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

Be Seen First

... Qualifications * Entry-level experience in food service * Food safety training or certification Company Description This is not your ordinary juice bar. Thrive Juice Lab is a locally owned ...

New

Lab Project Manager

Tustin, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

This entry-level role focuses on ensuring accurate project setup, monitoring sample receipt and progress, and maintaining communication with internal teams and clients. The Lab Project Manager ...

Lab Project Manager

Tustin, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

This entry-level role focuses on ensuring accurate project setup, monitoring sample receipt and progress, and maintaining communication with internal teams and clients. The Lab Project Manager ...

Be Seen First

... Qualifications * Entry-level experience in food service * Food safety training or certification Company Description This is not your ordinary juice bar. Thrive Juice Lab is a locally owned ...

New

Lab Project Manager

Tustin, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

This entry-level role focuses on ensuring accurate project setup, monitoring sample receipt and progress, and maintaining communication with internal teams and clients. The Lab Project Manager ...

Lab Project Manager

Tustin, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

This entry-level role focuses on ensuring accurate project setup, monitoring sample receipt and progress, and maintaining communication with internal teams and clients. The Lab Project Manager ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Lab information

See Orange, CA salary details

$14

$25

$53

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Orange, CA is $25.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $27.74 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 Orange, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Orange, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,466 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Entry Level NDT Assistant

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$21.63 - $34.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Acuren rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Position Summary

Acuren is currently recruiting for an Entry Level NDT Assistant for operations in Santa Ana, CA. THIS WILL BE MOSTLY A LAB SETTING WITH MINIMAL CALLOUT.

NDT Assistants will assist in performing calibrations, Nondestructive Tests, and evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and record results.

Responsibilities
  • Work as an entry level NDT assistant, in our PT & MT Department under the supervision of the Level II Technicians & Management
  • Assist Technicians with unpacking of parts to prep them for inspection.
  • Perform on the production line in the Liquid Penetrant Department by,
    • Cleaning parts of contaminants
    • Setting up parts and dipping them in a Penetrant bath to then be moved along the production line
    • Washing parts of Penetrant to then move them into the dryer
    • Packaging parts after inspection
    • Learn from Level II Technicians about job related Specifications, Defect recognition, and documentation of inspections.
    • Earn OJT (On the job training) hours to work towards obtaining Level II Certifications
  • Perform in production in the MT Department by,
    • Cleaning parts of contaminants
    • Assisting with setting up parts and assist the technician with performing inspections
    • Cleaning parts after inspection, De-Magnetizing parts, and packaging them back up after inspection
    • Learn from Level II Technicians about job related Specifications, Defect recognition, and documentation of inspections.
    • Earn OJT (On the job training) hours to work towards obtaining Level II Certifications
Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college preferred
  • Technical background desired
  • Must be able to have experience, credentials and history to be certified as Trustworthy & Reliable to comply with federal and state regulations, as determined by a thorough background check
  • Motor Vehicle Driving record must meet company standards to drive company vehicles
  • MUST BE ABLE TO PASS DRUG/ALCOHOL AND BACKGROUND SCREENS PER CLIENT REQUIREMENTS.
Benefits
  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Pay Transparency: As per applicable state law the job posting pay range is $21.63-$34.13/hr depending on experience and applicable certifications.
Company Overview

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world's largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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