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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Thornton, CO (NOW HIRING)

Wagner Equipment Co.

Entry Level Lab Technician

Aurora, CO · On-site

$17.13 - $24.56/hr

Performs various administrative tasks in support of processing lab samples * Opens, sorts, and preps samples for processing * Sorts into trays, numbers bottles, and prepares daily sheets * Dilutes ...

SPL

Lab Technician (Entry-Level)

Commerce City, CO · On-site

We're searching for a Lab Technician to support sample preparation within our Inorganics laboratory team in Commerce City, CO. In this role, you'll be responsible for preparing and processing ...

SPL

Lab Technician (Entry-Level)

Commerce City, CO

We're searching for a Lab Technician to support sample preparation within our Inorganics laboratory team in Commerce City, CO. In this role, you'll be responsible for preparing and processing ...

SGS

Lab Technician I - Metals

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$22.50/hr

Our Wheat Ridge, CO laboratory is seeking an entry-level Lab Technician to join their Metals team! The Lab Technician I will prepare samples with accuracy and precision in accordance to SGS ...

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Entry Level Lab information

See Thornton, CO salary details

$13

$24

$51

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Thornton, CO is $24.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $26.54 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 Thornton, CO?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Thornton, CO are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Thornton, CO?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Thornton, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Thornton, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Thornton, CO are:

What cities near Thornton, CO are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Thornton, CO with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Thornton, CO 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 $51,176 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Entry Level Lab Technician

Aurora, CO • On-site

Wagner Equipment Co.
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 176 rated vehicle equipment hire

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn new skills

Learn more about Wagner Equipment Co.external

$17.13 - $24.56/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Why Join Wagner? 

At Wagner, our people are the driving force behind everything we do. We’re committed to helping our employees grow through meaningful work, career development, and opportunities to learn and advance. Join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and the people who make our success possible. We offer excellent benefits and supply you with the tools you need to maximize your potential. 

Benefits include: 

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) Plan - Up to 96 hours of PTO in your first year + 8 company paid holidays 
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Life and AD&D Insurance 
  • Retirement Plans -401Keligible employees can receive a company contribution up to 7% 
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  • CEFCU - Employees have access to services including payroll deductions, savings, accounts, loans, VISA card and more 
  • Additional Benefits include Supplemental life Insurance, Critical Illness + Accidental Insurance, ID WatchDog and discounted employee phone plans 

The Lab Technician is responsible for running specific tests and helping to prepare and process other samples to be tested in a manner that reflects the company’s vision of working as “One Professional Team.”

Pay rate:  $17.13 - $24.56 per hour
Pay rate is dependent upon education & experience. 

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Performs various administrative tasks in support of processing lab samples
  • Opens, sorts, and preps samples for processing
  • Sorts into trays, numbers bottles, and prepares daily sheets
  • Dilutes samples for ICP, runs visual checks, and programs ICP computer
  • Prepares hard copies and sends data when finished.
  • Completes physical tests as needed: viscosities, tests for water, fuel dilution, and glycol contamination
  • Runs samples for FTIR, selects correct reference oil, and establishes computer transfer of data
  • Runs Level I Coolant samples and fuel samples
  • Runs particle count and PQ tests
  • Completes visual notes on coolant, fuel, and oil samples
  • Assists in running daily verification samples, handling rush samples, and maintaining lab equipment in good condition
  • Will be cross-trained in other areas such as registration and evaluation
  • Other duties as assigned by manager

Required Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1+ years administrative/clerical experience
  • 1+ years customer service experience
  • 1+ years technical or mechanical experience

Physical Demands & Competencies:

  • Standing, walking, talking, sitting, use of hands & hearing
  • Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing but may require occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds
  • Data Entry, telephone, reading/writing, reasoning, organizational, communication & math skills
  • Safety & Product Knowledge
  • Basic knowledge of DBS

Work Environment:

  • Noise: Quiet
  • Indoors

Other Duties:

Job Offers are contingent upon all required pre-employment screenings which may include but are not limited to background checks, drug/alcohol testing, fit for duty testing, and any other job-related tests/screenings.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  

Wagner Equipment Co. is an EEO/AA/Veterans/Disabled employer.

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