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Dairy Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Lab Technician

Los Angeles, CA

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lab Technician The Lab Technician performs a full range of quality-related tasks, including ... Ability to perform sensory evaluation of dairy and plant-based products during and at the end of ...

Valley Milk LLC

Relief Laboratory Technician

Turlock, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Our mission is to be a world-class dairy ingredient processor and marketer of premium milk powders with a strong focus on quality, food safety, and operational excellence. The Relief Lab Technician ...

New

Sartori

Lab Tech I - Crescent City

Crescent City, CA · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

Experience in a dairy facility is preferred. * Experience working in a laboratory setting is ... Maintains a high level of accuracy and precision when performing lab tests, recording results, and ...

Sartori

Lab Tech I - Crescent City

Crescent City, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Experience in a dairy facility is preferred. * Experience working in a laboratory setting is ... Maintains a high level of accuracy and precision when performing lab tests, recording results, and ...

Midway Staffing

$19.51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Performing lab testing procedures (e.g., environmental swabbing ... Conducting sensory analysis on dairy products like milk * Inspecting plant areas and equipment for ...

CG Staffing Solutions

Be Seen First

Quality Systems Technician

Commerce, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

... experience (dairy products preferred) -Troubleshoot and repair lab equipment as necessary. -Work in a team based environment within the laboratory -Strong computer skills working with Microsoft ...

New

Guida's Dairy

Cook / Molder Operator- 11pm Shift

Turlock, CA · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work with lab department to meet customer's expectations of cheese product. Job Duties and ... Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound ...

Guida's Dairy

Vacation Relief Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26/hr

Pull lab samples and keep accurate sample * Handle all packaging material in a safe and sanitary ... Working knowledge of State and Federal dairy and aseptic regulations. Must have a valid CDPH ...

Hilmar Cheese Company

Senior Research Engineer

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since ... Troubleshoot situations as they arise in the lab and the manufacturing plant(s) as processes and ...

Glanbia

Sr. Scientist, Beverage

Valencia, CA

$92K - $126K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

... across dairy, plant-based, performance nutrition, hydration, and energy platforms. The ideal ... Lead microthermic lab operations (scheduling, sanitation, CIP/SIP coordination, run documentation ...

Glanbia

Sr. Scientist, Beverage

Valencia, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

... across dairy, plant-based, performance nutrition, hydration, and energy platforms. The ideal ... Lead microthermic lab operations (scheduling, sanitation, CIP/SIP coordination, run documentation ...

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Dairy Lab information

See California salary details

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How much do dairy lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for dairy lab in California is $23.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.69 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dairy lab technician?

Dairy Lab technicians are professionals who work in laboratories within the dairy industry to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of milk and dairy products. They perform tests to monitor factors such as bacterial content, fat levels, and overall product purity. Their role is crucial for meeting industry standards and regulatory requirements, as well as supporting product development and quality assurance. Dairy Lab technicians typically use specialized equipment and follow strict procedures to obtain accurate results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dairy lab technician?

To thrive as a Dairy Lab Technician, you need a background in food science or microbiology, knowledge of dairy processing, and often an associate degree or relevant laboratory certification. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, quality control protocols, and industry-specific software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate and efficient testing. These skills are crucial to maintaining product safety, meeting regulatory standards, and supporting overall dairy production quality.

What are some common challenges faced in a dairy lab role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals working in a Dairy Lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control standards, managing time-sensitive sample analyses, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Effective time management and attention to detail are crucial, as results must be both accurate and timely to support production. Additionally, collaborating closely with production and quality assurance teams helps address issues promptly and maintain smooth operations. Ongoing training in laboratory techniques and industry standards can further support success in this role.

What is the difference between Dairy Lab vs Dairy Technician?

AspectDairy LabDairy Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in dairy science, microbiology, or related fieldOften requires a high school diploma or technical training, with some roles needing certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, analyzing samples and conducting testsOn-site in dairy farms or processing plants, performing equipment maintenance and quality checks
Industry UsageUsed mainly in research, quality control, and product developmentCommon in dairy production facilities for operational support

The Dairy Lab focuses on testing, research, and quality analysis within a laboratory environment, requiring specialized education. In contrast, the Dairy Technician works directly in dairy production settings, handling equipment and ensuring product quality on-site. Both roles are essential in the dairy industry but differ in their daily tasks and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Dairy Lab jobs in California?

For Dairy Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dairy Lab jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Dairy Lab jobs in California are:

Dairy Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dairy Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,754 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Lab Technician -Dairy Manufacturing [3940271]

CRYSTAL CREAMERY INC

Modesto, CA

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Crystal Creamery rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Description

 Description


Crystal Creamery is currently looking for Lab Technician for our Dairy Manufacturing Plant in Modesto. 

The Lab Technician with general direction shall perform routine laboratory and administrative duties, assist other lab members professionally and respectfully, keep accurate and legible records, have the ability to prioritize work assignments effectively, in addition to reviewing work for quality and completeness.

The Lab Technician will also safely operate testing equipment involving potential chemical and temperature hazards, accurately identify and restock lab supplies to maintain a current lab supply and inventory rotation, prepare samples, media and solutions for testing, high acceptance of performing other related duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

 Requirements


Job Duties:

Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment to include Foss FTIR, Brix, pH meter, EQA, CEM, scales, and pipettes.

Perform organoleptic testing on required product samples including fresh and at code products

Perform accurate physiochemical and microbiological preparation, testing, counting and examinations of raw materials, in process products, and finished goods.

Approve release of in process and finished products including "first off" testing, while verifying adherence to stated specification.

Record and enters data, creates COA's, and other reports, promptly and accurately.

Maintain various production, raw material, testing, and quality control records in an organized manner.

Report and take necessary action to prevent food safety and food quality issues from occurring.

Perform pre-operational checks and sanitation inspections in adherence to filler release procedure.

Perform environmental swabbing, line checks, allergen tests, special projects, and any other duties as assigned.

Apply proper aseptic sample collection, transport, storage testing, and disposal.

Follow all company Safety Policies, Good Lab Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Standard Operating Procedures.

Proficient in the use of standard computer software, i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge of US customary units and metric system including weights and measures. 


POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology or related field or 2 years experience.  
 

Crystal Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or veteran status, disability, medical condition, sex, or age (as defined by applicable law).

Any offer of employment by Crystal Creamery may be contingent upon passing a background check, medical examination and or drug test.

To apply please visit www.crystalcreamery.com click on careers and job openings.

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