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Entry Level Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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;

Lab Technician

Martinez, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Laboratory Technician PSC Group is hiring entry-level Chemical Plant Laboratory Technicians! Support plant operations by performing precise lab tests and build a stable career in a booming industry.

Accessioning Technician Responsibilities: * Receives and sorts specimens for testing * Reviews all requisitions for missing information, works closely with Customer Care to obtain missing information ...

... lab personnel. Prepares data analysis results for upload to LIMS system under the guidance of ... Guides entry level staff on routine procedures and supports on-boarding of new staff. Performs and ...

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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 cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

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

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 TAA Process Coordinator

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Expeditors rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Description
"We're not in the shipping business; we're in the information business" -Peter Rose, Expeditors Founder
As a Fortune 500 company, Expeditors employs more than 18,000 trained professionals in a worldwide network of over 300 locations across six continents. Expeditors satisfies the increasingly sophisticated needs of international trade through customized solutions and seamless, integrated information systems. Our services include the consolidation and forwarding of air or ocean freight, customs brokerage, vendor consolidation, cargo insurance, time-definite transportation, order management, warehousing, distribution and customized logistics solutions. Expeditors is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
Job Description
Scope:
The LAB TAA Process Coordinator is responsible for supporting the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) lab processes by managing customer order scheduling, inbound reporting, and daily operational activities.
This role requires strong organizational skills, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, attention to detail, and the ability to follow established procedures while effectively planning and prioritizing work.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Support daily LAB TAA operations to ensure timely processing of customer orders and inbound activities.
  • Create and maintain monthly customer orders schedules based on inbound reports and business requirements.
  • Generate, update, and distribute customer order reports and inbound tracking reports using Microsoft Excel.
  • Monitor inbound inventory and order status to ensure accurate scheduling and reporting.
  • Plan and prioritize daily tasks to meet operational goals and reporting deadlines.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation related to LAB TAA processes.
  • Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality requirements.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to resolve scheduling, inventory, or reporting issues.
  • Identify and escalate discrepancies in reports or order information.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy within the LAB TAA process.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Willingness to learn new processes, tools, and technologies.
  • Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Linux CLI.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including:
    • Sorting and filtering data
    • Basic formulas and functions
    • Report creation and maintenance
  • Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
  • Ability to plan ahead and manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to follow instructions and established procedures accurately.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
  • Good communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage daily responsibilities effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in inventory control, logistics, order management, or lab operations.
  • Experience creating schedules and operational reports.
  • Basic understanding of customer products and order fulfillment processes.

Key Competencies:
  • Organization and Planning
  • Excel Reporting and Data Management
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Process Compliance
  • Problem Solving
  • Task Prioritization
  • Continuous Learning
  • 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; Associate Degree preferred.
Additional Information
Expected Hourly Range: $24.00 - $33.00
Expeditors offers excellent benefits:
  • Paid Vacation (first year prorated based off month of hire then eligible for 15 days)
  • Holidays (10)
  • Flexible Days (2)
  • Paid Sick Time (accrual rate of 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours paid)
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (additional eligibility criteria)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DC FSA)
  • Commuter Benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Learning & Development Program
  • Educational Assistance and Reimbursement

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO Guidelines.
May be eligible for bonus following first year of continuous employment in position.
Videos To Watch
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