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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Williamsburg, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Lab information

See Williamsburg, VA salary details

$12

$23

$48

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Williamsburg, VA is $23.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $24.90 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 Williamsburg, VA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Williamsburg, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Williamsburg, VA?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Williamsburg, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Williamsburg, VA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Williamsburg, VA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Williamsburg, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,987 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Cyto/Histo Support Tech

Riverside Health System

Newport News, VA • On-site

$16.80 - $21.83/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Newport News, Virginia
Hiring Range
$16.80 - $21.83/HourlyActual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
Overview
The Cyto/Histo Support Tech is responsible for performing respective assigned area (gross room, frozen section room, cytology and/or histology) lab duties including, but not limited to, frozen section stain maintenance, tissue disposal, management of specimen storage, stain maintenance and documentation; office supply request completion and shipping; and quality control/assurance duties and documentation. This position will be responsible for helping to maintain efficient supply inventory in a timely manner necessary to maintain efficient daily operation. The Cyto/Histo Support Tech effectively communicates with all supporting teams within the laboratory, hospital, affiliate sites, pathologists, physicians and physician office staff for specimen/order quality issues, general information and technical personnel referral.
What you will do
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge and performs all aspects of their assigned area's specimen workflows including, but not limited to, patient registration, case accessioning, specimen processing, slide staining, cover glass application and case distribution.
  • Performs duties including but not limited to slide/block/report filing; telephone/fax communications; reagent manufacturer and documentation; routine equipment maintenance/calibration/reporting; send-out specimen preparation, ordering, handling, shipping and tracking; performing and documenting quality control and quality assurance activities.
  • Performs respective assigned area (gross room, frozen section room, cytology and/or histology) lab duties including, but not limited to, frozen section stain maintenance, tissue disposal, management of specimen storage, stain maintenance and documentation; office supply request completion and shipping; and quality control/assurance duties and documentation.
  • Maintains efficient supply inventory and submits needed requests in a timely manner necessary to maintain efficient daily operation.
  • Effectively communicates with all supporting teams within the laboratory, hospital, affiliate sites, pathologists, physicians and physician office staff for specimen/order quality issues, general information and technical personnel referral.
  • Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of the technology systems necessary for department operations through the accurate performance of assigned job duties to ensure quality patient care. Recognizes, fixes and reports corrections/variances consistently to improve laboratory operations.
  • Maintains a safe environment by complying with RHS policies/procedures/regulatory requirements that support the National Patient Safety Goals and Quality Initiatives. Recognizes and reports variances and provides resolutions. Uses appropriate protective equipment, body mechanics and follows safety guidelines and procedures; identifies and acts to resolve variances or suspected non-compliance to management.
  • Responsible for ensuring department is maintaining accreditation form College of American Pathologist (CAP), DNV, and other accrediting agency standards (as required) within the department. Duties include but are not limited to: validation testing, performance of proficiency samples, preventative maintenance, QC documentation, Temperature Checks, method comparisons, etc.
  • Collaborates with physicians and physician office staff, nursing and nursing representatives to provide for the specialized needs of the patients.

Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma or GED, (Required)
  • Associates Degree, in a Science-related field (Preferred)

Experience
  • 1 year Experience in a hospital setting and knowledge of laboratory medical terminology. (Preferred)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.

Apply