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

Entry Level Lab information

See Boone, NC salary details

$11

$21

$44

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Boone, NC is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $22.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab job?

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 are some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, and why are they important?

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 Boone, NC? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Boone, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Boone, NC? For Entry Level Lab jobs in Boone, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Boone, NC are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs? Cities near Boone, NC with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Boone, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,789 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Lab Chemist, 1st Shift - Wilkesboro Lab (Wilkesboro, NC)

Lab Chemist, 1st Shift - Wilkesboro Lab (Wilkesboro, NC)

Tyson Foods

Wilkesboro, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Tyson Foods rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Tyson Foods

Based on 514 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.0

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.0 out of 10

Food and drinks producers average

Based on 11,460 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Tyson Foods

  • 93%

    93% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 81%

    81% say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

    say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

  • 81%

    81% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

Featured by Tyson Foods, based on 514 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Job Details:

Position Information

  • Role Level: Entry-Level

  • Compensation Type: Hourly

  • Shift: First Shift

  • Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Summary: Responsibilities in a food safety laboratory will vary from performing one procedure or work instruction to a number of chemistry, analytical, microbiological, or quality system procedures or work instructions. Precision and accuracy in performing applicable work instructions and data collection are essential. Team members will be required to demonstrate proficiency and growth after training.

Major Responsibilities

  • Able to perform complex work instructions and/or operate sophisticated equipment without close supervision.

  • Able to work independently and resolve routine problems.

  • Assist in planning, development, method modification, validation, and evaluation of new or existing testing applications and test results.

  • Maintain ISO records for process control and comply with quality system and safety requirements.

  • Will be expected to cross-train and be capable of substituting for absent team members in specific areas, and comply with quality system and safety requirements.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and/or Qualifications

  • Education: Minimum of ahigh school diploma (or equivalent experience). College-level courses or adegree in chemistry, microbiology, or a related science field preferred.

  • Experience and/or Expertise: Previous laboratory experience or technical training in a related field preferred.

  • Communication Skills: Good reading, verbal, and written communication skills are required.

  • Computer Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and LabWare LIMS applications.

Training Programs

The training needs for this job classification have been assessed by the appropriate management team member and are listed in the LIMS Training Manager. The amount and level of training required is dependent on the level of responsibility authorized to team members assigned with this job classification.

Managerial Duties

No management duties are associated with this job classification.

This role does not support sponsorship and you must reside in the US.

At Tyson Foods, our team members' health and wellness is very important to us. We believe in helping our team members thrive inside and outside of the workplace. That's why we're committed to providing a holistic benefits package that provides support for you and your family. Team members are eligible for these benefits starting day one of full-time employment. All U.S. based team members are eligible for select fully funded diplomas, certificates, and degrees through high-quality programs, schools, and universities starting day one of employment.

We offer a full range of benefits and perks including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Telehealth services

  • Well-Being Support Programs

  • FSA and HSA available

  • 401k

  • Stock Purchase Plan

  • Company Paid Life Insurance

  • Short-Term & Long- Term Disability

  • Fully Funded Education

  • Discount Program

Highly recommended to include a resume in a PDF or Word Document format.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Work Shift:

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.

Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.


Working at Tyson Foods

Perks for frontline workers

From Tyson Foods, via Breakroom

  • Pay: Competitive Pay and Benefits

  • Benefits: Health, vision, and dental Insurance on day one of full-time employment

  • Education: Fully-funded education for all US-based Team Members!

  • Financial Benefits: 401(k) & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

  • Career Growth: Grow your career with an industry leader, and Fortune 100 company!

  • Safety: Committed to workplace safety!

  • Time Off: Generous paid time off / earned time off for Team Members

  • Work-Life Balance: Includes Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), paid parental leave, discount programs, adoption assistance, etc.

What to expect from working at Tyson Foods

From Tyson Foods

About Tyson Foods, in their own words

From Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is a world-class food company and recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, it has grown under four generations of family leadership. The Company is unified by this purpose: Tyson Foods. We Feed the World Like Family™ and has a broad portfolio of iconic products and brands including Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, State Fair®, Aidells® and ibp®. Tyson Foods is dedicated to bringing high-quality food to every table in the world, safely and affordably, now and for future generations. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company had approximately 138,000 team members as of September 2024.

Company values

From Tyson Foods

We are a company of people engaged in the production of food, seeking to pursue truth and integrity, and committed to creating value for our shareholders, our customers, our team members, and our communities.

Who we are: We strive to be honorable and operate with integrity. We strive to be faith-friendly and inclusive. We strive to serve as stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We strive to provide a safe work environment.

What we do: We feed our families, the nation, and the world with trusted food products. We serve as stewards of the animals, land, and environment entrusted to us. We strive to provide a safe work environment for our team members.

How we do it: We strive to earn consistent and satisfactory profits for our shareholders and to invest in our people, products, and processes. We strive to operate with integrity and trust in all we do. We strive to honor God and be respectful of each other, our customers, and other stakeholders.

"From the beginning, our company has been built on faith, family, and hard work. That tradition, our Core Values, and 'doing what's right' are deeply embedded in our culture."

John Tyson, Chairman


What Tyson Foods employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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