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Food Lab Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PRIMEX INTERNATIONAL TRADING

Lab Tech I

Wasco, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Job Title QA LAB TECH I Department Laboratory Reports To Laboratory Technician Manger FLSA Status ... Analyze food samples for salt, moisture and Mycotoxins * Maintain accurate records of all testing ...

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY Assist in the chemical testing of food products, ingredients, and other matrices with ... Maintain lab workspaces in a clean and organized manner at all times * Assisting with managing ...

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA

$21 - $24/hr

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... Maintain lab workspaces in a clean and organized manner at all times * Assisting with managing ...

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... Maintain lab workspaces in a clean and organized manner at all times * Assisting with managing ...

ASR Group

Technician, Lab - Level 2

Crockett, CA · On-site

$34.04/hr

The Quality Lab Tech conducts chemical and physical laboratory tests of solid materials and liquids ... food manufacturing * Prior experience with FDA or SQF compliance preferred * Experience conducting ...

Sartori

Lab Tech I - Crescent City

Crescent City, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Immediately reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action. DIRECT REPORTS This position is not responsible for direct reports.

Sartori

Lab Tech I - Crescent City

Crescent City, CA · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

Immediately reports any food safety or quality issues to management or other individual authorized to initiate action. DIRECT REPORTS This position is not responsible for direct reports.

Community Health System

Cath Lab Rad Tech

Clovis, CA

$48.61 - $61.86/hr

Great food options with on-demand ordering Commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone ... We are looking for Cath Lab Rad Techs (IR Tech) to join our growing Clovis Community Cath Lab team!

Community Health System

Cath Lab Rad Tech

Clovis, CA · On-site

$48.61 - $61.86/hr

Great food options with on-demand ordering Commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone ... We are looking for Cath Lab Rad Techs (IR Tech) to join our growing Clovis Community Cath Lab team!

Community Health System

Cath Lab Rad Tech

Clovis, CA

$48.61 - $61.86/hr

Great food options with on-demand ordering Commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone ... We are looking for Cath Lab Rad Techs (IR Tech) to join our growing Clovis Community Cath Lab team!

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All JobsFood Lab Tech JobsFood Lab Tech Jobs in California

Food Lab Tech information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do food lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab tech in California is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food lab tech?

Food Lab Technicians, or Food Lab Techs, are professionals who assist in the testing and analysis of food products to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. They typically work in laboratories within food manufacturing companies, government agencies, or research institutions. Their duties include preparing samples, conducting chemical and microbiological tests, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. Food Lab Techs play a crucial role in preventing contamination and ensuring that food products meet industry standards before reaching consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food lab tech?

To thrive as a Food Lab Tech, you need a solid understanding of food science, laboratory techniques, and quality control, usually supported by a relevant associate or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and strong communication skills help ensure accurate data collection and effective teamwork. These skills are crucial for maintaining food safety, ensuring compliance with regulations, and delivering reliable results in a laboratory environment.

What are some common challenges faced by food lab techs when conducting quality control tests?

Food Lab Techs often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety and cleanliness protocols while handling perishable samples. They must also ensure precise measurement and documentation, as even minor deviations can affect test results and product quality. Additionally, managing a high volume of samples and meeting tight deadlines can require strong organizational and multitasking skills. Collaboration with other lab staff and departments is essential to resolve discrepancies quickly and maintain consistent standards.

What is the difference between Food Lab Tech vs Food Quality Inspector?

AspectFood Lab TechFood Quality Inspector
CredentialsOften requires a degree in food science, microbiology, or related fieldTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree, with certifications in food safety
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, conducting tests and analyses on food samplesInspection sites, factories, or processing plants, monitoring food production processes
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing companies, laboratories, research institutionsFood production facilities, regulatory agencies, quality assurance firms

While both roles focus on food safety and quality, Food Lab Techs primarily perform laboratory testing and analysis, whereas Food Quality Inspectors conduct on-site inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Both positions are essential for maintaining food safety but differ in their daily tasks and work environments.

What cities in California are hiring for Food Lab Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Lab Tech job openings:
Food Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab Tech job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,250 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Lab Tech I

PRIMEX INTERNATIONAL TRADING

Wasco, CA • On-site

$27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title
QA LAB TECH I

Department
Laboratory

Reports To
Laboratory Technician Manger

FLSA Status
☐ Exempt
☒ Non-Exempt

Employment Type
☒ Full-Time
☐ Part-Time

Position Summary

Advance Mycotoxin Lab (AML) is a Food Chemistry Laboratory that is committed to public health and safety through accurate analysis of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic compounds produced by molds (fungi) that pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Responsible for analyzing products for moisture, salt and Mycotoxins

Essential Functions
• Plays a key role in conducting analytical testing, supporting research projects, and ensuring the quality and safety of food products

• Applies fundamental scientific principles to analyze commodities performing routine and specialized chemical analyses of food

• Prepare samples, reagents, and standards according to established protocols

• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments such as HPLC

• Document results accurately in laboratory notebooks and digital systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, USDA).

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment, following all safety protocols

• Analyze food samples for salt, moisture and Mycotoxins

• Maintain accurate records of all testing and laboratory equipment.

• Notify the Technician II, Lab Supervisor, and Lab Manager of problems with equipment, analysis, samples, etc.

• Report all issues with PPE and unsafe work conditions to Lab Supervisor / Manager

• Additional responsibilities may be added.

Qualifications
Communication Requirements

  • Must effectively communicate verbally and in writing with co-workers, supervisors/managers, customers, and outside parties.
    Education and Experience

1. Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma. Computer experience is required. Math and report writing abilities.

2. Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Bio-Chemistry, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field is essential

• Practical Experience should include hands-on exposure to the work environment including internships and research during undergraduate studies, and/or prior work experience in a laboratory

• Proficiency in laboratory techniques, chemical principles, data analysis, and research methodologies is vital for success

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to follow SOP

• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and quality management systems

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Authority and Approval Levels

•None
Physical Demands / ADA Functional Analysis Chart

•Ability to perform complex math problems.

•Ability to generate reports.

•Ability to stand, sit, and walk for 8–12 hour shifts.

•Ability to lift and carry 25–50 lb. boxes.

•Must be capable of following complex procedures.

Physical Requirement

Frequency

Essential Function?

Standing

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Walking

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Sitting

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Lifting 10 lbs.

☒ Frequently

☒ Yes

Lifting 25 lbs.

☒ Occasionally

☒ Yes

Lifting 50 lbs.

☒ Occasionally

☐ No

Carrying

☒ Occasionally

☒ Yes

Pushing/Pulling

☒ Occasionally

☐ No

Reaching Above Shoulder

☒ Occasionally

☐ No

Bending/Stooping

☒ Occasionally

☒ Yes

Twisting

☒ Occasionally

☐ No

Climbing

☒ Occasionally

☐ No

Kneeling/Crouching

☒ Occasionally

☐ No

Fine Hand Manipulation

☒ Constantly

☒ Yes

Use of Vision

☒ Constantly

☒ Yes

Hearing/Speaking

☒ Constantly

☒ Yes



Frequency Definitions

  • Occasionally: Up to 33% of the workday
  • Frequently: 34% to 66% of the workday
  • Constantly: 67% to 100% of the workday

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Primex Farms, LLC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and all applicable state and federal laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The Company engages in a timely, good-faith interactive process regarding accommodation requests.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Primex Farms, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Acknowledgment

I have reviewed and understood the essential functions and requirements of this position.

Employee Name: __________________________

Employee Signature: _______________________Date: ___________________________________



3rd shift 9:00PM-5:30AM