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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Escondido, CA (NOW HIRING)

Labcorp is seeking an entry level Medical Lab Technician to join our team in San Diego, CA Work Schedule: 2nd shift: This is a casual/per diem position; hours will be "as needed" the start and end ...

Labcorp is seeking an entry level Medical Lab Technician to join our team in San Diego, CA Work Schedule: 2nd shift: This is a casual/per diem position; hours will be "as needed" the start and end ...

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Entry Level Lab information

See Escondido, CA salary details

$13

$25

$52

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Escondido, CA is $25.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $27.16 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 Escondido, CA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Escondido, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Escondido, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Escondido, CA are:

What cities near Escondido, CA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Escondido, CA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Escondido, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,407 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Faculty Lab Instructor - Occupational Therapy

usahs

San Marcos, CA โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Lab Instructors have various responsibilities such as organizing/maintaining equipment, preparing the lab environment, monitoring student progress and facilitating student participation in learning activities.ย ย The lab instructor communicates with the lead instructor regarding student performance or issues that arise and ensures the delivery of consistent content and testing.ย ย They may assist with grading practicals and other required assignments.


The qualified candidate must have an entry-level masterโ€™s degree or higher along with current certification with state board of chosen specialization.ย ย At least 2 years of practical hands-on experience is required in a patient care setting in the profession.ย ย The successful candidate will have excellent oral communication and organizational skills, be responsive to adult student needs, and be able to work collaboratively in a team environment.


This is a part-time 15-20 hours per week as scheduled position.ย 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepares lab environment
  • Organizes and maintains equipment; proposes equipment orders as needed
  • Teaches lab component of course
  • Monitors student progress; gives feedback; facilitates student participation in learning activities
  • Assesses student performance on practical, oral, written examinations
  • Supervises lab assistants (when available)
  • Reports student grades at end of term to lead instructor
  • Communicates with lead instructor to ensure consistent content and testing and to recommend changes for upcoming semester
  • Serves as student-to-university liaison
  • Upholds student and part-time faculty handbook policies
  • Promotes professionalism by modeling such behaviors inside and outside the classroom setting
  • Self-evaluates teaching performance; sets goals for improvement

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May perform other duties and responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

POSITION IN ORGANIZATION

Reports to:ย ย Program Director

Positions Supervised:ย ย Not applicable

TECHNICAL, MANAGERIAL & PEOPLE SKILLS REQUIRED

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.ย ย The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.ย ย Incumbents will be evaluated, in part, based on performance of each essential function.ย ย Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • Masterโ€™s degree or higher
  • Prior practical hands-on experience in patient care setting in chosen specialization preferred
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Excellent oral communication skills
  • Professional role model
  • Able to provide a nurturing, respectful learning environment
  • Responsive to distance education, adult student needs
  • Working knowledge of educational theory and motor skill development
  • Able to work in a team environment

LICENSURE and/or CERTIFICATION

  • Licensed occupational, physical, or speech therapist from an accredited university with demonstrated expertise in the area being taught
  • Current certification with state board of chosen specialization

TRAVEL

Minimal travel required

BUSINESS COMPETENCIES

  • Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
  • Being Resilient - Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
  • Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
  • Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
  • Innovation - Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
  • Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment but may involve exposure to moderate noise levels.

Work involves operation of personal computer equipment for six to eight hours daily and includes physical demands associated with a traditional office setting, e.g., walking, standing, communicating, and other physical functions as necessary.

ย 
ย 

Lab Instructors are hired for specific assignments which may vary by term. Compensation is a reasonable estimate and will be determined based on years of clinical and teaching experience.