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

The Planet Group

Lab Pack Chemist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$38/hr

Lab Pack Chemist Starting Pay: Up to $38/hr depending on experience Location: San Jose CA Contract ... * Entry level - recent graduates accepted * Valid driver's license Ability to work as a member of a ...

CryoNova

Laboratory Technician

Watsonville, CA

$20 - $30/hr

This is an entry-level, part-time role with training provided and the opportunity to grow into a career as production scales. Responsibilities: ● Operate basic chemistry lab equipment and a rotary ...

C2Earth, Inc.

Staff Geologist / Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site

... field/lab work count). * Progress toward California professional certification (GIT, EIT, PG, PE ... Competitive entry-level salary and benefits package. Flexibility: A healthy mix of field and office ...

All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Entry Level Lab information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$15

$27

$58

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Santa Cruz, CA is $27.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $30.00 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 Cruz, CA?

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

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

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

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

Cities near Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,790 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Lab Pack Chemist

San Jose, CA • On-site

The Planet Group
See more jobs at The Planet Groupexternal

$38/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Title: Lab Pack Chemist

Starting Pay: Up to $38/hr depending on experience

Location: San Jose CA

Contract to Hire - 6 month contract and then direct hire


Qualifications:

  • BS degree in science or related with a desire to work in the Environmental industry
  • 2+ years of lab pack experience
  • Great communication and be able to work directly with clients
  • Willing to get their hands dirty and work hard


Managers Notes:

  • Will be working for one of their largest clients
  • Will be working between 3 locations and will get paid mileage if they have to go between locations


Benefits:

  • Health, Dental and vision insurance
  • 401/k with contribution
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Health & Wellness including on location gyms
  • Training, Training, and more Training
  • They have a training schedule/program that everyone does and take 3 years and 120/hrs to complete
  • PTO and Holidays
  • Mentorship and career planning
  • Auto/home insurance discounts


Our client, who is one of the largest environmental services firms in North America is looking for Environmental Specialist to join their renowned team of professionals. They provide leading institutions in the higher education, life sciences, healthcare, and industrial sectors with diverse services and advice to assist them with compliance management.

As an Environmental Specialist you will support our clients by managing their hazardous waste programs & projects, utilizing state & federal regulations.

This is a labor-intensive role that requires a high-level of technical aptitude and the ability to deliver high-level customer service


Essential responsibilities and duties:


Technical:

  • Completion of on-boarding and Safety Training Development Program
  • Safety equipment inspections
  • Hazardous waste inspections
  • Perform and document environmental health and safety (EHS) audits for clients
  • Regularly preparing chemical and biological waste for shipment and disposal, including creation of all federal/state waste documents and managing the paperwork for the material
  • Following any applicable state and federal regulations [Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) & Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations]
  • Develop understanding of OSHA regulations as well as Health and Safety practices
  • Monthly on-call responsibilities as part of our Emergency Response team


Hands-on:

  • Material handling (e.g. transportation of materials within client sites as well as from client sites to transfer and/or end disposal facilities)
  • Safe handling of hazardous waste containers on client sites, as well as loading/unloading of waste from vehicles
  • Packaging and prepping of hazardous waste for shipment
  • Spill response measures, including assessment of the spills and potentially leading the cleanup efforts
  • Requires you to work 40+ hours per week and overtime is frequently required


Customer service:

  • Professional attitude, high energy, and high-level communication skills required when dealing directly with client representatives
  • High level of expertise (e.g. state/federal regulations, EHS standards, waste management procedures, etc.)
  • Train clients on proper chemical safety and hazardous waste management
  • Attending client operations meetings
  • Training of new team member(s)


Qualifications:

  • BS/BA in Environmental Science or Business-related degree or relative Military experience preferred
  • Entry level - recent graduates accepted
  • Valid driver’s license


Ability to work as a member of a team as well as an individual

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