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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

CleanHarbors

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 ...

ALPLA Group

QA Technician

Iowa City, IA · On-site

Experience with physical lab testing equipment, calipers, scales, digital height gauge and ... entrylevel #Iowa2 ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and ...

Varsity Tutors

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using virtual lab environments, hardware identification practice, and practice examinations to support aspiring IT professionals preparing for entry-level CompTIA A+ certification.

Bondurant Animal Clinic

$19 - $22/hr

Animal restraint, triage of incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic ... A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required. * Entry-level RVTs and new grad ...

Varsity Tutors

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using virtual lab environments, hardware identification practice, and practice examinations to support aspiring IT professionals preparing for entry-level CompTIA A+ certification.

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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 Aug 22, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,010 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

CleanHarbors

Des Moines, IA

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Clean Harbors in Des Moines, IA is seeking an CDL B Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist) to handle, segregate, pack, and inspect chemical waste in accordance with Federal/State/Local regulations and our company policies and procedures.   This position will work both indoors and outdoors at plants, labs, customer sites and are responsible for assisting with lab packs within customer facilities, household hazardous waste (HHW) collections and lab moves.  This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily. The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist.
 
Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology - come be part of the solution with us. 
 
Why work for Clean Harbors?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Focus on maintaining sustainability and cleaning the Earth 
  • Offering $25+/hr DOE + OT + Perks
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment including 401K with Company match
  • Own part of the company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • Company paid training and tuition reimbursement
Required Qualifications:
  • Valid Driver's license
  • Strong customer service skills
  • By position, obtain a CDL Class B with hazmat and tanker endorsement within 6 months of employment
  • Perform physical functions per job requirements
  • Successfully complete a background check, drug test, and physical, by position
  • Per OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.34, employees in positions requiring respirators are required to meet facial hair standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • College degree in Chemistry or Natural Science
  • Previous experience in Environmental Services (i.e. remediation, abatement, emergency spill response, etc.)

Our Environmental Field Chemist is an entry level position into an exciting and rewarding career at Clean Harbors. Transitioning Military, this is a great opportunity to leverage your skills, experience, and training as you return to civilian life.

This position is an entry level management position.   From this role, there are approximately 15 other roles one can be promoted into within Clean Harbors.  A significant number of our middle and senior management staff all started in this role, from less than 5 years ago to 30 plus years ago.  Many others who have started in this role have significant positions within our customers as Environmental Health and Safety staff members at significant universities, pharmaceutical manufacturers as well as other customers. 

We will accelerate your training, so you learn the skills and knowledge to succeed in this position and start your career.  You can work in any of our 200+ branch locations and can transfer internally.  After successfully learning this position in approximately 18 to 36 months, then you will have the opportunity to move into a Salary Management position.  

Clean Harbors Technical Services
  • Waste Disposal - Comprehensive disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste at Company-owned facilities
  • Recycling Services - Extensive recycling, reuse and reclamation options for materials such as solvents, chemicals, oil and electrical equipment
  • Chemical Packing - Safe, efficient handling and disposal of the widest range of chemicals, including reactives and compressed gases
  • Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Services - HHW collection programs of all types and sizes, facilitated by Clean Harbors expert personnel 

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer. 

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.


Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.


Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.


#CH
Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensure that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and always acting in a safe manner
  • Prepare computer generated packing lists, labels, manifest, and land disposal restriction notifications
  • Perform inspections of staging, accumulating and storage areas to ensure proper housekeeping procedures and compliance
  • Inspect storage area and drums for leaks or spills
  • Inspect drums for compliance with labeling regulations
  • Collects, segregates, and properly packages waste chemicals for disposal to maximize efficiency and maintain compliance
  • Executes Jobs at Clean Harbors customer locations including fortune 500 companies
  • Responsible for final preparation and approval of all projects before shipment in accordance with OSHA, EPA, DOT and company policies
  • Conducts projects/jobs according to site specific Federal, State, and local regulations and health and safety plans
  • Understand customer specific disposal restrictions/special packaging requirements
  • Sample and profile of new waste streams or any waste needing analytical testing
  • Ensures drum count is correct and that drum conditions are shippable in accordance our company's policies and procedure
  • Follow all local, state (provincial) and federal compliance regulations and rules
  • Safely operate vehicles in accordance with U.S. DOT, local, state (provincial) and federal requirements
  • Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures
  • Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines
  • Perform other duties as assigned

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