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Lab Chemist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Planet Group

Lab Pack Chemist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$38/hr

Lab Pack Chemist Starting Pay: Up to $38/hr depending on experience Location: San Jose CA Contract to Hire - 6 month contract and then direct hire Qualifications: * BS degree in science or related ...

Astrion

Research Chemist

Edwards, CA · On-site

$55K - $76K/yr

Experience working in a lab environment, such as experience in a laboratory bench setting during two semesters of a lab class. * Must have good knowledge and hands-on experience in organic chemistry ...

World Oil

Chemist I

Compton, CA

The Chemist I reports directly to the Laboratory Director and completes essential duties in the Lab Department. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The essential functions include, but are not ...

Astrion

Research Chemist

Edwards, CA · On-site

$55K - $76K/yr

Experience working in a lab environment, such as experience in a laboratory bench setting during two semesters of a lab class. * Must have good knowledge and hands-on experience in organic chemistry ...

Waters Corporation

Quality Control Lab Technician I

Goleta, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $27/hr

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field Experience: * Working familiarity with basic lab techniques and hand tools Skills: * General computer skills * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

World Oil

Chemist I

Compton, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

The Chemist I reports directly to the Laboratory Director and completes essential duties in the Lab Department. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The essential functions include, but are not ...

Waters Corporation

Quality Control Lab Technician I

Goleta, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $27/hr

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field Experience: * Working familiarity with basic lab techniques and hand tools Skills: * General computer skills * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

BioPhase Solutions

CA

$40 - $50/hr

As a senior member of the team, the Chemist III/Senior Chemist will also assist with technical writing (Quality Investigations, Methods, Reports) and participate in lab improvement initiatives.

Actalent

R&d Chemist

Mission Viejo, CA

$30 - $35/hr

Job Title: R&D Chemist We are seeking a Chemist II to join our team and work alongside another ... Order lab reagents and supplies as needed. * Assist with hazardous waste disposal. * Maintain lab ...

New

Enpro

Lab Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Must have working knowledge of Lab Chemistry, Practical Experience in lab environment. Previous manufacturing experience a Plus. * Prefer at least 5 years of related work experience * Maintain ...

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Lab Chemist information

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How much do lab chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab chemist in California is $30.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab chemist do?

A lab chemist is a professional who conducts chemical analyses and experiments in a laboratory setting. They are responsible for preparing chemical solutions, analyzing samples, conducting quality control tests, and interpreting data to support research and development or manufacturing processes. Lab chemists work in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental science, and manufacturing. Their work ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, and innovation in chemical products and processes.

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

To thrive as a Lab Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC-MS, spectrophotometers, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is usually required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help in accurate data interpretation and teamwork. These skills and qualifications ensure reliable experimental results, compliance with safety protocols, and successful collaboration on research and development projects.

What are some common challenges lab chemists face in ensuring accurate and reliable test results?

Lab Chemists often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to protocols to prevent contamination, accurately calibrating instruments, and managing time effectively when processing multiple samples. They must also stay updated on new analytical techniques and regulatory requirements. Collaborating with team members to troubleshoot unexpected results and ensuring thorough documentation are essential for maintaining the integrity of laboratory data.

What is the difference between Lab Chemist vs Quality Control Analyst?

AspectLab ChemistQuality Control Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing facilitiesQuality assurance labs, manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical companies
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, pharmaceutical, chemical manufacturingPharmaceutical, biotech, food, and beverage industries
Job FocusConducting experiments, developing formulations, analyzing samplesTesting products, ensuring quality standards, compliance

While both roles require a chemistry background and involve laboratory work, a Lab Chemist primarily focuses on research, development, and analysis of chemical samples. In contrast, a Quality Control Analyst concentrates on testing products to ensure they meet quality and safety standards. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, often overlapping in skills and certifications.

How much does a lab chemist make?

The average salary for a lab chemist in the United States ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $40,000, while experienced chemists with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $80,000 annually.

What is the role of a lab chemist?

A lab chemist conducts experiments and analyzes chemical substances to develop new products, improve processes, or ensure quality control. They use laboratory equipment, follow safety protocols, and often require knowledge of chemical analysis techniques and certifications such as OSHA training.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Chemist jobs in California?

For Lab Chemist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Chemist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Chemist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Chemist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Chemist job openings:

Lab Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Chemist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,622 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Analytical Chemist

Oryx Advanced Materials Inc

Fremont, CA • On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Analytical Chemist to operate and take ownership of our analytical chemistry laboratory. This is a hands-on technical role with full responsibility for the lab's output: instrument operation, method development, record-keeping, CoA generation, and quality system compliance. The ideal candidate has deep experience with ICP and LECO equipment, a strong chemistry background, and the discipline to maintain a high-quality, audit-ready lab environment. This role does not involve managing a team but does require owning the lab's workflow, standards, and deliverables.

Job Duties

·         Operate, calibrate, and maintain ICP-OES instrumentation for composition and impurity analysis of metals and advanced materials
·         Operate LECO analyzers for oxygen, and nitrogen determination
·         Perform DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) analysis as part of the expanding instrument lineup (training available; prior experience preferred)
·         Develop and optimize sample preparation and digestion methods for metal alloys and ceramic materials
·         Take full ownership of analytical lab operations: scheduling, workflow prioritization, and day-to-day output
·         Issue and maintain Certificates of Analysis (CoA/CoAC) with accuracy and full traceability
·         Maintain records of supplier CoAs and keep the chemical and CoAC database current
·         Ensure all documentation is accurate and compliant with ISO 9001 requirements
·         Write and maintain work instructions, SOPs, and method documentation
·         Track and manage calibration schedules to keep all instruments in compliance
·         Support production troubleshooting through analytical data and interpretation
·         Assist R&D in developing and validating testing methods for new materials and alloys
·         Facilitate customer visits and quality audits related to the analytical lab
·         Provide guidance to other lab personnel on equipment use and documentation standards as needed

What We're Looking For

·         Exceptional attention to detail — accuracy in measurement, documentation, and reporting
·         Organized and disciplined: able to manage a high-throughput sample load in a clean, well-run lab
·         Strong chemistry knowledge: solid understanding of inorganic chemistry, elemental analysis, and materials characterization
·         Self-directed and ownership-minded: comfortable running a function independently and driving continuous improvement
·         Reliable, consistent, and collaborative with cross-functional teams

Skills & Experience (Required)

·         Hands-on experience with ICP-OES for elemental analysis
·         Hands-on experience with LECO combustion/inert gas fusion analyzers (O, N)
·         Proficiency in CoA/CoAC generation and traceability documentation
·         Experience working within an ISO 9001 (or equivalent) quality management system
·         Strong record-keeping and database management discipline

Skills & Experience (Preferred)

·         Experience with DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) or other thermal analysis instruments
·         Background in metals, alloys, or advanced materials environments
·         Experience acting as a technical lead or primary lab owner

Education

·         B.S. in Chemistry
·         3–7 years of hands-on analytical laboratory experience

Physical Requirements

·         Ability to work in a laboratory environment with appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, respirator when required)