ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Lab Jobs in Beaufort, NC (NOW HIRING)

All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Beaufort, NC

Entry Level Lab information

See Beaufort, NC salary details

$11

$21

$44

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Beaufort, NC is $21.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $22.93 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 Beaufort, NC?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Beaufort, NC are:

What cities near Beaufort, NC are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Beaufort, NC with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Beaufort, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,180 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Commercial Dockside Sampler

Think Tank, Inc.

Beaufort, NC • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

*US Citizenship Required

*Onsite Position primarily in Coastal locations in Southeastern US (NC to TX) with travel required

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

Position Overview

Think Tank Inc. is seeking full-time Commercial Dockside Samplers to work within the SEFSC Fisheries Statistics Division's Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch. These positions collect biological data from commercial fishing operations at coastal locations throughout the Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Texas.

Key Responsibilities

Biological Sampling

  • Collect lengths, weights, and biological samples (primarily otoliths) from commercial fisheries catches and recreational headboat catches when requested; target: 1% of total catch year weight.
  • Follow TIP and SRHS User's Guide protocols; collect data on paper forms or tablet computers as directed by the Government.
  • Prepare biological samples using proper cleaning, packaging, and labeling procedures within one week of collection.
  • Ship samples to receiving entities by the 30th of the month after data proofing/crosschecking is complete. Gulf of Mexico and all King/Spanish mackerel samples go to Panama City Lab; South Atlantic samples (excluding mackerels) go to Beaufort Lab.

Data Management

  • Enter data collected during dockside bio sampling into TIPS or SRHS web portals by the last day of the subsequent month of collection.
  • Run monthly QA/QC audits using the TIPS tool as soon as monthly data entry is complete.
  • Complete monthly data proofing by end of second month subsequent to data collection.

SRHS Support (if requested)

  • Submit Head Boat Activity Reports (HARs) weekly by each Friday.
  • Monitor vessel elogs and communicate with vessels regarding reporting compliance.

Training & Outreach

  • Assist FTE staff with sampling training sessions for new hires and TIP Partner agencies.
  • Participate in SEFSC public outreach events; submit all materials 5 days prior for approval.
  • Attend training sessions and conferences for protocol and technology updates.
  • Complete training courses and maintain up-to-date training annually

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

Education

  • MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; OR BS Degree plus three (3) years of relevant experience.

Skills

  • Knowledge of fish/related biological field sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks.
  • Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
  • Computer literate; experienced with word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired)

  • Experience collecting catch and effort information from commercial or recreational fishermen.
  • Knowledge of biological sampling (lengths, age structures, gonads) from marine fish.

Apply