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

Weber Metals

Lab Tech Helper - 2nd Shift

Paramount, CA

$22.75 - $26/hr

Reporting to the Lab supervisor, this entry level position will go through extensive, rigorous hands-on training by senior Lab employees to master highly technical skills necessary for other ...

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Entry Level Lab information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$14

$26

$55

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Pasadena, CA is $26.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $28.32 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 Pasadena, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,594 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Lab Tech Helper - 2nd Shift

Paramount, CA

Weber Metals
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Weber Metalsexternal

$22.75 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Hourly Range: $22.75 - $26.00
Additional $1.50/hour swing shift premium

**All Applicants must comply with ITAR requirements. US Citizens or Permanent Residents only.**
 

Summary:

Reporting to the Lab supervisor, this entry level position will go through extensive, rigorous hands-on training by senior Lab employees to master highly technical skills necessary for other positions in the Lab.  The Lab Tech Helper must demonstrate the ability and desire to learn.

Major Job Duties:

·       Knowledge, awareness and collaboration of the Weber Metals Safety Policy.

·       Knowledge and awareness of the Weber Metals Quality Policy and how it relates to your job.

·       Knowledge and awareness of the Weber Metals Environmental Policy.

·       Knowledge and awareness of the Weber Metals Business Management System.

·       Perform Lab housekeeping activities as directed.

·       Learn how to operate a forklift to transfer test materials, test forgings & test remnants to various designated areas.

·       Excise test blanks from simple test forging using aluminum band saw.

·       Lear test remnant & prolongations temporary storage convention, and dispose/manage them accordingly.

·       Learn to operate alloy check machine and helping receive forging stocks.

·       Learn how to bookkeep and receive test material stock.

·       Help create shipper orders to send test material for outside testing.

·       Receive, review and data entry of outside testing certification into ERP system.

·       Help operate CNC lathe to prepare test bars for tensile testing.

·       Help machine tensile blanks using a fly-cutter for EC and hardness testing.

·       Help machine grain flow sections using a fly-cutter.

·       Learn and help Lab Technicians on identifying test remnants after test specimens were excised.

·       Learn to perform hardness and conductivity test on test material/test blanks.

·       Perform all work-related activities requested by Lab Supervisor.

Additional Responsibilities:

·       Learn from Lab Technician III/Lead on how to lay out test specimens on the test material/prolongation/forging.

·       Learn from Lab Technician III/Lead on how to excise test specimens from test material/prolongation/forging safely and correctly.

·       Learn from Lab Technician III/Lead to prepare chemical etch solutions, to prepare micro and macro specimens, and to photograph micros/macros.

·       Learn blueprint reading to determine location of test bars.

·       Learn how to use micrometer & caliper.

·       Support special projects initiated by Lab supervisor/Metallurgists.

·       Participate in Bi-annual Tensile written exam.

·       Participate in Bi-annual Tensile Round Robin test.

·       Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

·       Must be able to comply with ITAR and EAR residency requirements

Education/Experience:

·       HS/GED or equivalent

·       Work experience in manufacturing/testing/machining/sawing is preferred

Apply