technician Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Lab Technician information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$27

$57

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab technician in Seattle, WA is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is a lab tech an entry level job?

Entry level lab technician positions are typically designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in laboratory settings. These roles often require basic knowledge of lab equipment, safety procedures, and sometimes a relevant certification or degree, making them suitable for recent graduates or those starting their careers in science or healthcare fields.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Technician jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Lab Technician jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab Technician jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab Technician jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Entry Level Lab Technician jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Entry Level Lab Technician job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab Technician job openings in Seattle, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,990 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
DENTAL LAB TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTOR - Adjunct Pool

DENTAL LAB TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTOR - Adjunct Pool

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$54.77/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Salary: $54.77 Hourly
Location : Downtown Campus - 1101 South Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Adjunct
Job Number: 24-035
Department: Instruction Downtown
Opening Date: 06/06/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
SUMMARY
BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGEmaintains a vacancy pool of qualified faculty interested in temporary teaching positions. Adjunct (part-time) faculty are responsible for preparing and providing instruction for students in the classroom. This part-time position may become available at any time and is typically filled on a quarterly basis.
BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE Dental Lab Technician Instructors are responsible for providing didactic and laboratory instruction to students in a manner that prepares successful program graduates for entry-level employment in a variety of areas of occupational opportunities in the field of Dental Laboratory Technology.
Salary reflects July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 academic year
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & OTHER DUTIES
Essential Duties
  • Use effective teaching techniques, instructional materials, and appropriate media support to conduct classroom lecture, course work and laboratory projects to prepare students with the practical skills essential for entry-level professional development.
  • Provide individualized instruction.
  • Mentor, encourage, counsel and guide students toward the completion of program requirements i.e., course assignments, interpersonal relationships, career goals and responsible work habits.
  • Facilitate a process for on-going student input for instructional and program improvement.
  • Manage the classroom in a manner that ensures a suitable learning environment.
  • Ensure that appropriate safety practices are used at all times, students are knowledgeable of safety techniques and all equipment is maintained in a safe working condition.
  • Requisition and maintain control of and safeguard inventories of equipment and supplies assigned to the program.
  • Evaluate and document students' achievements, course progress, attendance, workplace behaviors at least quarterly and in accordance with college policy and/or procedures.
  • Maintain required written and computerize records and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.
  • Develop and maintain full program curriculum documentation in accordance with the approved college format and ensure that instruction is consistent with current industry or business standards, technologies, procedures, equipment and materials.
  • Plan and develop meaningful student learning experiences based upon current industry or business practices.
  • Ensure that the training program requires the use of library or online resources and students acquire the ability to access and use these resources.
  • Annually validate and review course competencies and skills required for industry entry level employment in the industry or profession and adapt curriculum to match those skills when needed.
  • Coordinate with other instructors, support services staff and advisory committee members to ensure a cohesive learning environment dedicated to providing industry with qualified entry-level employees.
  • Maintain friendly and cooperative relationships with respective industry.
  • Participate actively and collaboratively in student recruitment.
  • Develop and/or maintain industry-based program accreditation, and ensure students are prepared for and have the opportunity to obtain relevant industry credentials and certifications.
  • Deliver classroom management to maintain suitable learning environment by responding appropriately to student conduct/problems and provide assistance in solving them in accordance with college procedures.
  • Provide budget management which includes requisition and maintenance control of and safeguard inventories of equipment and supplies assigned to the program.
Non-Essential/Other Functions
  • Actively contribute to and participate in college-wide activities in support of regional accreditation and state and federal requirements.
  • Support College student achievement practices to ensure student retention, completion, and progression.
  • Participate actively and collaboratively with College Student Services and program advisory committees to support access to employment opportunities for students, and maintain student job placement records.
  • Accountable for keeping personal development up-to-date; adding to skills and knowledge through courses that may be available through the Bates Technical College courses, professional development committees, etc.
  • Participate actively and collaboratively on committees for college as needed including but not limited to staff recruitment, college councils, etc.
  • Additional activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice to meet college needs.
Conditions of Employment
  • Once offer of employment is made, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not preclude employment but will be contingent in determining the employee's suitability and competence to continue to perform in the position.
  • This position is required to work on campus
  • This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by Bates Technical College local union.
  • Following date of hire, all full-time faculty and all part-time faculty working two-thirds of a full-time load for more than three quarters (20 hours per week) must obtain Professional-Technical Education Certificate within 30 working days.
  • Employee association membership or payment of a representation fee within 30 days of employment
  • Maintain current American Heart Association, Health Care Provider First aid/CPR

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
  • Associate's degree in Dental Technology
  • Certified by the national board for certification in Dental Laboratory Technology as a Certified Dental Technician in good standing.
  • Minimum three (3) years of experience as a Dental Laboratory Technician
  • Must communicate in English both verbally and in writing
Allowable Substitution
If necessary, alternative combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by Human Resources for comparability.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior teaching experience
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Experience with Canvas, Microsoft Word, Power Point, and dental computer software programs

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Bates Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. For inquiries, please contact Title IX Coordinator Marcus Harvey, Executive Director of Human Resources, at 253.680.7180, , or For Section 504, contact Disability Coordinator Steve Ashpole, Vice President of Student Services, at 253.680.7005, All offices are located at 1101 South Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405.
Position is part-time or reduced hours, which does not qualify for all benefits. Please contact benefits@batestech.edu to verify benefits for the position you are interested in.
01
Why do you want to serve Bates Technical College students and community? Why do you want to serve specifically in this position?
02
Do you have an associate's degree in Dental Technology and are you certified by the national board of certification in Dental Laboratory Technology as a Certified Dental Technician in good standing?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have three (3) years of experience as a Dental Laboratory Technician?
  • Yes
  • No

04
By saying yes below, you are agreeing that you understand that all fields on the application must contain your actual work history and education in order for your application to be fairly screened. You further understand, if those areas are not completed, or you type "see resume," for example, your experience and/or education may not counted toward the minimum qualifications for this position and you may be screened out of the process. Do you understand this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question