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Food Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vie Del

Laboratory Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... or food lab and two (2) years related college work. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.

Vie Del

Laboratory Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

... or food lab and two (2) years related college work. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.

CHANDON California

Lab Technician

Yountville, CA · On-site

$28.75 - $32.98/hr

S. in Enology, Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field preferred or practical ... Lab internship at an accredited university/winery and/or 2 years of experience working in a ...

CHANDON California

Lab Technician

Yountville, CA · On-site

$28.75 - $32.98/hr

S. in Enology, Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field preferred or practical ... Lab internship at an accredited university/winery and/or 2 years of experience working in a ...

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 ... Math and report writing abilities. 2. Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in Food ...

Astera Labs

Hardware Lab Technician

San Jose, CA

$95K - $130K/yr

Monitor compliance with lab policies, including ESD, cleanliness, food/drink, etc. * Assist engineers with various other hands-on tasks, including soldering and rework of SMDs on high-density PCBAs ...

Lyons Magnus LLC

Microbiology Lab Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Job Type Part-time Description Lyons Magnus leads the food industry with creativity and innovation ... The Microbiology Lab Technician is responsible for support in the areas of quality assurance, Food ...

Astera Labs

Hardware Lab Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Monitor compliance with lab policies, including ESD, cleanliness, food/drink, etc. * Assist engineers with various other hands-on tasks, including soldering and rework of SMDs on high-density PCBAs ...

Guida's Dairy

Lab Technician

Turlock, CA

$24.42/hr

Works closely with production staff to ensure quality and food safety during manufacturing. Job ... utilizing lab equipment * Test and evaluate Finished cheese products for body, texture ...

Dairiconcepts, L.P.

Lab Technician

Turlock, CA

$24.42/hr

Works closely with production staff to ensure quality and food safety during manufacturing. Job ... utilizing lab equipment * Test and evaluate Finished cheese products for body, texture ...

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Food Lab information

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How much do food lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Lab vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood LabFood Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related fieldRequires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related field; often advanced degrees for research roles
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, testing centersResearch labs, food manufacturing companies, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, testing labs, quality assuranceFood industry R&D, academia, government agencies

Food Lab roles focus on testing, quality control, and product development in practical settings, while Food Scientists often engage in research, product innovation, and scientific analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive chef or culinary director roles tend to be among the highest paid positions, especially in high-end restaurants or hotel chains, with salaries often exceeding six figures. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced culinary certifications or management training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Lab Technician, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or microbiology, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory certification. Familiarity with lab equipment, quality control systems, and safety regulations such as HACCP or ISO standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring food safety, maintaining product quality, and supporting regulatory compliance in food production environments.

How much money do you make as a food scientist?

Food scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on education, experience, location, and the specific employer, and the role often requires knowledge of food safety, chemistry, and laboratory techniques.

What is a food lab?

A food lab is a specialized facility where food products are tested, analyzed, and developed to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. Food labs conduct a variety of tests, such as checking for contaminants, nutritional content, shelf life, and sensory qualities. They play a crucial role in supporting food manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory agencies to maintain food safety standards and innovate new products.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree often include roles such as commercial truck drivers, sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, or experience rather than a college degree, and may involve long hours or physical work.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In food labs, the highest paid roles are often senior food scientists or research and development managers, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in product development, quality assurance, or food safety management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a food lab, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in a food lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety and sanitation standards, managing tight deadlines for product testing, and adapting to rapidly changing regulatory requirements. Collaboration across departments—such as quality assurance, research and development, and production—is essential to ensure accurate results and product safety. Staying organized, communicating clearly with team members, and keeping up-to-date with current food safety protocols can help mitigate these challenges and support a productive work environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Food Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Lab jobs in California? For Food Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Food Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Food Lab job openings:
Food Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Food Lab Kitchen Aide 24 hours per week

Live Oak Elementary School District

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$22.25 - $25.80/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About the Employer
Welcome to Live Oak School District!
Our mission is to empower, inspire and ensure equitable opportunities for every student to thrive. We teach and nurture the whole child in an academically rigorous, collaborative and innovative environment.
The Live Oak School District was established in 1872 and currently serves approximately 1,700 students in three elementary schools, one middle school, one K-8 independent charter school, and one alternative school. The student population is 50% Hispanic, 31% White, 19% Other, 30% English learner, and 60% Socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Job Summary
SUMMARY
Food Lab Kitchen Aide will prepare for and provide instruction of Food Lab classes in a Central Kitchen, other food facility, or outdoor classrooms. Create lesson plans and follow the schedule of Food Classes. Provide culinary instruction and ensure dishes are completed after class concludes for service in the Child Nutrition Program. Receive direct to general supervision from Director of Child Nutrition Services or his/her designee within a well-defined framework of standard policies and procedures; perform routine functions of food services operations as required.
NATURE AND SCOPE
Under the guidance of the Child Nutrition Program Manager and/or Director, will assist in
development lessons and be responsible for implementation of Food Lab Classes. Work
relationships are predominantly with students and Food Services Staff. May have contact with adverse weather conditions, as some classes will be conducted in outdoor classrooms.
Requirements / Qualifications
Comments and Other Information
Typically requires completion of high school curriculum or GED.
At least 2 years of food service experience in institutional food preparation is required.
Bilingual
highly preferred.

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