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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Lab information

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$13

$24

$50

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Columbia, MD is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $26.06 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 Columbia, MD?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, MD?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,238 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Research Specialist (Genetic Medicine)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

$35K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

We are seeking a Research Specialist to perform a range of assays and experiments specific to an area of research, requiring a good understanding of the work of the lab. May make contributions to various aspects of research efforts. May include some routine troubleshooting, independent decisions and training/guidance of other lab personnel.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities: Plan and run set of experiments after discussion with investigator. Work may include making protocol modifications within the parameters set by investigator. Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g

reading controls, evaluate results. Order equipment and supplies, interface with vendors. Use scientific knowledge and lab experience to evaluate whether component parts of experiments are working as they should.

Works independently. Teach/train students, and new technicians in the lab. May facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members on day-to-day problems with more challenging research assays.

May participates in protocol development, efficiency, and productivity. Assists in development of new techniques and instruments. Apply published research methods to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with PI.

May contribute to writing manuscripts and grants by writing up methodology sections. Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications. Perform other related duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field. One year of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques. Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/ graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Classified Title: Research Specialist Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA Starting Salary Range: $35,600 - $62,200 Annually ($48,400 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: M-F, 8:30 to 5pm FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Location: School of Medicine Campus Department name: Genetic Medicine Personnel area: School of Medicine

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

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