ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Caltrans Lab Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... Caltrans Test Methods. This role is part-time. Responsibilities * Perform materials testing on ... and other lab related materials. Qualifications * Must have a valid driver's license and an ...

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... Caltrans Test Methods. This role is part-time. * Perform materials testing on soils, asphalt ... lab related materials. * Must have a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... Caltrans Test Methods. This role is part-time. Responsibilities * Perform materials testing on ... and other lab related materials. Qualifications * Must have a valid driver's license and an ...

711 Materials, Inc.

Quality Control Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... Lab Technician is responsible for inspecting production materials, preparing samples, and performing both routine and special laboratory tests to ensure compliance with ASTM and Caltrans standards ...

711 Materials, Inc.

Quality Control Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... Lab Technician is responsible for inspecting production materials, preparing samples, and performing both routine and special laboratory tests to ensure compliance with ASTM and Caltrans standards ...

711 Materials, Inc.

Quality Control Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... Lab Technician is responsible for inspecting production materials, preparing samples, and performing both routine and special laboratory tests to ensure compliance with ASTM and Caltrans standards ...

BSK Associates

Engineering Technician

Livermore, CA · On-site

$30.79 - $41.12/hr

Join Our Team as an Engineering Technician! BSK Associates, a trusted name in engineering with over ... Have or be willing to acquire CalTrans Certifications (both field and lab), including CT 125, 231 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCaltrans Lab Technician Jobs

Caltrans Lab Technician information

See salary details

$12

$22

$34

How much do caltrans lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for caltrans lab technician in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $6,000 a month?

Caltrans Lab Technicians can earn around $6,000 or more per month depending on experience, certifications, and overtime. Higher salaries are often associated with advanced roles, specialized skills, or supervisory positions within transportation and civil engineering fields.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those with specialized skills, advanced certifications, or experience in high-demand industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or environmental testing. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, especially for senior or supervisory roles, depending on location and employer.

What is the difference between Caltrans Lab Technician vs Caltrans Materials Technician?

AspectCaltrans Lab TechnicianCaltrans Materials Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some certifications in lab proceduresHigh school diploma, certifications in materials testing
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, testing samplesField and laboratory, inspecting construction materials
Employer & IndustryCalifornia Department of Transportation, transportation infrastructureCalifornia Department of Transportation, construction projects

Caltrans Lab Technicians primarily focus on laboratory testing of samples, while Caltrans Materials Technicians inspect and test construction materials in the field and lab. Both roles require similar certifications and serve the transportation industry, but their work environments and specific duties differ.

Is it hard to get hired by Caltrans?

Getting hired as a Caltrans Lab Technician can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education, such as a degree in science or engineering, and experience with laboratory testing and equipment. Candidates typically need to pass written exams, interviews, and background checks, and may need certifications like OSHA safety training. The hiring process can take several months due to the application volume and selection procedures.

How much do lab technicians make?

Lab technicians, including those working as Caltrans Lab Technicians, typically earn an average salary of around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and location. In California, salaries tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled technicians in transportation and civil engineering environments.

What are Caltrans Lab Technicians?

Caltrans Lab Technicians are professionals who conduct laboratory tests on construction materials such as soil, asphalt, and concrete for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Their work ensures that materials used in road and bridge construction projects meet quality and safety standards. They prepare samples, perform tests, record results, and maintain lab equipment. This role is critical in supporting Caltrans’ mission to provide safe and reliable transportation infrastructure throughout California.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Caltrans Lab Technician and how do they contribute to transportation projects?

As a Caltrans Lab Technician, your daily tasks often include collecting and preparing material samples, conducting laboratory tests on construction materials like soil, asphalt, and concrete, and recording detailed test results. You’ll work closely with engineers and field crews to ensure that materials meet state and federal quality standards, directly impacting the safety and durability of highways and infrastructure. This role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to follow precise testing procedures, and it offers valuable hands-on experience for those interested in advancing within the transportation or civil engineering fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caltrans Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caltrans Lab Technician, you need a strong background in physical and chemical testing, knowledge of materials such as asphalt and concrete, and typically at least a high school diploma with coursework in science or engineering. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, data entry systems, and relevant safety certifications is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for accuracy and collaboration. These skills ensure reliable testing results, compliance with safety standards, and support for quality infrastructure projects.
Infographic showing various Caltrans Lab Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Lab Technician

Lab Technician

NV5

Riverside, CA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 hours ago

NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 356 rated engineering

Job description

Overview

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, we play a significant role in shaping our communities through the services we provide. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team focused on Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives.

The Soils and Materials Laboratory technician will perform the geotechnical/materials laboratory testing in compliance with industry applicable standards such as ASTM, AASHTO and Caltrans Test Methods.

This role is part-time. 

Responsibilities
  • Perform materials testing on soils, asphalt, concrete, reinforcing steel, high-strength bolts, and structural steel.
  • Ability to make good decisions using sound, professional judgment with minimal supervision.
  • Physical ability to perform labor-intensive work including but not limited the safe handling and transport of concrete samples, soil samples, and other lab related materials.
Qualifications
  • Must have a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)

The pay range for this California position is $20.00-$25.00 per hour; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site. 

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Employment Type: OTHER

What NV5 employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

NV5 logo

About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

View All NV5 Jobs

Apply