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

Steris Corporation

Technician- Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

This is an entry level job - we will train you! * In this position, you will perform surgical ... lab including policies and procedures relative to the position. The Experience, Skills, and ...

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Entry Level Lab information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$12

$22

$46

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Columbia, SC is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $24.04 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,303 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Technician- Columbia, SC

Technician- Columbia, SC

STERIS Instrument Management Services, Inc.

Columbia, SC • On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Duties

Repair Technician

You do not have to have previous instrument repair experience to be considered. This is an entry level job - we will train you!

  • In this position, you will perform surgical instrument inspection, repair, and refurbishment in a field-based setting. Technicians work out of mobile repair trucks at Customer sites and regional labs in more condensed markets.
  • Technicians deliver superior Customer Experience by providing timely and quality repairs to meet compliance standards.
  • If offered this position, STERIS will run a 7-year driving record check, as part of our onboarding process.
  • Must have the ability to travel up to 20% (overnight travel)
What You Will Do As A Repair Technician
  • Performs basic to intermediate level repairs of surgical instruments and maintenance including ultra sonic function, metallurgy, buff and polish, bending, shaping, sharpening, hinge points, serrations, and brazing.
  • Demonstrates quality performance in intermediate skilled work including advance Dremel operation, Re-cup and Re-jaw, laparoscopic inspection.
  • Provides invoicing and documentation based on business need.
  • While primarily working inside a mobile repair truck, frequent trips inside the hospital are required.
  • Provide support various locations within assigned territory depending on the service agreements, Customer needs, and staffing levels.
  • Abides by all Company safety, health policies, and procedures. Uses personal protective equipment, as required. Completes Safety observations per site requirements.
  • Adheres and complies with all protocols (DOT, company and Customer) for the safe operation of the mobile lab including policies and procedures relative to the position.
The Experience, Skills, and Abilities Needed
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 1+ year of relevant experience, or 1 year of experience at STERIS. All experience must be verifiable.
  • Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at times and push instrument carts ranging from 10-150 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to meet flexible schedules with early/late hours and sometimes outside normal business hours including nights and weekends, based on Customer and business needs.
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years old with ability to achieve and maintain FMCSA and driver's license requirements.
  • Must be able to pass a DOT medical/ physical exam and comply with all DOT regulations.
  • Ability to drive DOT regulated vehicle and conduct basic box truck safety checks.
  • Must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (CDL not required) and maintain required vaccines.

*Related certifications in technical or mechanical area, competitive equipment training or related military experience may be considered towards experience requirement."

What is relevant work experience?
Relevant experience may include hands-on repair, assembly, or product testing and use of small hand tools is a plus. Small engine repair, cell phone and electronics repair, testing, or re-builds, carpentry, circuit board assembly and repair, sterile processing, industrial sewing, and jewelry repair. Maintenance, construction, and automotive repair can also be relevant to this role.

What STERIS Offers You

We value our employees and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, well-being, and financial future.

Here is just a brief overview of what we offer:

  • Hourly Pay
  • Cell Phone Allowance
  • Overtime Available
  • 19 Paid Vacation Days +9 Corporate Holidays Per Year
  • Excellent Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
  • Healthcare and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Long/Short Term Disability Coverage
  • 401(k) with a Company Match
  • Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Additional Add-On Benefits/Discounts

Pay range for this opportunity is 17.37 - 22.47.This position is eligible for bonus participation.

Minimum pay rates offered will comply with county/city minimums, if higher than range listed. Pay rates are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to local labor market costs, years of relevant experience, education, professional certifications, foreign language fluency, etc.

STERIS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits portfolio. Click here for a complete list of benefits:STERIS Benefits

Open until position is filled.

STERIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to ensure that persons are recruited, hired, trained, transferred and promoted in all job groups regardless of race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state or local law. We are not only committed to this policy by our status as a federal government contractor, but also we are strongly bound by the principle of equal employment opportunity. To support and service our customers in this assigned territory candidates must be based out of one of the following state(s): South Carolina.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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