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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TekWissen LLC

US- Lab Technician (Entry)

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Lab Technician (Entry) Location: Ankeny, IA, 50021 Duration: 4 Months Job Type: Temporary Assignment Work Type: Onsite * This position is on 3rd shift in our Genotyping lab from 1:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Nutrien

Seasonal Lab Technician, Day Shift

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Seasonal Waypoint Analytical has been a trusted laboratory for more than 55 years, growing into one of the largest agricultural lab networks in the ...

Nutrien

Seasonal Lab Technician, Night Shift

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Seasonal Waypoint Analytical has been a trusted laboratory for more than 55 years, growing into one of the largest agricultural lab networks in the ...

Voyage Health

Travel Histo Tech

Mason City, IA · On-site

$1.6K - $1.7K/wk

Position Details Specialty: Histo Tech Location: Mason City, Iowa Employment Type: Travel/Contract Pay: $1690 - $1779 per week Shift: 5x8 Days Start Date: ASAP Contract Length: 13-week Position:

Voyage Health

Travel Histo Tech

Mason City, IA

$1.6K - $1.7K/wk

Position Details Specialty: Histo Tech Location: Mason City, Iowa Employment Type: Travel/Contract Pay: $1690 - $1779 per week Shift: 5x8 Days Start Date: ASAP Contract Length: 13-week Position:

Clean Harbors

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

... and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily . The ... This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 ...

Clean Harbors

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA

$25/hr

... and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily . The ... This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 ...

Clean Harbors

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$25/hr

... and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily . The ... This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 ...

CleanHarbors

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$25/hr

... and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily . The ... This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 ...

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All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Lab information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$22

$47

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Iowa is $22.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $24.38 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,010 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

US- Lab Technician (Entry)

Ankeny, IA • On-site

TekWissen LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about TekWissen LLCexternal

Contractor

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Lab Technician (Entry)
Location: Ankeny, IA, 50021
Duration: 4 Months 
Job Type: Temporary Assignment    
Work Type: Onsite 
                                                                                                                                                                               
Job Description: 
  • This position is on 3rd shift in our Genotyping lab from 1:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. M-F.
  • The ideal Individual will support daily activities in the laboratory by leading general operations, housekeeping, orderliness, and cleanliness of the workspace.
  • Other duties will include receiving anad labeling of incoming samples, maintaining and receiving sufficient labware inventory, as well as preparing buffers and reagents.
  • Troubleshooting and operating equipment needed for genotyping Production will be needed.
  • This Candidate will be responsible for reviewing and archiving task-related documents.
  • Understanding and following Employee Safety and Health (ESH) guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workflow guidelines, and maintaining a safe work environment are needed.
  • Being capable of managing multiple tasks, working effectively with more than one Supervisor, interfacing with other functions such as manufacturing and research personnel are encouraged

TekWissen is an emerging global human capital, recruitment and IT services organization. Operating since 2009, we draw upon more than a decade of staffing experience to deliver critical talent acquisition solutions and IT engagements for our clients. We’re founded on a culture that is passionate about delivering tailored solutions, that create lasting partnerships.

Our global footprint covers six countries: United States, Canada, Australia, India, United Kingdom and the Philippines. This allows us to work in close partnership with organizations and manage everything from global talent needs with demanding resourcing strategies, to single sites with lower recruitment volumes.

TekWissen® is an equal opportunity employer supporting workplace diversity. 

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About TekWissen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

TekWissen is an emerging global human capital, recruitment and IT services organization. Operating since 2009, we draw upon more than a decade of staffing experience to deliver critical talent acquisition solutions and IT engagements for our clients. We’re founded on a culture that is passionate about delivering tailored solutions, that create lasting partnerships.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

2009

Social media

Twitter

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