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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

GeneDx

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA specimens for the purpose of diagnosing genetic disease, using manual and automated methods in a ...

GeneDx

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA specimens for the purpose of diagnosing genetic disease, using manual and automated methods in a ...

Reston Family Dental Center

Dentist

Reston, VA · On-site

$62/hr

... entry-level practitioners. Salary Range Full-time $62 - $62 per hour -Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience. -Commission Structure: 30% commission structure with no lab fee ...

Reston Family Dental Center

Dentist

Reston, VA · On-site

$62/hr

... entry-level practitioners. Salary Range Part-time $62 - $62 per hour -Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience. -Commission Structure: 30% commission structure with no lab fee ...

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All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Washington, DC

Entry Level Lab information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$27

$57

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Washington, DC is $27.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $29.42 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Washington, DC?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Washington, DC are:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,690 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Inova Primary Care
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

239th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Inova Primary Careexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1

Inova Loudoun Hospital is looking for a dedicated Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 (LTA 1) to join the team. This is a full-time evening shift Monday-Friday, Every Other Weekend. 

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and more!

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 PSC Job Responsibilities:

  •  Accurately manages specimen preparation steps, storage, and packaging for transport of specimens according to Lab protocols preserving specimen integrity and quality that effects laboratory testing. 

  • Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others (Inova coworkers; physicians, physician office administration and staff; care facility staff and leadership, government facility staff and leaders) to optimize job performance and foster working relationships. 

  • Performs patient registration/billing/test order procedures accurately and efficiently to ensure correct testing, reporting, billing and regulatory compliance. 

  • This role performs proper and timely specimen collection and accurately labels all specimens according to Inova policy. 

  • Provides excellent patient and customer service by using AIDET principles and assuring the correctness and quality of technical information and directions provided to customers is appropriate and performs proper and timely specimen collection by confirming patient, collecting specimens in proper tubes, utilizing venipuncture/capillary techniques, and accurately labeling the specimens to ensure accurate patient results.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent

  • Experience: No experience required

  • Certification: Basic Life Support within 3 months of hire

Preferred Qualification:

  • Lab experience

  • Work experience

We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 

Inova Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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