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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Lab information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$14

$26

$56

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Santa Barbara, CA is $26.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $28.89 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 Santa Barbara, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,689 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Hourly - Classroom Lab: Glass & Ceramics

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $20.55/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary: $16.90 - $20.55 Hourly
Location : Schott Campus, CA
Job Type: Hourly Staff
Job Number: 01-2025-HW1
Department: SEL Older Adults Courses
Opening Date: 08/12/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Basic Functions
Perform a variety of diversified classroom equipment cleaning and maintenance duties in support of the department or program. May direct students to faculty or Director.
Under the direction of the Director or as delegated, provide classroom equipment support to the program area.
Please Note - Hourly employees are permitted to work up to 19.5hrs per week. These assignments do not include additional benefits. Assignments go towards our fiscal year (7/1 - 6/30) limitations. These limits include:
1000 hours worked per Fiscal Year
175 calendar days during a Fiscal Year
Representative Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Maintain communication with the Director, School of Extended Learning or designee.
Ensure the classroom is ready for each instructor prior to each term.
Locate, order, purchase, and resale all general-use supplies using a point of sale system.
Art handling support and general equipment maintenance projects in the classroom space.
Communicate with college personnel and outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns.
Monitor supplies; estimate and prepare order requests for supplies, and store and maintain regular and periodic inventory of supplies.
Adhere to health and safety practices and procedures.
Enter data into an assigned computer system.
Communicate with students, personnel and outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns.
Operate a variety of classroom equipment.
Perform inventory review in subject areas.
Prepare, set up, operate, calibrate, maintain and repair a variety of specialized equipment related to art such as electric pottery, welders, cutters, saws, metal breaks, printing presses, drills, drill presses, grinders, routers, sanders, furnaces, mixers, mills, spray booths, scales, cameras, lathes, computerized operating mechanisms, soldering stations, pickle, fluxes, solder, gas supplies, flex shafts, hydraulic presses, kiln repair, lapidary equipment, buffing machines, calipers, metal foundry and gas, fire and electric kilns, etc.; install, assemble and construct art equipment and systems as needed.
Assemble, measure, mix and distribute various vapors, mists, sprays, molten metal, glazes, ceramic stains, acids, paints, oils and other assigned artistic supplies used in demonstrations, exercises and laboratory activities; design and construct laboratory materials according to instructor specifications as requested.
Maintain art classrooms in proper working condition; organize rooms according to faculty specifications.
In collaboration with Health & Safety and Hazardous Waste Removal, participate in the storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials and art supplies in compliance with established laws and regulations as directed; maintain and distribute hazardous material or safety information and procedures for students; maintain communication with Health and Safety and Hazard Waste removal.
OTHER DUTIES: Perform related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Some incumbents in this classification may be required to read, write and speak English and a designated second language. Some positions in this classification may require a valid California driver's license.
Knowledge and Abilities
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of equipment.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects as assigned by the position.
HAZARDS:
Some incumbents may experience exposure to fumes or potentially hazardous chemicals
Not Benefit Eligible

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