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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Albuquerque, NM (NOW HIRING)

Medical Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

The selected candidate shall provide medical administrative and entry level health care support and ... Chart preparation, assist lab reviews, patient correspondence and prescription drug refill requests ...

Medical Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

The selected candidate shall provide medical administrative and entry level health care support and ... Chart preparation, assist lab reviews, patient correspondence and prescription drug refill requests ...

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Entry Level Lab information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$12

$23

$48

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Albuquerque, NM is $23.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $25.14 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.

Is it hard to get a job in an entry level lab?

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a high school diploma or an associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills. Candidates with certifications, familiarity with lab equipment, and strong attention to detail tend to have better chances of employment.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Starting in an entry-level lab position can lead to careers such as laboratory technician, research associate, quality control analyst, or laboratory supervisor. These roles often serve as stepping stones to specialized fields like biomedical research, clinical laboratory science, or quality assurance, and may require certifications or further education in science or technology.

How do I start working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or an associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; applying for internships or entry-level positions through job boards is also common.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Albuquerque, NM? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,508 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Scientist I- PRN Generalist

Quest Diagnostics

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$24.03/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description


Medical Laboratory Scientist I - Albuquerque, NM, On-Call
Are you intrigued by the science of the human body? Curious about state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation? Looking to join a Fortune 500 company leading the world in providing diagnostic information services? Quest Diagnostics is now recruiting for technologist positions ranging from entry level to experienced, with a wide range of benefits and training!
Pay range: $24.03+ per hour
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
Quest Diagnostics provides employees the opportunity to invest in the future through a 401(k) Plan with eligibility for all employees after one month, and after one year, a fully vested company match up to 5% of pay.
On-call employees are eligible for:
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service

Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities:
  • Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test result.
  • Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
  • Analyze specimens using approved testing procedures.
  • Review and release test results.
  • Follow CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and safety guidelines as described in their respective guidelines.
  • Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
  • Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results, correct the problems encountered or immediately notify the senior technologist or supervisor.

Qualifications
Education:
BS in Medical Technology preferred; or BS/BA in Chemistry or Biology, or Associates degree in a Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, or Previously qualified as a Technologist under 42 CFR 493
Work Experience:
1 year Clinical experience (high complexity testing) preferred.
MLS, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Lab Scientist, Med Tech, Medical Technologist, CLS, Clinical Lab Scientist
About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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