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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Jobs in Houston, TX

AmSpec Group

Lab Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

The lab Technician is responsible for receiving, organizing, preparing, testing and reporting ... Comfortable working with a variety of sample types (e.g., soil, water, tissue, food, chemicals)

Amspec LLC.

Lab Technician

Houston, TX

$18.25 - $24/hr

The lab Technician is responsible for receiving, organizing, preparing, testing and reporting ... Comfortable working with a variety of sample types (e.g., soil, water, tissue, food, chemicals)

North Water District Lab

Lab Technician

Conroe, TX · On-site

$14/hr

Prepare standard solutions and reagents for use in testing. * Work directly with Department ... Perform entry-level chemical analysis according to clearly prescribed procedures and laboratory ...

AmSpec Group

Wetlab Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

The Wet lab Technician is responsible for receiving, organizing, preparing, testing and reporting ... Comfortable working with a variety of sample types (e.g., soil, water, tissue, food, chemicals)

Fugro

Laboratory Staff Technician - Marine

Houston, TX · On-site

The Lab Technician is responsible for performing and computing basic soil strength and index tests ... Maintain knowledge and understanding of various ASTM testing procedures. * Maintain laboratory ...

Fugro

Laboratory Staff Technician - Marine

Houston, TX · On-site

The Lab Technician is responsible for performing and computing basic soil strength and index tests ... Maintain knowledge and understanding of various ASTM testing procedures. * Maintain laboratory ...

Onin Staffing

Industrial Junior Lab Tech

Houston, TX

$25 - $27/hr

Occasional travel to client sites for field testing operations * Affordable health insurance you ... Operate bench-scale lab equipment * Conduct solid/liquid separation testing * Troubleshoot ...

SPL

Laboratory Analyst (Entry-Level)

Conroe, TX · On-site

Perform sample preparation, extractions, digestions, and analytical testing of environmental samples * Prepare solid and semi-solid matrices for analysis, including soil, sludge, sediment, and ...

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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab information

See Houston, TX salary details

$12

$22

$48

How much do entry level soil testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level soil testing lab in Houston, TX is $22.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money does a soil scientist make?

Entry-level soil testing lab technicians or soil scientists typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, education, and experience. Advanced roles with certifications or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $60,000 per year.

What are entry level soil testing lab jobs?

Entry level soil testing lab jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of soil science and laboratory work. These roles typically involve assisting with the preparation and analysis of soil samples, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. Employees in these positions may also help ensure quality control and follow safety protocols. No advanced experience is usually required, making these jobs ideal for recent graduates or those seeking to start a career in environmental science or agriculture.

What is the difference between Entry Level Soil Testing Lab vs Soil Technician?

AspectEntry Level Soil Testing LabSoil Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, working with soil samples and testing equipmentField and laboratory, collecting samples and conducting tests
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental labs, construction, agricultureEnvironmental consulting firms, construction sites, research labs

While both roles involve soil analysis, the Entry Level Soil Testing Lab typically focuses on laboratory testing of soil samples, often requiring basic certifications and working primarily indoors. In contrast, a Soil Technician may perform both field sampling and lab testing, with more hands-on fieldwork involved. Both positions are essential in environmental and construction industries, but the Soil Technician role often involves more field responsibilities.

How much does a soil testing technician make?

A soil testing technician at an entry level typically earns between $15 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Compensation can vary based on location, education, and experience, and the role often requires knowledge of laboratory equipment and soil analysis techniques.

How much do soil samplers make?

Entry-level soil testing lab technicians typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on location, experience, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, such as proficiency with testing equipment or knowledge of soil analysis methods.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, soil science, and safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, soil sampling techniques, and data entry software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to follow precise instructions help set you apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate test results, maintain lab safety, and support the quality and reliability of environmental or agricultural analyses.

What are some typical responsibilities and challenges for someone starting out in an entry-level soil testing lab position?

In an entry-level soil testing lab position, you'll typically be responsible for preparing soil samples, conducting standardized tests (such as pH, nutrient, and texture analysis), recording results, and maintaining lab equipment. One common challenge is learning to follow strict protocols and ensuring accuracy in sample handling and data recording, as small errors can impact test results. You'll often work as part of a team under the supervision of senior technicians or lab managers, and collaboration is essential to meet project deadlines. This role provides a great opportunity to build foundational laboratory skills and can lead to more advanced positions in environmental science, agronomy, or lab management over time.

How can I become a soil tester?

To become a soil tester, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by training in soil sampling and testing procedures. Some positions may require knowledge of laboratory equipment and soil analysis techniques, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Houston, TX? For Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Entry Level Soil Testing Lab jobs near you
Experienced Soils Laboratory Technician (Geotechnical/CMT)

Experienced Soils Laboratory Technician (Geotechnical/CMT)

EARTH ENGINEERING INC

Houston, TX • On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Experienced Laboratory Technician (Geotechnical & CMT) - Earth Engineering - NW Houston

Already working in a geotechnical laboratory? Looking for a smaller team where your work is recognized? Earth Engineering is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Laboratory Technician to perform ASTM soil testing and support our geotechnical engineering department.

Candidates with prior geotechnical laboratory experience will receive first consideration.

What You'll Do
  • Perform ASTM geotechnical laboratory testing.
  • Classify soil samples (USCS).
  • Perform moisture content, density, and Atterberg Limits testing.
  • Conduct sieve analyses and sample preparation.
  • Extrude Shelby tubes and prepare specimens for testing.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and housekeeping.
  • Work directly with geotechnical engineers.
What We're Looking For
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Basic math and computer skills.
  • Ability to follow ASTM procedures accurately.
Career Growth

This position offers opportunities to learn field testing, construction materials testing, and geotechnical engineering procedures. Employees who demonstrate initiative and reliability will have opportunities for increased responsibility and advancement within the company.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 2+ years of geotechnical laboratory experience.
  • Experience performing ASTM soil testing.
  • Experience with Shelby tube extrusion and sample preparation.
  • ACI, NICET, or other industry certifications are a plus.
Why Earth Engineering?
  • Competitive pay based on experience.
  • Fortune 500 Health insurance, PTO, and retirement benefits.
  • Small team with direct access to engineers.
  • Opportunity for advancement as the company grows to all sectors.

This is a laboratory-based position. Most work is performed indoors in our brand-new air-conditioned geotechnical laboratory.


M-F 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Occasional weekends w/ OT