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Entry Level Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Palomar Health

CPT I

Escondido, CA

$23 - $34.52/hr

Basic college coursework with specialized vocational training Minimum Experience: 6 - 12 months or successful completion of Palomar Health Lab Extern program Preferred Experience: * 2 - 3 years * 12 ...

Weber Metals

Lab Tech Helper - 2nd Shift

Paramount, CA

$22.75 - $26/hr

Reporting to the Lab supervisor, this entry level position will go through extensive, rigorous hands-on training by senior Lab employees to master highly technical skills necessary for other ...

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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 Aug 23, 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, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% 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.

Failure Analysis Lab Engineer

Rootshell Enterprise Technologies, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Hello All,
Greetings from Rootshell Inc.
Rootshell Enterprise Technologies Inc. is a recognized provider of professional IT Consulting services in the US. We are actively seeking Failure Analysis Lab Engineer for one of our client, Please share your resume with current location & full contact info
Title:Failure Analysis Lab Engineer
Location:Santa Clara, CA(onsite)
Job Description:
Inventory management
Basic system SW configuration
Maintain lab equipment
HW test setup
Escalation report priority
Daily device logistics
Maintain lab consumables
General lab maintenance
General reporting
Scrap device management
Assist and observe Compliance/Reliability 3rd party lab interaction
Entry level FA
FA rework
Maintain Tech-Ops environmental chamber scheduling and calibration.
Skills:
Must understand Networking protocols for the lab environment.
Familiar with Google Suite,Looker Studio, Spreadsheets and Word documents.
Complete tasks with limited supervision
Basic Technical skills ( PCBA debug, Linux, Debug, Networking)
Self Motivated
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Regards,
Naveen
Naveen@rootshellinc.com

Apply