1

Lab Associate Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Medical Laboratory Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$46.63 - $58.28/hr

Reports lab results in a timely and accurate manner. If assigned to the Transfusion Service ... Associate's Degree or completion of a Medical Laboratory Technician program CERTIFICATION ...

Medical Laboratory Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$46.63 - $58.28/hr

Reports lab results in a timely and accurate manner. If assigned to the Transfusion Service ... Associate's Degree or completion of a Medical Laboratory Technician program CERTIFICATION ...

New

QA/QC Technician

Modesto, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

You'll learn industry-standard lab testing, perform quality audits on the production floor, and ... High school or equivalent years of experience (Associates or College degree in Food Science ...

Production Specialist

Stockton, CA · On-site

$27.03 - $29.03/hr

Custom stain matching and stain formula control in the stain lab * Respirator certification ... Our associates are dedicated to bringing beauty and security to the spaces that touch our lives ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lab Associate information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$13

$23

$36

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Modesto, CA is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $26.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

What are Lab Associates?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries can also vary based on the industry and work environment.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Managers, Principal Investigators, or specialized research scientists tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, resulting in higher compensation compared to entry-level lab associate roles.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What are some typical challenges a Lab Associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a lab associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring an associate's degree or higher in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or laboratory technology. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols; certifications like OSHA training can also be beneficial.

What do lab associates do?

Lab associates perform tasks such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They work under supervision in laboratory environments, often using tools like microscopes and pipettes, and may need relevant certifications or training depending on the industry. Their role supports research, quality control, or diagnostic processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Modesto, CA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Biology Teaching Associate

Other

Posted 18 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Biology Teaching Associate

Apply now Job no: 559566
Work type: Teaching Associate
Location: Stanislaus - Turlock
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Teaching Associate Employment Opportunity

JOB DESCRIPTION:

***OPEN TO CURRENT STANISLAUS STATE STUDENTS, CURRENTLY ENROLLED OR ELIGIBILE TO ENROLL ONLY***

Job title and description: Teaching Associate in Master's in Biology program invites students to apply to Teaching Associate position to teach lab sections in undergraduate courses. Including introducing students to materials and safety each class day, supervise their work, and complete grading. Teaching Associates are expected to attend weekly meetings and hold office hours.

Wage/Salary: $865 monthly (based on 0.267 FTE) teaching 4 WTUs.

Days/Hours:10 hours per week

Number of Openings: 2

Location: Biological Sciences Department, Naraghi Hall 2nd Floor

Expected Start Date: August 19, 2026

Expected End Date: May 30, 2027

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-baccalaureate students in a graduate program must be registered in a minimum of four (4) Fall/Spring units.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 Bachelors Degree in Biology and enrolled in Master's in Biology program.

HOW TO APPLY & DEADLINE:

A complete application must include a resume, available work schedule and class schedule indicating required enrollment as per the Student Employment Policies (See https://www.csustan.edu/fa/unit-11-academic-student-employee-hiringinformation)

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:

Dr. Brian Sardella
Department of Biological Sciences
California State University, Stanislaus
One University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
bsardella@csustan.edu

To apply for this position, please click the "Apply Now" button on this page.

CAMPUS & AREA:

California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a critical educational resource for a six-county region of approximately 1.5 million people. The University is fully committed to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion - one in which every person in the University community feels safe to express their views without fear of reprisal. Widely recognized for its quality academic programs, the University has 10 nationally accredited programs and 662 faculty members. 94 percent of full-time faculty holds doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. The University offers 43 undergraduate majors, 16 master's programs, 7 post-graduate credentials, a doctorate in education and serves more than 10,000 students. New instructional facilities have been built for the unique pedagogy of professional programs, laboratory sciences and performing arts.

Stanislaus State continues to receive national recognition with its ranking as one of the best 384 colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review. The University was one of 12 public universities in the nation to be recognized by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for demonstrating exceptional performance in retention and graduation rates. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranks Stanislaus State in its top 10 among public universities in the West, while Washington Monthly honored Stanislaus State as the West's No. 1 university for the money. Stanislaus State also is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.

CSU Stanislaus values shared governance: Handbook statement on shared governance

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 

The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. You can learn more about federal equal employment opportunity protections by accessing the Department of Labor's notices: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf and http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/Supplement_English.pdf.

Individuals with disabling conditions who require accommodation during the recruitment process may contact the ADA Coordinator at (209) 667-3159.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.

CLERY ACT DISCLOSURE

 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the annual security report (ASR), is now available for viewing at https://www.csustan.edu/epc/clery-safety-reports The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Stanislaus State for the previous three years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the office of the Clery Director located at One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE NOTICE

 

The university requires a criminal and/or child abuse background check to be completed for many of its new employees, current employees seeking promotional or transfer opportunities, and current employees assigned new duties. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. Failure to consent to any background check will disqualify an applicant from further consideration. Additionally, an applicant who fails to provide the necessary information or who provides false or misleading information may also be disqualified from further consideration. Later discovery of false or misleading information related to the background check may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn or subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Advertised: Jun 26 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What California State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


California State University logo

About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US