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Caltrans Lab Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

QUALITY CONTROL TECH

Chico, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

Job Summary: The Quality Control Technician is responsible for quality control testing and ... Knowledge of the Caltrans, ASTM, AASHTO and project standards governing testing methods and ...

Maintain calibration and maintenance of lab equipment as required * Maintain NPCA and DOT ... CalTrans and PG&E * Previous experience managing team or quality control technicians * 2-Year ...

Maintain calibration and maintenance of lab equipment as required * Maintain NPCA and DOT ... CalTrans and PG&E * Previous experience managing team or quality control technicians * 2-Year ...

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Caltrans Lab Technician information

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$12

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$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.
Geotechnical and Materials Laboratory Manager

Geotechnical and Materials Laboratory Manager

BlackBurn Consulting

Escondido, CA • On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position Summary:

The Lab Manager will manage day-to-day operations of a new geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory in Escondido, California. This position will report to and be supervised by Blackburn’s Director of Geotechnical Services, and the Escondido Principal-in-Charge. This candidate shall have 3+ years of experience managing technicians, entering data, generating test result reports for soil, aggregates, concrete/hot mix asphalt, and running day-to-day operations of a materials testing lab and 5+ years of experience performing geotechnical laboratory tests in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO and Caltrans test methods. This candidate must have knowledge and understanding of material properties and specifications/tolerances. This position may require 25% travel to project sites or other testing laboratories.


Blackburn Company Overview:

Blackburn Consulting has an excellent reputation in Northern California and is excited to be expanding into Southern California. We are responsive to clients, but we take the time to get things right. We pride ourselves in our family-like work environment and culture. Employees strive for high quality and constant improvement. Most professional staff have been working at Blackburn for a long time. Everyone here has the opportunity to make a big impact!


Blackburn Consulting provides geotechnical, geo-environmental, construction, forensics and lab engineering services throughout California with offices in Auburn, Escondido, Sausalito, West Sacramento, and Fresno. We have an extensive geotechnical and materials testing lab in West Sacramento, CA. We focus mostly on public works, including flood control and transportation. Blackburn has been in business since 1998 and is employee-owned and operated.


Position Duties:


· Complete laboratory test schedules within deadlines and appropriate testing methods

· Work in coordination with the Construction Materials Testing Laboratory Manager and the Director of Geotechnical Services on overall laboratory management including maintenance, certification renewals, verifications/calibrations, space/sample management, and organization/cleaning

· Meet with other managers regularly to ensure effective resource management

· Communicate with Blackburn managers and field engineers/geologists to provide input on proper laboratory test selection, test interpretation, test results, and test schedules

· Supervise laboratory technicians

· Provide training to laboratory staff as needed

· Enter laboratory test data into the lab information management system, generate test reports, circulate test results for review and provide final copies to the manager in charge of the project

· Communicate and report failing test results to Project Managers immediately

· Maintain cleanliness in the laboratory.


Essential Abilities:

· Communication skills internally and externally

· Multi-task between projects

· Ability to deliver a high-quality deliverable in a timely manner

· People management skills

· Excellent organizational skills

· Flexible schedule


Technical Qualifications:

· At least five years of relevant experience

· Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle

· Experience with standard computer operations (Windows based systems)

· Certification by ACI, Caltrans, or NICET highly encouraged. ACI and Caltrans certifications are required within 6 months of hire date.


Physical Requirements:

· Read, write, and speak English

· Communicate clearly in person and over telephone

· Visual acuity to perform job duties

· Physical ability to bend, reach, stand, walk, sit, push and pull up to 75lbs of weight


Salary Range: $30-$45 per hour


Blackburn Consulting provides an Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and does not discriminate on any basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, gender, origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military status, or marital status.

Requirements: