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

Varsity Tutors

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Columbia, SC · 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.

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

Entry Level Lab information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$19

$41

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Columbia, SC is $19.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist lab technicians by automating routine tasks such as data analysis and sample processing. However, lab technicians are essential for overseeing experiments, maintaining equipment, and applying critical thinking, making complete replacement unlikely in the near future.

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 is the lowest salary for a lab tech?

The lowest salary for an entry-level lab technician typically starts around $30,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on location and employer. Salaries can increase with experience, certifications, and specialized skills such as proficiency with laboratory equipment or data analysis tools.

What jobs let you work in a lab?

Entry-level lab jobs include laboratory technician, research assistant, and lab aide. These roles typically require basic knowledge of lab equipment, safety procedures, and sometimes a relevant certification or degree in science or a related field. They involve tasks such as sample preparation, data recording, and assisting with experiments in scientific or medical laboratories.

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 qualification do I need to work in a lab?

Entry level lab positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring or requiring post-secondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant field like biology, chemistry, or health sciences. Basic skills in laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment are also important; certifications like OSHA safety training can be beneficial.

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 Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, SC? For Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:
Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,868 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Commodities Technician (6pm-6:30am)

Commodities Technician (6pm-6:30am)

Nephron Pharmaceuticals

West Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description:

Commodities Technician will perform all duties as assigned or apparent. A Tech will make contact and coordinate with different departments and resources to ensure resin processes are maintained. A Tech will be able to identify all types of resins, regrind, and purge. Techs will clear and separate all waste gaylords with the correct labeling. Finally, Techs will monitor all movement of said commodities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Perform On-the-Job (OJT), group and one-on-one trainings from department personnel.

· Contact and coordinate with different departments and resources.

· Evaluate and communicate training needs to upper management.

· Performs all other duties as assigned or apparent.

· Assist and monitor the receipt and release of railcars

· Follow up with the Quality department to ensure testing

· Maintain company equipment/tools utilized for resin transfers

· Complete understanding of how to use the HMI for resin transfer

· Check railcars for moisture levels

· Assist coordinating quality sampling with the Quality Assurance department upon resin receipt

· Monitoring and clearing “knuckle” of all regrind and purge

· Assist with movement of wet-waste gaylords from the “knuckle” to the E80 warehouse

· Monitoring of the resin regrind room, silo room, and blower house

· Maintaining cleanliness of railcar area, blower house, silo room, and resin regrind room.

· Grinding, weighing, labeling, and loading of ground resin and purge onto the outbound trailer

· Ensuring all resin transfers from start to finish are properly documented and performed using guidance SOPs

Supplemental Functions:

  • Copying, filing, and scanning of documents
  • Fork lift operation
  • Regrind troubleshooting
  • Performs other similar duties as required
Requirements:

Knowledge & Skills:

  • MUST PASS DRUG TEST
  • Must speak, write, and read English.
  • A broad perspective that aligns decisions to organizational objectives and long-term consequences of day-to-day activities.
  • The ability and willingness to change direction and focus to meet shifting organizational and business demands in a fast-paced environment.
  • The ability to create and contribute to an environment that values safety, people, encourages trust, teamwork, open communication, and provides participation, learning, feedback and recognition.
  • The ability to effectively manage one self, demonstrate integrity, be productive under pressure, and achieve development goals
  • The ability to manage a multitude of resources and to be accurate and current with data and information.
  • Incumbents are required to wear PPE as assigned by management.
  • Incumbents are required to comply with proper gowning requirements and other non-specified protective equipment as necessary.
  • Incumbents may be required to wear safety glasses, hearing protection, bouffant, and laboratory coats and other non-specified protective equipment as necessary.

Education/Experience:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Previous training in BFS or manufacturing settings experience preferred
  • Computer experience: Excel, Word

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

  • Position requires lifting (up to 60 lbs.), vision (20/20), bending (waist to floor), climbing (floor to ceiling), reaching (floor to overhead), standing (75%), sitting (5%), walking (20%), gripping, talking, typing, and hearing.

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