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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Lab information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$27

$57

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Seattle, WA is $27.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist lab technicians by automating routine tasks such as data analysis and sample processing. However, lab technicians are essential for overseeing experiments, maintaining equipment, and applying critical thinking, making complete replacement unlikely in the near future.

What is an entry level lab job?

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 is the lowest salary for a lab tech?

The lowest salary for an entry-level lab technician typically starts around $30,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on location and employer. Salaries can increase with experience, certifications, and specialized skills such as proficiency with laboratory equipment or data analysis tools.

What jobs let you work in a lab?

Entry-level lab jobs include laboratory technician, research assistant, and lab aide. These roles typically require basic knowledge of lab equipment, safety procedures, and sometimes a relevant certification or degree in science or a related field. They involve tasks such as sample preparation, data recording, and assisting with experiments in scientific or medical laboratories.

What are some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, and why are they important?

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 qualification do I need to work in a lab?

Entry level lab positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring or requiring post-secondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant field like biology, chemistry, or health sciences. Basic skills in laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment are also important; certifications like OSHA safety training can be beneficial.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Seattle, WA? For Entry Level Lab jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:
Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,957 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist)

Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist)

Clean Harbors

Kent, WA

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 75 rated recycling and waste

Job description

****Please note: this position requires new hires to attend our two week Academy training out of state. Expenses are covered by the company and it is paid training.**** 
 
 
Clean Harbors in Kent, WA is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist) to handle, segregate, pack, and inspect chemical waste in accordance with Federal/State/Local regulations and our company policies and procedures.   This position will work both indoors and outdoors at plants, labs, customer sites and are responsible for assisting with lab packs within customer facilities, household hazardous waste (HHW) collections and lab moves.  This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily. The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist.

 
Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology - come be part of the solution with us.

 
Why work for Clean Harbors?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Focus on maintaining sustainability and cleaning the Earth 
  • Competitive Starting Pay; $26.00-$28.00 hourly DOE and CDL
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment including 401K with Company match
  • Own part of the company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • Company paid training and tuition reimbursement
Required Qualifications:
  • Valid Driver's license
  • Strong customer service skills
  • By position, obtain a CDL Class B with hazmat and tanker endorsement within 6 months of employment
  • Perform physical functions per job requirements
  • Successfully complete a background check, drug test, and physical, by position
  • Per OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.34, employees in positions requiring respirators are required to meet facial hair standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • College degree in Chemistry or Natural Science
  • Previous experience in Environmental Services (i.e. remediation, abatement, emergency spill response, etc.)

 
Our Environmental Field Chemist is an entry level position into an exciting and rewarding career at Clean Harbors. Transitioning Military, this is a great opportunity to leverage your skills, experience, and training as you return to civilian life.

 
This position is an entry level management position.   From this role, there are approximately 15 other roles one can be promoted into within Clean Harbors.  A significant number of our middle and senior management staff all started in this role, from less than 5 years ago to 30 plus years ago.  Many others who have started in this role have significant positions within our customers as Environmental Health and Safety staff members at significant universities, pharmaceutical manufacturers as well as other customers. 

 
We will accelerate your training, so you learn the skills and knowledge to succeed in this position and start your career.  You can work in any of our 200+ branch locations and can transfer internally.  After successfully learning this position in approximately 18 to 36 months, then you will have the opportunity to move into a Salary Management position.  

 
Clean Harbors Technical Services
  • Waste Disposal - Comprehensive disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste at Company-owned facilities
  • Recycling Services - Extensive recycling, reuse and reclamation options for materials such as solvents, chemicals, oil and electrical equipment
  • Chemical Packing - Safe, efficient handling and disposal of the widest range of chemicals, including reactives and compressed gases
  • Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Services - HHW collection programs of all types and sizes, facilitated by Clean Harbors expert personnel 

 

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer. 

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

*CH

#LI-BP2

Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensure that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and always acting in a safe manner
  • Prepare computer generated packing lists, labels, manifest, and land disposal restriction notifications
  • Perform inspections of staging, accumulating and storage areas to ensure proper housekeeping procedures and compliance
  • Inspect storage area and drums for leaks or spills
  • Inspect drums for compliance with labeling regulations
  • Collects, segregates, and properly packages waste chemicals for disposal to maximize efficiency and maintain compliance
  • Executes Jobs at Clean Harbors customer locations including fortune 500 companies
  • Responsible for final preparation and approval of all projects before shipment in accordance with OSHA, EPA, DOT and company policies
  • Conducts projects/jobs according to site specific Federal, State, and local regulations and health and safety plans
  • Understand customer specific disposal restrictions/special packaging requirements
  • Sample and profile of new waste streams or any waste needing analytical testing
  • Ensures drum count is correct and that drum conditions are shippable in accordance our company's policies and procedure
  • Follow all local, state (provincial) and federal compliance regulations and rules
  • Safely operate vehicles in accordance with U.S. DOT, local, state (provincial) and federal requirements
  • Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures
  • Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What Clean Harbors employees say

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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

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