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Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

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 ...

Lab Manager

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

About the Role Laboratory Manager Are you a lab manager looking to apply your experience to running a complex facility aimed at fighting climate change? Heirloom's laboratory manager will oversee the ...

Lab Manager

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

About the Role Laboratory Manager Are you a lab manager looking to apply your experience to running a complex facility aimed at fighting climate change? Heirloom's laboratory manager will oversee the ...

Responsible for operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of ...

Lab Manager

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

About the Role Laboratory Manager Are you a lab manager looking to apply your experience to running a complex facility aimed at fighting climate change? Heirloom's laboratory manager will oversee the ...

Responsible for operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of ...

Responsible for operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of ...

Lab Manager Location: San Francisco (In-person) Who We Are Omen is miniaturizing lab-grade spectroscopy into field-deployable embedded sensors. Our systems deliver PPM-level trace analysis reports on ...

Responsible for operations and supervision of Lab. personnel. Accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory testing issues and needs, instrument status and content/accuracy of ...

Dental Lab Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Dental Lab Management, EXOCAD experience, crown/bridge designing is a requirement** Your tasks will include, but not be limited to: working as "Admin" on our dental portal with dentists to finalize ...

We're looking for a PCB Materials Lab Manager to lead the team and capabilities behind it - someone who sets the standard for quality, anticipates where our engineering needs are heading, and keeps ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

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:

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.

$39.87 - $82.77/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

At Apple, the tools we build with are just as important as the products we ship to the world. 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 groundbreaking Apple products. If you thrive in a fast-paced, highly technical environment and take pride in building organized, efficient lab ecosystems, this role was made for you.
Description
What You'll Do
You will own the full lifecycle of our EE lab operations, from day-to-day management to strategic planning and infrastructure buildout. Your work will directly enable engineers to move faster and build better.
Lab Operations & Asset Management
Oversee all aspects of EE lab operations including equipment, calibration, tools, materials, and device allocation
Track lab assets, maintenance schedules, and calibration compliance to keep everything audit-ready
Ensure full compliance with lab certifications and location-specific requirements
Champion a culture of safety, security, and quality across all lab environments
Equipment & Procurement
Review test equipment specifications alongside the engineering team and partner with vendors to gather quotes and submit purchase orders
Allocate EE benches and test equipment strategically based on project schedules and evolving team needs
Lab Setup & Infrastructure
Lead the setup and takedown of test stations and test racks as project needs demand
Collaborate with Facilities teams on new lab buildouts from concept to completion
Engineering Support
Interpret schematics and manage sourcing of quick-turn prototype boards
Navigate PCB layout files and author detailed rework instructions when needed
Support engineering program management with logistics for device troubleshooting and repair
Analyze and clearly present data using Excel or Numbers
Apply basic Python scripting to streamline lab workflows and reporting
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner across multiple teams to drive results and remove obstacles
Manage multiple competing deadlines without losing sight of quality or detail
Travel as needed to support lab operations across sites
Preferred Qualifications
Proven ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams
A self-starter mindset with a genuine passion for learning new skills and technologies
Demonstrated integrity, diligence, and a high aptitude for tackling complex challenges
Solid foundational understanding of analog and digital circuits
Network Engineering
A technical Associate's or Bachelor's degree is preferred, though equivalent hands-on work experience is absolutely valued and considered.
Minimum Qualifications
2-3+ years of relevant experience in lab setup, operations, and maintenance
Exceptional debugging, optimization, and problem-solving skills
Familiarity working in a macOS environment on Apple hardware
Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
A self-starter mindset with a genuine passion for learning new skills and technologies
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $39.87 and $82.77/hr, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976