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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Caldwell, ID (NOW HIRING)

Voyage Health

Travel Histo Tech

Boise, ID · On-site

$1.6K - $1.6K/wk

Position Details Specialty: Histo Tech Location: Boise, Idaho Employment Type: Travel/Contract Pay: $1606 - $1691 per week Shift: 5x8 Days Start Date: ASAP Contract Length: 13-week Position: Histo ...

All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Caldwell, ID

Entry Level Lab information

See Caldwell, ID salary details

$11

$21

$45

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Caldwell, ID is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $23.37 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 Caldwell, ID?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Caldwell, ID are:

What cities near Caldwell, ID are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Caldwell, ID with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Caldwell, ID as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,055 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Lab Technician (Entry-Level)

Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

Boise, ID • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high-quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients worldwide. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for the most challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting and construction conditions.
We are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment and utilizing the most innovative science practices in all our work.
Job Summary:
Our Boise office is looking for full-time Entry-Level Lab Technician to support day-to-day lab operations, support soil and materials testing, data collection, and reporting-critical components of engineering analysis and design. This is an excellent opportunity for newly graduates, but we also encourage all entry-level candidates to apply who are seeking to gain long-term growth within a lab environment. Prior experience with actual lab testing is a bonus, but not necessary.
This role also potentially offers career growth opportunities into a future Assistant Lab Manager role for full-time candidates if they provide exceptional work with Shannon & Wilson.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform laboratory testing on soil and rock.
  • Use and maintain scientific testing equipment.
  • Process test data using computer software.
  • Communicate test progress and present test results.
  • Interact and communicate with clients, vendors, and staff at all levels.
  • Follow Shannon & Wilson's Quality Assurance policy.
  • Follow and promote Shannon and Wilson's Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor, potentially including field testing and operating a nuclear densometer.

Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 0 to 4 years of experience as a field and/or lab technician.
  • Proficient in mathematics, including Algebra.
  • Ability to earn certifications in soils, concrete, and asphalt testing (WAQTC, ACI, and NICET)*
  • Ability to accurately record lab readings, field notes, and sketches to document work.
  • Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor.
  • The ability to work independently with the appropriate level of OR minimal supervision.
  • The willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
  • A valid driver license and insurable driving record.
  • Basic computer skills: MS Word, Excel (required); MS Access (desirable).
  • Critical thinking and analysis.
  • Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds.
  • Working in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain.
  • The ability to travel (drive or fly) to field sites per project needs and job sites locally and out of state.

*Arrangements and payment for training will be made for the successful applicant after their hire date.
Level Placement
Typically, depending on an applicant's education, experience, other qualifications they possess, if they are a fit for the company and local office culture, and the current business needs, an Entry-Level Lab Technician typically would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Technical Services I or II level.
Shannon & Wilson is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards package that includes the following benefits:
  • Employee stock ownership
  • Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
  • Pre-tax health and daycare FSA
  • Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe-harbor contributions
  • 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees, based on years of experience (prorated for part-time employment)
  • Sick leave accrues based on state requirements
  • 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
  • Paid volunteer day
  • Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
  • Mentorship Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free parking

Shannon & Wilson is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Shannon & Wilson participates in the E-Verify program.
Please note that non-solicited resumes from external recruitment agencies will not be considered as introductions to our business, unless a preapproved agreement is in place and the external recruitment agency has been engaged to work on this specific vacancy.

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