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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Histotechnician

Salem, OR · On-site

$32 - $48/hr

Description As a Pathology Lab Histotechnician at Clear Choice Dermatology, Histotechnician will be ... Seeking an entry level Histology Tech, MOHS tech or Medical Assistant aspiring to become Histotech.

Histotechnician

Salem, OR · On-site

$32 - $48/hr

Job Type Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Temporary, Internship Description As a Pathology Lab ... Seeking an entry level Histology Tech, MOHS tech or Medical Assistant aspiring to become Histotech.

Histotechnician

Salem, OR · On-site

$32 - $48/hr

Histotechnician As a Pathology Lab Histotechnician at Clear Choice Dermatology, Histotechnician ... Seeking an entry level Histology Tech, MOHS tech or Medical Assistant aspiring to become Histotech.

Histotechnician

Salem, OR · On-site

$32 - $48/hr

Job Type Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Temporary, Internship Description As a Pathology Lab ... Seeking an entry level Histology Tech, MOHS tech or Medical Assistant aspiring to become Histotech.

Entry Level Lab information

See Salem, OR salary details

$13

$24

$50

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Salem, OR is $24.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $26.11 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 Salem, OR?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Salem, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Salem, OR?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Salem, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Salem, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Salem, OR are:

What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Salem, OR with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Salem, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,310 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Histotechnician

Salem, OR • On-site

$32 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description

As a Pathology Lab Histotechnician at Clear Choice Dermatology, Histotechnician will be responsible for promptly and meticulously embedding, cutting, and staining specimens. Histotechnician will also work on performing special stains and immunohistochemistry on sections of skin tissue. The role involves grossing tissues.

Responsibilities:

  • Maintains competency of all specimen ordering, processing, cutting and staining processes
  • Orients all specimens before embedding.
  • Aids the pathologist in grossing pathology specimens including tissue identification and clerical help.
  • Prepares reagents, stains and solutions as necessary for processing surgical, autopsy and cytologic specimens.
  • Assisting in slide preparation/staining during applicable procedures.

Additional Duties:

  • Supports team and patient care during absence of co-workers by being available to cover vacation and sick time.
  • Trains new staff in all aspects of the histology department as appropriate. Decision making and budget responsibilities:
  • Impact limited to the employee.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Highest science-related academic diploma or transcript required upon hire.
  • Associate degree or equivalent.
  • Medical terminology.
  • Two (2) years of experience in a histology lab.
  • ASCP Histotechnology certified preferred and required within 12 months of hire date. (Uncertified technologists can be considered for hire, contingent upon successful ASCP certification within 12 months of hire date. On-going employment in this position thereafter will require this certification.)
  • Accuracy in dealing with numbers.
  • Uses effective communication skills.
  • Make a good first impression through personal appearance.
  • Works independently in a histology lab.
  • Flexible, able to work to meet the needs of the department.
  • Demonstrates confidentiality according to PHI regarding patient and co-worker information.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of areas of responsibility.
  • Look for ways to improve customer service.
  • Communicates effectively with neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric customers based on principles of growth and development and life stages.
  • Interacts with surgeon/pathologist in a timely manner to provide prompt turnaround time.
  • Functions as a cooperative histology team member within the anatomic pathology dept.
  • Computer skills.
  • Bilingual skills a plus.

Job Type :Full-time

Compensation:

Pay Range $32-$48 depending on experience

Schedule:

Morning: 6:00am-2:30pm
Evening: 1:30pm-10:00pm

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person Job Summary: Seeking an entry level Histology Tech, MOHS tech or Medical Assistant aspiring to become Histotech. The responsibilities include  being responsible for all phases of specimen handling for our busy multi-clinic Dermatopathology lab. This includes grossing, embedding, sectioning on a microtome and cryostat, H&E staining, specials, IHC, DIF and instrument maintenance. The Histology tech will be under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Manager/Supervisor and in collaboration with the entire Clear Choice Dermatology team.
Essential Job Functions:

  • Embeds, cuts and stains derm specimens (including alopecia and nail specimens)
  • Prepares frozen sections
  • Maintains, monitors and operates all equipment and instruments
  • Organizes, labels, and files all slides, blocks and paperwork
  • Utilizes custom techniques, as described by laboratory management, to provide high quality product meeting the diagnostic needs of the dermatopathologist
  • Works within the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to track laboratory materials and data related to individual cases
  • General cleaning of laboratory
  • Communicates any issues to manager and coworkers in a timely and appropriate manner
  • Will perform non-routine diagnostic tests, including special stains and immunohistochemical stains
  • Maintains proper documentation in laboratory including proper logs of all incoming and outgoing specimens including mailing slides to and from referring physicians and outside laboratories
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Additional Details:

  • This position requires frequent intervals of walking, standing, sitting and bending for periods of up to 4 hours at a time. Use of lab equipment, computer, TEAMS, phone and digital photos. Ability to lift and carry at least 25 lbs. Ability to speak clearly, and demonstrate patience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Related experience in a laboratory 
  • Prior grossing experience in a laboratory