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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Kannapolis, NC (NOW HIRING)

Bartlett Tree Experts

Horticulturist

Charlotte, NC · On-site

This is a unique, physically demanding entry-level opportunity to develop your career in ... Location : Name Research Lab Location : State/Province NC Category Research Lab and Arboretum ...

Varsity Tutors

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Charlotte, NC · 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.

Varsity Tutors

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Matthews, NC · 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.

Transcat, Inc.

Calibration Technician I

Charlotte, NC

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Calibration Technician I is an entry-level position that requires either education in the ... Work with other technicians within the lab to learn calibration fundamentals, which can include ...

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All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Kannapolis, NC

Entry Level Lab information

See Kannapolis, NC salary details

$13

$23

$49

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Kannapolis, NC is $23.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $25.53 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 Kannapolis, NC?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Kannapolis, NC are:

What cities near Kannapolis, NC are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Kannapolis, NC with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Kannapolis, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,261 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Clinical Lab Scientist

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Salisbury, NC

$53K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f).
  • Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. (Transcripts Required)
  • Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
    • Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
    • Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
    • Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
    • NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer).
  • Exception for Non-Certified:
    • Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency.
    • Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2).
    • Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.
    • Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
    • Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07:
    • Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
    • Assignment: Employee at this level serves in a CLS entry-level position. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require daily direct supervision.
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09:
    • Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
      • Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OR
      • Education: Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science. (Transcripts Required)
    • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
      • Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
      • Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
      • Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
      • Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
      • Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
      • Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11:
    • Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
      • Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR
      • Education: Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science. (Transcripts Required)
      • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
        • Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
        • Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
        • Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
        • Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
        • Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
        • Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
        • Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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