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

Good Day Farm

Kitchen Tech I

Columbia, MO · On-site

This entry level position is focused on assisting the lead(s), supervisor, and manager in the ... Understanding of the variety of tasks required in working in a lab or manufacturing setting.

Varsity Tutors

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Columbia, MO · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using virtual lab environments, hardware identification practice, and practice examinations to support aspiring IT professionals preparing for entry-level CompTIA A+ certification.

Eurofins

Scientist, Data Review

Columbia, MO · On-site

The Quality Assurance Associate position is an entry-level position involved in day-to-day ... Work closely with lab operations staff on a day-to-day basis and have the authority and ...

Watlow

Manufacturing Operations Engineer 1

Columbia, MO · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer I Position Summary The Manufacturing Engineer I is an entry-level role for a ... or academic lab experience are welcomed. * Basic exposure to troubleshooting electrical and ...

New

watlow

Manufacturing Operations Engineer 1

Columbia, MO · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer I Position Summary The Manufacturing Engineer I is an entry-level role for a ... or academic lab experience are welcomed. * Basic exposure to troubleshooting electrical and ...

New

All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Columbia, MO

Entry Level Lab information

See Columbia, MO salary details

$12

$22

$48

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Columbia, MO is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $24.71 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, MO?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Columbia, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,627 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Denture Lab Technician - Digital Trainee

Aspen Dental

Columbia, MO

$21 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Aspen Dental rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 464 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

669th of 889 rated healthcare providers

Job description

At Aspen Dental, we put You first, offering the security and job stability that comes with working with a world-class dental service organization (DSO).  Our best-in-class training program, competitive compensation, and cutting-edge technology will help you thrive in your career.  When you join our team as an Entry-level Denture Lab Technician - Digital, you can give back to communities and positively affect patients’ lives.   

Job Type:  Full-Time 

Salary:  $21 - $26 / hour

At Aspen Dental, we put You First.  We offer: 

  • State-of-the-art paid training program and cutting-edge digital denture technology

  • Paid time off and holidays 

  • Health, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) savings plan 

  • Career development and growth opportunities to support you at every stage of your career 

  • A fun and supportive culture that encourages collaboration and innovation 

How You’ll Make a Difference 

As an Entry-level Denture Lab Technician - Digital, you will have a great career and so much more. We will take you through our training program to learn digital denture production. You will have the ability to showcase your technology and artistic skills to create better smiles and improve lives within your community. You will have access to industry-leading equipment, instruments, thought leaders, and certified trainers.  

  • Collaborate with dentists to ensure optimum patient satisfaction 

  • Print and fabricate dentures  

  • Complete prosthetic repairs, relines, and re-bases 

  • Assist with the preparation of laboratory supply orders 

  • Work collaboratively with other members of the dental team to provide exceptional patient care 

Qualifications: 

  • Computer and technical aptitude skills are a necessity – ability to navigate a digital world 

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients of all ages and backgrounds 

  • Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity 

  • Ability to pay attention to details 

  • The ability to pass a hands-on skill assessment/bench test  

  • Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development 

  • Experience working in a dental office a plus 

  • Willingness to travel for a 15+ week training period

  • Ability to relocate is strongly preferred 

Aspen Dental-branded practices are independently owned and operated by licensed dentists. The practices receive non-clinical business support services from Aspen Dental Management, Inc., a dental support organization.

ADMI Corp., d/b/a TAG-The Aspen Group, its affiliates, related companies and independently owned supported clinical practices are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers and welcome everyone to apply.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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