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Lab Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tenet Health

Clinical Lab Scientist (CLS)

Turlock, CA · On-site

Laboratory Responsible for correctly performing technical procedures and Quality Control in the Clinical Lab; operating and maintaining instrumentation and taking steps necessary to assure accurate ...

Bedrock

Lab Analyst

Brawley, CA · On-site

Such as obtaining, handling and analyzing samples; making adjustments to operating equipment ... lab and plant recordkeeping. * Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas Hills, CA · On-site

$13 - $18/hr

Previous medical/lab or production experience is preferred. * Comfortability with handling ... Follow all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety and quality standards. Founded in 2010 ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas Hills, CA · On-site

$13 - $18/hr

Follow all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety and quality standards. Requirements: * High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous medical/lab or production experience is preferred.

CYNET SYSTEMS

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas Hills, CA · On-site

$13 - $18/hr

Follow all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety and quality standards. Requirements: * High school diploma or equivalent. * Previous medical/lab or production experience is preferred.

CYNET SYSTEMS

Lab Assistant I

Calabasas Hills, CA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Previous medical/lab or production experience is preferred. * Comfortability with handling ... Follow all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety and quality standards. Founded in 2010 ...

Anduril Industries

Test Lab Coordinator

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... The Lab coordinator is responsible for resource planning, executing on resource plans, and ...

Amspec LLC.

Assistant Lab Manager

Signal Hill, CA

Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory ... ensure operating efficiency of process and/ or testing equipment. • Provide training to ...

Western Mesquite Mines

Lab Technician

Brawley, CA · On-site

$22.63 - $24.83/hr

We have five operating gold mines and a clear path to achieve more than one million ounces of ... Lab Technician should be proficient in the Sample Prep, Wet Lab and Fire Assay duties, such as ...

AmSpec Group

Assistant Lab Manager

Signal Hill, CA · On-site

Together with Lab manager, accountable for keeping the Branch Manager informed of all laboratory ... ensure operating efficiency of process and/ or testing equipment. • Provide training to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLab Operator JobsLab Operator Jobs in California

Lab Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do lab operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operator 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 a lab operator?

Lab operators are professionals responsible for managing and conducting day-to-day operations in laboratories. Their duties typically include setting up and maintaining lab equipment, preparing samples, running experiments, recording data, and ensuring that safety and quality standards are met. Lab operators may work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, research, or environmental testing. They often collaborate with scientists and other technicians to support research projects and product development.

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

To thrive as a Lab Operator, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and relevant scientific principles, often supported by a degree or certification in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data management systems, and specialized software such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help Lab Operators ensure accuracy and collaborate effectively with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, quality control, and reliable results in laboratory environments.

What are some typical challenges a lab operator might face on a daily basis, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Operators often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, maintaining strict safety protocols, and ensuring precise calibration of equipment. It can be demanding to balance these tasks while meeting deadlines and adhering to quality standards. To address these challenges, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with team members are essential. Proactively reporting equipment malfunctions and participating in regular training sessions also help maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Lab Operator vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab OperatorLab Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, quality control, production settingsResearch labs, clinical labs, industrial testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food productionHealthcare, research institutions, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsSimilar roles in laboratory settings, career pathways

Lab Operators and Lab Technicians often work in laboratory environments, but Lab Operators typically focus on operating equipment and monitoring processes in manufacturing or production settings. Lab Technicians usually perform testing, analysis, and data recording in research or clinical labs. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but their work environments and specific duties differ, making it important to understand these distinctions when exploring career options.

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

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

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

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

Lab Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Lab Chemist Technician

Irvine, CA • On-site

Globalchannelmanagement
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Globalchannelmanagementexternal

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an independent, proactive Laboratory Technician to support our chemistry lab. Operating under the supervision of a senior technician or chemist, you will execute hands-on routine testing, formulation, and data generation with high initiative.

Key Requirements

  • Education & Experience: Associate or Bachelor's degree in a technical field; 1–3 years of demonstrated laboratory experience.
  • Technical Skills: Computer literate in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel for basic data summaries/charts, and PowerPoint).
  • Lab Attributes: Hands-on competency with no fear of equipment operation or lap testing; strict adherence to safe laboratory practices and 5S workplace organization.
  • Teamwork & Physical Demands: Good team player with the ability to stand while working in the laboratory throughout most of the day.

Key Responsibilities

  • Formulation & Testing: Formulate cleaners, pretreatments, paints, and coatings from raw chemical ingredients. Test coatings and evaluate performance characteristics of coated substrates.
  • Experimentation & Data: Understand and follow experimental protocols for data preservation. Organize and perform experiments using established procedures.
  • Documentation: Evaluate, collect, and record data accurately. Summarize and report results in a laboratory notebook and enter data, charts, and tables into the computer to communicate project details.
  • Engineering Support: Work collaboratively to support application engineers with routine data generation based on standard test methods.
Global Channel Management logo

About Global Channel Management

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Global Channel Management is a technology company that specializes in various types of recruiting and staff augmentation. Global Channel Management understands the challenges companies face when it comes to the skills and experience needed to fill the void of the day to day function. Organizations need to reduce training and labor costs but at the same time requiring the best talent for the job. GCM's Ownership and Management teams have extensive Staffing, Recruiting, HR and Executive Leadership knowledge, Experience and Expertise. Our Understanding and Commitment to our Client's Satisfaction are key reasons GCM has been successful in establishing long term relationships.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Austell, GA, US

Social media

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