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Food Lab Tech Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Paradise Tomato Kitchen

Seasonal QA

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$24.10 - $25.54/hr

Daily lab equipment calibrations and documentation. * Food safety process equipment calibration ... Complete sanitation verification swabbing through ATP technology and document results. * Ensure the ...

Hilmar Cheese Company

Senior Research Engineer

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Good knowledge of engineering science and technology as applied to dairy processes and food ... Ability to effectively use common lab and pilot plant instruments/equipment and interpret their ...

Tenet Health

Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician

Modesto, CA · Hybrid

$501K - $862K/yr

... technology and a collegial, mission-driven environment. As part of Central Valley Doctors Health ... Active TAVR program, ECMO, 5 Cath Labs, 1 EP Lab with 2022 FDA-approved Insight X System and ...

Saint Vincent Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Modesto, CA · On-site

$501K - $862K/yr

... technology and a collegial, mission-driven environment. As part of Central Valley Doctors Health ... Active TAVR program, ECMO, 5 Cath Labs, 1 EP Lab with 2022 FDA-approved Insight X System and ...

Tenet Health

Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician

Modesto, CA · Hybrid

$501K - $862K/yr

... technology and a collegial, mission-driven environment. As part of Central Valley Doctors Health ... Active TAVR program, ECMO, 5 Cath Labs, 1 EP Lab with 2022 FDA-approved Insight X System and ...

Tenet Health

Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$501K - $862K/yr

... technology and a collegial, mission-driven environment. As part of Central Valley Doctors Health ... Active TAVR program, ECMO, 5 Cath Labs, 1 EP Lab with 2022 FDA-approved Insight X System and ...

All JobsFood Lab Tech JobsFood Lab Tech Jobs in Modesto, CA

Food Lab Tech information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$13

$23

$36

How much do food lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab tech in Modesto, CA is $23.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $25.62 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 near Modesto, CA are hiring for Food Lab Tech jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Food Lab Tech job openings:
Food Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab Tech job openings in Modesto, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,441 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

QC Technician I

Sensient Technologies Corporation

Turlock, CA • On-site

$24.80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Sensient Technologies rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.
We are looking for a Quality Control Technician to join our team in Turlock, CA. If you enjoy being hands on in a production lab environment and collaborating with cross functional teams, this role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact. This position is well suited for someone who values organization, problem solving, and building strong working relationships while balancing independent work with team collaboration.
What you'll do:
  • Perform routine and non-routine laboratory procedures to include sample receiving, weighing, grinding, compositing, etc. for downstream testing
  • Clean and maintain labware, equipment and laboratory work areas as needed with Alpet D2
  • Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) required to complete job responsibilities
  • Perform a variety of laboratory wet chemical tests on all raw materials using written methods and procedures.
  • Notify Production Operator and/or Supervisor if any tests are out of specification
  • Operate, troubleshoot and maintain HPLC, GC/MS and various lab instrumentation using accepted GLP procedures.

What you'll bring:
  • A high school diploma, with college coursework in chemistry or food science considered a strong advantage
  • Self-Motivated and willing to learn and adapt to a variety of situations
  • Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and experience in a lab environment preferred.
  • Good planning skills and attention to details and teamwork and collaboration
  • Strong work ethic: Dedication and reliability in producing accurate and timely results
  • High school diploma required with experience in a laboratory environment preferred

What you'll get:
  • Opportunity to collaborate with your colleagues, onsite 5 days per week
  • An excellent salary, benefit offering and development opportunities
  • A thorough and effective training experience during onboarding and beyond
  • Opportunities to develop technical knowledge in a food manufacturing environment

About Sensient:
Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.
About Sensient Agricultural Ingredients:
Sensient Natural Ingredients is one of the largest producers and distributors in the world of dehydrated onion and garlic products as well as chili powder, paprika, chili pepper and dehydrated vegetables such as parsley, celery, and spinach. These ingredients are used in many of today's popular convenience foods. The Agricultural Ingredients unit is located in Turlock, California.
The hourly wage for this position is $24.80 USD. Pay is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions. In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.
SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship.
RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work in Turlock, CA and must reside in area or be willing to commute.
THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.
Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
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