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Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Lab Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$106 - $133/hr

The Lab Management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of processes to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory. Laboratory Operations is central to the research ...

Biohub

Lab Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

The Lab Management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of processes to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory. Laboratory Operations is central to the research ...

Biohub

Lab Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

The Lab Management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of processes to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory. Laboratory Operations is central to the research ...

Inficare Technologies

Lab Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Lab Manager Location: Santa Clara, CA (100% Onsite) Job Type: Contract Duration: 12 Months Experience: 3+ years Job Overview Our client is seeking a hands-on Lab Manager to serve as the central point ...

Apple

Lab Manager

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We're looking for a Lab Manager to help us maintain a world-class engineering lab environment where our teams can innovate quickly, safely, and reliably. Description As Lab Manager, you'll wear two ...

Apple

Lab Manager

Cupertino, CA

$183K - $319K/yr

We're looking for a Lab Manager to help us maintain a world-class engineering lab environment where our teams can innovate quickly, safely, and reliably. Description As Lab Manager, you'll wear two ...

Amspec LLC.

Assistant Lab Manager

Signal Hill, CA

Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of testing data and results. Primary ...

AmSpec Group

Assistant Lab Manager

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of testing data and results. Primary ...

Apple

Lab Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

As an Electronics Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our hardware engineering environment, ensuring our teams have everything they need to design, test, and iterate on the next generation of ...

Mammoth DS, Inc

Lab Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110 - $135/hr

The Lab Manager will work closely with scientific staff, facilities, and external partners to support laboratory infrastructure and growth. Key Responsibilities * Oversee daily operations of biology ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc.

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Lab Manager is responsible for leading the R&D laboratory, formulation development activities, and execution of product innovation initiatives for ZO Skin Health. This role oversees a team of ...

Apple

Lab Manager

San Diego, CA

$39.87 - $82.77/hr

As an Electronics Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our hardware engineering environment, ensuring our teams have everything they need to design, test, and iterate on the next generation of ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Lab Manager is responsible for leading the R&D laboratory, formulation development activities, and execution of product innovation initiatives for ZO Skin Health. This role oversees a team of ...

Socket.dev

Lab Manager

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Description As Lab Manager, you'll wear two hats: you'll lead and develop a team of lab technicians/coordinators while also rolling up your sleeves as an individual contributor -- running experiments ...

Apple

Lab Manager

San Diego, CA

$39.87 - $82.77/hr

As an Electronics Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our hardware engineering environment, ensuring our teams have everything they need to design, test, and iterate on the next generation of ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab JobsLab Manager JobsLab Manager Jobs in California

Lab Manager information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$90.8K

$147K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in California is $90,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

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

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by lab managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

How much does a lab manager make?

The average salary for a lab manager in California ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the industry sector. Salaries may also vary based on the size of the laboratory and specific responsibilities, such as overseeing staff, managing budgets, or ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

A lab manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, along with experience in laboratory operations. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential, and certifications like OSHA safety training or specific technical certifications can be advantageous.
More about Lab Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Manager job openings:

Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,756 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Lab Manager

Inabia Software & Consulting Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

  • Job Title: Lab Manager
  • Duration: Long Term 
  • Location: Santa Clara, CA
  • Rate: TBD — confirm with account team before submitting
  • NO C2C
ROLE OVERVIEW
As Santa Clara Central Lab Manager, this pern will serve as a hands-on point of coordination for engineering labs across business units (BUs), keeping day-to-day lab operations running smoothly. They'll work closely with engineering teams, Facilities, IT, Security, EHS, and other partners to support lab moves, day-to-day operations, and general lab readiness. Relevant background includes senior facilities/lab management, inventory and asset management, biotech laboratory operations, semiconductor lab operations, R&D environments, EH&S compliance, vendor/equipment management, inventory control, and IWMS or Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CBSPD) experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Serve as day-to-day point of contact for lab operations across engineering BUs, resolving routine operational issues
• Execute lab moves and space support: bench assignments, equipment placement, cleanliness, furniture rearrangement, and consolidations
• Help keep lab space used efficiently — flagging underused areas and keeping layouts tidy and organized
• Maintain a working inventory of lab equipment, test assets, and consumables; coordinate sharing across BUs to reduce duplicate purchases
• Provide regular, straightforward reporting on lab activity, moves completed, and equipment status
• Represent engineering BUs with Facilities on lab space needs and flag incoming equipment/space changes
• Help enforce lab standards (ESD, calibration, safety, training compliance) and support audits; help maintain lab access lists with Security and Facilities
• Lead day-to-day lab projects — bench rearrangements, equipment moves, lab shrink/consolidation — coordinating with movers and Facilities
REQUIREMENTS / MUST-HAVES
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred, or equivalent hands-on lab/facilities experience
• 3+ years in lab operations, facilities coordination, or a similar hands-on support role, ideally technical/engineering/manufacturing
• General understanding of lab workflows, basic safety protocols, and day-to-day operational practices
• Comfortable coordinating across multiple teams: schedules, moves, and routine requests
• Able to track inventory, space usage, and project status in a clear, organized way
• Basic comfort with spreadsheets or lab/asset tracking tools; IWMS exposure a plus but not required
• Clear verbal and written communication with technical and non-technical colleagues
• Willingness to be hands-on and adjust to shifting priorities as lab needs evolve

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