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Lab Runner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Runner

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$24/hr

We are currently seeking a lab runner to support a large hospital in the Palo Alto area with specimen transportation and management. This is an awesome opportunity to get your foot in the door to a ...

New

QC Lab Technician I

Corona, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $25.75/hr

In the position of QC Lab Technician I, you will work with management to keep the lab running proficiently. Follow process guidelines and expedite quality concerns to upper management. Oversee lab ...

QC Lab Technician I

Corona, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21/hr

In the position of QC Lab Technician I, you will work with management to keep the lab running proficiently. Follow process guidelines and expedite quality concerns to upper management. Oversee lab ...

This is a highly cross-functional, hands-on role responsible for everything required to keep a hybrid clean/dirty mechanical lab running seamlessly. You will manage a diverse footprint that spans a ...

This is a highly cross-functional, hands-on role responsible for everything required to keep a hybrid clean/dirty mechanical lab running seamlessly. You will manage a diverse footprint that spans a ...

Empty biohazard cans in the lab. * Scan bench worksheets. * Scan documents into cases. * Maintain tidiness of Runner workstations. * Store requisition forms by date into the filing cabinets.

As our Hardware Prototyping & Lab Lead , you will be the cornerstone of the physical engineering ... just running them. * Linux & Automation Fluency: Strong command of Linux environments (shell ...

Map every cable and transplant running setups without losing state. * Lab operations and standards: Lay out the space, set up how equipment is tracked and maintained, and turn recurring jobs into ...

Water Lab Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

This includes running and improving test methods, operating and maintaining analytical instruments ... Follow lab safety procedures, including PPE use, chemical handling, and waste disposal. * Help keep ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lab Runner information

See California salary details

$5

$13

$20

How much do lab runner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab runner in California is $13.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.43 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab runner do?

A typical day for a Lab Runner involves transporting samples and materials between different departments, restocking laboratory supplies, and sometimes assisting with routine lab tasks such as labeling or logging incoming specimens. Lab Runners work closely with laboratory technicians, researchers, and administrative staff to ensure timely and accurate delivery of items critical to lab processes. They may need to manage multiple urgent requests and prioritize deliveries to maintain workflow efficiency. This hands-on role keeps you moving throughout the facility and offers valuable exposure to laboratory operations, which can be beneficial for those interested in advancing within the scientific or healthcare field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lab runner?

To thrive as a Lab Runner, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of laboratory protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lab safety procedures, sample tracking systems, and proper handling of biological or chemical materials is typically required. Excellent time management, reliability, and clear communication skills help Lab Runners excel in fast-paced lab environments. These competencies are essential to ensure quick, safe, and accurate delivery of materials, supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What is a lab runner?

A Lab Runner is responsible for transporting specimens, supplies, and documents between different departments within a laboratory or healthcare facility. They ensure that materials are delivered in a timely and organized manner, helping lab technicians and medical staff maintain efficiency. The role may also involve basic clerical tasks, restocking supplies, and following strict protocols for handling sensitive or hazardous materials. Strong attention to detail and reliability are essential for success in this position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Runner jobs in California? The most popular types of Lab Runner jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lab Runner jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Runner job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Runner job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,037 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Runner

Actalent

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

We are currently seeking a lab runner to support a large hospital in the Palo Alto area with specimen transportation and management. This is an awesome opportunity to get your foot in the door to a hospital setting without any direct healthcare experience.

Description:

  • Transporting labs and related material to and from clinical departments of the hospital.
  • Runners also help to keep the Lab departments clean and in orderly condition.
  • Runners transport samples approved for distribution to nursing units or clinical department either by hand carrying them or sending them by the pneumatic tube system.
  • Runners also collect lab samples that are placed in the other departments.
  • Triage labs according to the priority and urgency (stat vs regular) and transport them in the most efficient and secure methods.
  • Make regular visit to nursing units and clinical departments to collect material to return to the pharmacy and lab.
  • Assist in filling and delivering samples.

Requirements:

  • Strong job tenure
  • Ability to be on your feet for multiple hours

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Palo Alto, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Palo Alto,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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