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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Altoona, IA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Lab information

See Altoona, IA salary details

$12

$23

$48

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Altoona, IA is $23.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $25.05 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 Altoona, IA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Altoona, IA are:

What cities near Altoona, IA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Altoona, IA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Altoona, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,265 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Bondurant Animal Clinic

Bondurant, IA

$19 - $22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Bondurant Animal Clinic is a well-established, progressive, fast paced multi-doctor general small animal practices located in Bondurant, IA with a sister clinic in Newton, IA. We offer many services to provide the best comprehensive care to our patients including Preventative Care, Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental radiology, Endoscopy and Ultrasonography. We are proud to be able to say that both of our hospitals are AAHA certified!

Our hours of operation are:

  • Mon-Fri: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Saturday: Open the Second and Fourth Saturday of each month from 8:00AM - 12:00PM
  • Sunday: Closed

To learn more about us click  here !

Job Description

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

Animal restraint, triage of incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging, management and nursing care of medical and hospitalized cases with varying degrees of stability, administration of medications, effective communication of treatment plans with clients, surgical preparation and assistance, and anesthetic management.

Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.

Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development.

Qualifications

We're Looking For:

  • A Registered Veterinary Technician with an active license required.
    • Entry-level RVTs and new grad technicians are welcome to apply, we are happy to teach and train!
  • Consistent punctuality and reliability in adherence to scheduled shifts.
  • Availability to work some Saturday morning shifts.
  • Excellent client communication and medical record management skills.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of veterinary procedures, preventative care, and hospital operations.
  • Expertise in safe and low-stress animal restraint techniques.
  • Proficiency in various sample collection methods, including blood, urine, fecal, and skin specimens.
  • Experience in radiographic positioning and image capture, with additional skills in dental radiography being a plus.
  • Experience in anesthesia administration and surgical monitoring.
  • Commitment to professional ethics and continuous learning.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to animal-related hazards.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of technical expertise and unwavering commitment to animal welfare in a dynamic veterinary setting.

Additional Information

Pay Range:  $19 - $22/hr depending on experience level

We offer our staff:

  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA) 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees 
  • Paid Bereavement Program 
  • Paid Parental Leave Program  
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Scrub Allowance and Employee Personal Pet Discounts
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunities 
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions! 
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Holiday Pay, Bonuses, etc.) 

Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check. 

*Note - some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit:

#SS2


Employment Type: Full Time
Salary: $19 - $22 Hourly