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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Lab information

See Kent, WA salary details

$14

$27

$56

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Kent, WA is $27.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $29.33 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 Kent, WA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Kent, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Kent, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Kent, WA are:
What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs? Cities near Kent, WA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:
Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Kent, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,500 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTOR - Adjunct Pool

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTOR - Adjunct Pool

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$56.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Salary: $56.20 Hourly
Location : Central Campus - 2320 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Adjunct
Job Number: 26-007
Department: Instruction
Opening Date: 02/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
SUMMARY
The Electrical Engineering Technology Instructor is responsible for providing instruction to students in a manner that prepares successful program graduates for entry-level employment in electrical engineering technology and related positions.
BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE maintains a vacancy pool of qualified faculty interested in temporary teaching positions as adjunct (part-time) instructors. Adjunct faculty are responsible for preparing and providing instruction for students in the classroom.
Salary reflects July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 academic year
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & OTHER DUTIES
Essential Functions
  • Use effective teaching techniques, instructional materials, and appropriate media support to conduct classroom lectures, applied or lab-based instruction, and work-based learning opportunities
  • Develop and deliver shared curriculum materials and courses across the range of Engineering and Engineering-related programs, working with peer faculty
  • Develop and deliver eLearning courses to enhance program delivery
  • Mentor, encourage, counsel and guide students toward the completion of college and program requirements i.e., course assignments, interpersonal relationships, career goals and responsible work habits
  • Facilitate a process for on-going student input for instructional and program improvement
  • Manage classroom and laboratory activities in a manner that provides an effective learning environment for students
  • Ensure that appropriate safety practices are always used, students are knowledgeable of safety techniques, and all equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe working condition
  • Requisition and maintain control of and safeguard inventories of equipment and supplies assigned to the program
  • Evaluate and document students' attainment, course progress, attendance, work-based learning experiences and workplace behaviors in accordance with state and college policy and/or procedures
  • Maintain required written and computerized records and respond to requests for information in a timely manner
  • Maintain records of all "shop job" instructional projects
  • Develop and maintain full program curriculum documentation in accordance with the approved college format and state, regional, and federal requirements, and ensure that instruction is consistent with current industry or business standards, technologies, procedures, equipment and materials and/or meets transfer or articulation requirements
  • Develop and maintain articulation, transfer and/or applied Baccalaureate agreements to ensure students have pathways to further their education through the attainment of advanced degrees.
  • Plan and develop meaningful student learning experiences based upon current industry or business practices
  • Ensure that the training program meets college requirements for cross-college learning outcomes and students acquire the skills and abilities defined in those outcomes
  • Annually validate and review course competencies and skills required for industry entry-level employment in the industry or profession, and/or transfer and articulation requirements, and adapt curriculum to match those skills when needed
  • Work cooperatively with other instructors, support services staff and advisory committee members to ensure a cohesive learning environment dedicated to providing industry with qualified entry-level employees and/or transfer-ready graduates
  • Assist in the identification, development and maintenance of an advisory committee appropriate to the specific area of instruction
  • Maintain friendly and cooperative relationships with the respective industry and/or articulation partner institutions
  • Undertake continuous professional development, licensure or other activities to maintain educational certification and meet industry standards and requirements for the program
  • Develop and/or maintain industry-based program accreditation, and/or ensure students are prepared for and have the opportunity to obtain relevant industry credentials and certifications
  • Actively contribute to and participate in college-wide activities in support of regional accreditation and state and federal requirements
  • Support College student achievement practices to ensure student retention, completion,?and progression
  • Participate actively and collaboratively with College Student Services and program advisory committees to support access to employment opportunities for students, and maintain student job placement records
  • Participate actively and collaboratively in student recruitment
Other Duties
Please note this job description does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities. Additional duties and responsibilities will be assigned as deemed necessary to meet college needs.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical construction, engineering, or technology field
  • Five (5) years of professional engineering experience including two years in a supervisory role
  • Computer literacy in specialty areas such as AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, etc.
Allowable Substitution
If necessary, alternative combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by the Human Resources Office for comparability.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in electrical construction, engineering or technology field
  • Two (2) years of engineering profession experience
  • Experience establishing or delivering accredited engineering curriculum
  • Experience teaching in higher education institution
  • Experience in the following areas: project management, GPS, GIS
  • Any or all the following licenses/certifications:
    1. Licensed Electrical PE
    2. LEED Certification
    3. IES Lighting Design Certification
    4. Construction Management Certification or Degree
    5. CSI Document Certification

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Bates Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. For inquiries, please contact Title IX Coordinator Marcus Harvey, Executive Director of Human Resources, at 253.680.7180, , or For Section 504, contact Disability Coordinator Steve Ashpole, Vice President of Student Services, at 253.680.7005, All offices are located at 1101 South Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405.
Available Benefits to Eligible Employees
As a higher education employee, you and your qualified family members are eligible for a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement, long-term disability, as well as other optional benefits.
Medical/Dental Plans
Employees pay a portion of their medical care cost through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and coverage for eligible dependents.
Bates provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:
  • Uniform Dental Plan - Preferred Provider Organization
  • DeltaCare - Managed Care Plan
  • Willamette Dental - Managed Care Plan

Bates provides vision coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:
  • Davis Vision by MetLife
  • EyeMed
  • MetLife Vision

Retirement Plans
Faculty and Exempt Positions
Faculty have to choose between either the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), also known as TIAA or Plan 3 of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS). Click to compare the two plans.
Exempt have to choose between either the SBRP or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.
SBRP (TIAA) is a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary
  • Employer Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary

TRS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53 of gross salary

PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.03% of gross salary

Classified Positions
Classified employees have to choose between either the Plan 2 or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.
PERS Plan 2 is a defined benefits plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: 6.36% of gross salary
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salary
PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salary

Employee and employer contributions to applicable retirement plans are mandatory. The amount of the deduction and contribution are dependent upon the retirement plan chosen and may vary by current contribution rates in effect.
Bates provides $35,000 basic life insurance for death from any cause and $5,000 basic accidental death and dismemberment at no cost to the employee. Employees can enroll in additional low cost life insurance for themselves and dependents.
Bates provides a basic LTD insurance plan at no cost to employees. The basic plan pays a maximum of
$240 per month after 90 days of total disability. The optional LTD plan pays 60% of the first $10,000 of monthly salary, reduced by any deductible income such as social security or retirement benefits.
Employee cost is dependent upon benefit waiting period chosen.
Other Optional Benefits
Leaves and Holidays
Vacation
Eligible exempt and classified employees accrue annual leave at rates determined by their employee status, ranging from 7 to 16 hours per month when eligible.
Sick Leave
Eligible classified, faculty, and exempt staff accrue sick leave monthly. Employees represented by a bargaining unit should refer to their negotiated agreement for sick leave rules and accrual rates.
Holidays
Bates observes the following holidays/non-work days:
Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth
Personal Leave/Family Leave
In addition to vacation and sick leave, eligible employees receive personal and family leave each fiscal year at rates determined by their employee status
Please Note: All information above is subject to change based on, but not limited to, employment status, legislative mandates, or College policy changes

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