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Entry Level Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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LAB TAA Process Coordinator

Milpitas, CA

Team Collaboration Position Level: Entry-Level to Intermediate Department: LAB TAA Operations Reports To: LAB TAA Supervisor / Program Manager Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required;

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Entry Level Lab information

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$13

$23

$49

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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.

Accessioning Technician I (Temp), Part-time Mornings

Aliso Viejo, CA • On-site

NeoGenomics Laboratories
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about NeoGenomics Laboratoriesexternal

$20 - $26.41/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Receives and sorts specimens for testing

  • Reviews requisitions for missing information and collaborates with Client Services to obtain it

  • Enters data into LIS, labels samples, creates folders, and manages specimen documentation

NeoGenomics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Are you motivated to participate in a dynamic, multi-tasking environment? Do you want to join a company that invests in its employees? Are you seeking a position where you can use your skills while continuing to be challenged and learn? Then we encourage you to dive deeper into this opportunity.
NeoGenomics is looking for an Accessioning Technician for our lab in Aliso Viejo, CA who wants to continue to learn in order to allow our company to grow.
This is a Temporary-status work opportunity working a part-time schedule of Tuesday-Friday, 8:00am-2:00pm; Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm (subject to change based on business needs). Temp-status workers carry out their duties via a third-party agency and are not official employees of NeoGenomics.
Now that you know what we're looking for in talent, let us tell you why you'd want to work at NeoGenomics:
As an employer, we promise to provide you with a purpose driven mission in which you have the opportunity to save lives by improving patient care through the exceptional work you perform. Together, we will become the world's leading cancer reference laboratory.
Position Summary:
The Accessioning Technician will ensure proper handling of all specimens received and prepare specimens for laboratory testing. This position includes such functions as matching patient information, data entry, aliquoting, and scanning documents. This is entry level in the Accessioning job category, and employees perform the full range of specimen processing procedures.
Responsibilities:
  • Receives and sorts specimens for testing
  • Reviews all requisitions for missing information, works closely with Client Services to obtain missing information in a timely manner and distributes new information to all departments involved
  • Timely and accurately enters data into LIS, label samples and create folders, generate specimen travel documents, and forwards respective sample to personnel/departments
  • Assembles case paperwork and files, including pre-analytic documentation and labels
  • Performs entry of add-on testing and coordinates split specimens
  • Sends out specimens to appropriate reference laboratories by coordinating the shipment process, maintaining client communication, and generating the necessary logs
  • Performs quality assurance checks of samples
  • Utilize chain of custody logs for slides and blocks, ensure appropriate chain of custody for blocks and slides is followed. Oversee Q/C workflow and reconciliation of blocks and the block log
  • Identify and report any quality or compliance concerns and take immediate corrective action as required

Experience, Education and Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 1+ years of experience equivalent to an Accessioning Technician preferred
  • Proficient with MS Office programs
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment and maintain production and quality standards
  • Must be able to work in a biohazard environment and comply with safety policies and standards outlined in the Safety Manual.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
Pay Range (will vary based on location & experience) $20.00 - $26.41 hourly
In all instances, the salary paid will satisfy minimum salary laws.

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