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Entry Level Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sanmina

Lab Technician/Dry* (Grave)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$45K - $48K/yr

Nature of Duties/Responsibilities As an entry level Lab Technician you will work and train in a team orientated environment. Must have the willingness and ability to learn and develope the skills for ...

Sanmina

Lab Technician/Dry* (Graveyard)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$45K - $48K/yr

Nature of Duties/Responsibilities As an entry level Lab Technician you will work and train in a team orientated environment. Must have the willingness and ability to learn and develope the skills for ...

Manpower

Medical Equipment Inspection

Alameda, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Engineering / Quality About the Role We are seeking an Entry-Level Lab Technician to join our Complaint Investigations Laboratory team. This role supports the investigation of returned blood glucose ...

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Entry Level Lab information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$49

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in California is $23.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab?

An entry level lab job typically refers to a position in a laboratory setting that requires minimal prior experience or specialized education beyond a high school diploma or associate degree. Employees in these roles assist with basic laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and recording data under the supervision of more experienced staff. These positions are often a starting point for a career in science, healthcare, or research, providing valuable hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level lab technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically an associate degree or relevant certification in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What are common challenges faced by entry level lab technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level lab technicians often face challenges such as adjusting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and becoming familiar with laboratory equipment and procedures. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to actively participate in training sessions, ask questions when unsure, and maintain a well-organized workspace. Building strong communication with senior technicians and supervisors can also help in gaining confidence and improving technical skills over time.

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

AspectEntry Level LabLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degreeAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentEducational, research, or clinical labsMedical, industrial, or research labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research facilitiesHospitals, biotech companies, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician

Entry Level Lab roles typically require basic education and involve assisting in lab tasks within educational or research settings. Laboratory Technicians often have similar credentials but may perform more specialized or technical duties in medical or industrial labs. Both roles serve as foundational positions in laboratory environments, with Laboratory Technicians generally having more hands-on responsibilities.

How to get started working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; some positions may also require background checks and on-the-job training.

Is it hard to get a job in an entry level lab?

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, but having relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills and certifications like OSHA training, can improve chances. Entry level lab jobs often require attention to detail, familiarity with lab equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols, making some positions more accessible to new applicants than others.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Entry level lab positions often serve as stepping stones to careers in scientific research, quality control, laboratory management, or specialized fields such as microbiology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences. Gaining experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and certifications like OSHA or CLIA can help advance to technician, research associate, or laboratory supervisor roles.

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

The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in California?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,394 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Lab Technician/Dry* (Grave)

San Jose, CA • On-site

Sanmina
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Sanminaexternal

$45K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Sanmina rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

Job Purpose We are currently seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our fun and fast paced Printed Circuit Board manufacturing environment as an intermediate level Lab Technician you will work in a team orientated environment. Nature of Duties/Responsibilities As an entry level Lab Technician you will work and train in a team orientated environment. Must have the willingness and ability to learn and develope the skills for preparing and analyzing micro sections.

This includes training in the use of lab based equipment such as grinders, polishers, microscopes, routers and diamond saws where you will evaluate product conformance to customer and industry specifications. Must be computer literate and have the skill set for working with your hands. Must be capable of performing in a fast paced environment where attention to detail is critical.

Education and Experience Minimum 0-1 year of related experience. 2 year degree preferred. Willing to consider a combination of education and experience.

Must be flexible and available for overtime Must have good attention to detail and good quality. Must have good verbal and communications skills. Ability to enter information in computer system.

Prior Sanmina experience and systems knowledge is preferred. Salary Range(annual): $45,760.00 - $48,880.00 Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package. The total rewards package also includes a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business and, depending on the role, may include eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program.

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