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

Founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs partners with young people to co-create ... This range is regionally benchmarked for an entry-level Research Assistant position in the YLabs US ...

Level I VTP Technician

Benicia, CA · On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

TEAM is seeking an entry level individual, has a mechanical aptitude, keen to train and learn to ... Lab. Code § 432.3 of the pay range for this role when being hired into our locations in California.

Level I Field Machinist

Benicia, CA · On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

TEAM is seeking an entry level person, that has a mechanical aptitude, a good grasp of math, to be ... Lab. Code § 432.3 of the pay range for this role when being hired into our locations in California.

Showing results 41-48

Entry Level Lab information

See Fairfield, CA salary details

$13

$24

$51

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Fairfield, CA is $24.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $26.44 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 Fairfield, CA?

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Fairfield, CA?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Fairfield, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Fairfield, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,935 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Research Assistant

YLabs

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$21 - $29/hr

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

ABOUT YLABS

YLabs is a leading global design and research organization designing technologies that amplify youth power, agency, and opportunity. Founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs partners with young people to co-create inclusive digital products and services that improve their lives. Our design process opens spaces where young people's ideas can become a reality - where they are the architects of the solutions to their most pressing challenges.

YLabs multidisciplinary team delivers youth-driven innovation and impact at scale. Our team combines expertise in youth-driven design with adolescent health, climate, livelihoods, digital product design, behavioral science, and epidemiology. Based in Rwanda and the USA, we've worked in 18 countries to date on projects spanning three focus areas: optimum health and wellness, improved economic opportunity, and increased climate resilience.

Find out more about our projects here: https://www.ylabsglobal.org/work


JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our Climate x SRHR project and to conduct desk research, support stakeholder engagement, and contribute to research publications and dissemination materials.

The ideal candidate will have graduate-level training or equivalent experience in public health, social science, or a related field, strong research and writing skills, and a genuine interest in climate resilience and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

This is a part-time role (10-20 hours/week), fully remote, contractor position reporting to the Research Lead.


JOB TYPE

This is an independent contractor (Consultancy) position, fully remote with no location restrictions. The initial contract term for this role is 2 months, with possibility of extension contingent on funding.


LOCATION

This is a fully remote role open to candidates in any location, with the ability to work flexible hours that allow for reasonable overlap with the YLabs US and East Africa teams.


ABOUT YLABS' COMPENSATION

YLabs adheres to Project Fair's principles and standards to establish equity in pay with the overriding principle of "equal pay for work of equal value" outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. All salary ranges are based on level within the organization and are competitive to regional and national salary benchmarks, based on the respective office location.


PAY RATE

The pay range for this position is $21 - $29 USD per hour, commensurate with experience. This range is regionally benchmarked for an entry-level Research Assistant position in the YLabs US office. YLabs pays all full-time staff salaries in the local currency of the staff member's permanent work location.


YOU WILL:

Conduct desk research

  • Literature reviews, policy analyses, and evidence summaries, plus citation management and maintenance of a shared evidence library

Support stakeholder engagement

  • Note-taking, meeting prep, and maintenance of stakeholder databases, including coordination support for convenings

Draft and/or review proposals

  • Contribute to proposal writing and provide technical review as needed

Support data analysis

  • Apply quantitative or qualitative analysis skills as relevant to project needs

Support research publications

  • Drafting, proofreading, and formatting

Prepare dissemination materials

  • Decks, evidence briefs, and reports

Fact-check and QA

  • Verify accuracy and quality of materials before they go external


YOU ARE:

  • An excellent writer
  • Detail oriented
  • Enthusiastic, curious, problem solver
  • Rigorous about sourcing, citations, and evidence quality
  • A great communicator - speaks up when uncertain

DESIRABLE:

  • Graduate student in a relevant field preferred
  • Experience with any quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis software


Application requirements: A resume, cover letter, and writing sample are required for consideration.


APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by our Hiring Committee. YLabs recognizes the effort that goes into submitting an application; all applications received during the posting period will be reviewed, and all candidates will be notified of their application status once the hiring process begins.

All YLabs offers of employment are conditional on satisfactory background check and criminal record clearances.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

YLabs is committed to building teams and policies that promote equity, justice, and belonging at work. We strongly encourage people from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.