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Food Lab Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA ยท 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 ...

Chemistry Lab Tech

Tustin, CA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Lab Tech Associate

Lodi, CA ยท On-site

$23.08 - $31.15/hr

A Taste of What You'll Do As a Lab Tech Associate at Turner Road Vintners, you will help uphold ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or Biochemistry plus lab support or ...

Lab Tech Associate

Lodi, CA ยท On-site

$23.08 - $31.15/hr

A Taste of What You'll Do As a Lab Tech Associate at Turner Road Vintners, you will help uphold ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or Biochemistry plus lab support or ...

Lab Tech Associate

Lodi, CA ยท On-site

$23.08 - $31.15/hr

A Taste of What You'll Do As a Lab Tech Associate at Turner Road Vintners, you will help uphold ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or Biochemistry plus lab support or ...

Plasma Process Lab Tech

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Ensure product integrity by ensuring compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations ... Facilitate training of new lab team members in coordination. * Set up, operate and maintain ...

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food ...

Microbiology Lab Tech

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food ...

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Food Lab Tech information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do food lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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:

Infographic showing various Food Lab Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,250 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Travel Cath Lab Tech

Laguna Hills, CA โ€ข On-site

$3.1K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Travel Cath Lab Tech in Laguna Hills, CA

This travel Cath Lab Tech job in Laguna Hills, CA with Advantis Medical is a 13-week travel Cath Lab Tech contract at SMMC - Saddleback Medical Center. This role pays $3,137 per week and follows a Days shift with a 4x10 schedule. In this travel Cath Lab Tech job, you will support patient care through specialty-specific clinical services, perform assessments and treatments within your scope of practice, document patient progress, operate relevant medical equipment, and collaborate with physicians and the broader care team to help deliver quality patient outcomes.

Job Details

Facility: SMMC - Saddleback Medical Center

Location: Laguna Hills, CA

Contract Length: 13 Weeks

Shift: Days (4x10)

Travel Cath Lab Tech Requirements

2+ years of recent Cath Lab Tech experience.

Must hold all required certifications and licenses as mandated by California and national regulatory bodies.

Benefits

Day One Benefits, Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(k)

Relocation and Travel Reimbursement

Dedicated team to help with state licensing & renewals

Weekly Direct Deposit

$1,000 Referral Bonus + $250 Bonus for Your Referral

Explore Laguna Hills, CA

Laguna Hills, located in sunny California, offers travel nurses and allied health professionals an incredible career launchpad with Advantis Medical. This city has a unique culture blending nature and art, capturing the essence of California's laid-back atmosphere. Indulge in the diverse food scene, from farm-to-fork delights to international cuisines. Discover famous attractions like the Laguna Beach and explore leisure activities like hiking in the scenic nearby Saddleback Mountain. With a warm Mediterranean climate and easy access to major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Hills is an inviting and exciting destination for professionals seeking adventure and growth.

Travel Allied Health Jobs With Advantis Medical โ€” The Gold Standard

At Advantis Medical Staffing, we take great pride in our commitment to caring for clinicians. We are dedicated to connecting clinicians with the best travel jobs nationwide, while providing exceptional service that fosters a trusted partnership for life. Our mission is to deliver the "Gold Standard" in clinician careโ€”not only by securing your first job but by advocating for your long-term career goals and well-being.