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Laboratory Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UHS

Director of Laboratory

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

... as a Director of Laboratory! SWHS consists of two acute-care hospitals: Inland Valley Medical ... Rancho's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is operated by Rady Children's. Employee may be ...

UHS

Director of Laboratory

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$126K - $183K/yr

... as a Director of Laboratory! SWHS consists of two acute-care hospitals: Inland Valley Medical ... Rancho's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is operated by Rady Children's. Employee may be ...

Nestle

Operator Laboratory- Relief

Modesto, CA · On-site

$25.13/hr

The Lab Operator responsabilities include to test and standardize all finished product prior to ... To participate in required nestle laboratory evaluation programs. Employees shall follow all the ...

R&D Partners

Laboratory Coordinator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24.61/hr

... operating and cleaning laboratory dishwashers and autoclaves; monitoring inventory levels, performing routine inventory counts, maintaining accurate records, identifying replenishment needs ...

Sutter Health

Manager, Laboratory Services

Lakeport, CA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

... affiliate, operating unit, system standards, and applicable requirements of external agencies ... Oversees, and may directly supervise, the day-to-day operations of the Laboratory and is ...

Sutter Health

Manager, Laboratory Services

Lakeport, CA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

... affiliate, operating unit, system standards, and applicable requirements of external agencies ... Oversees, and may directly supervise, the day-to-day operations of the Laboratory and is ...

SGS

EMC Laboratory Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$106K/yr

With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and ... SUMMARY The EMC Laboratory Manager oversees all Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing ...

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Laboratory Operator information

See California salary details

$18

$36

$61

How much do laboratory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory operator in California is $36.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $44.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory operator?

Laboratory Operators are professionals responsible for running and maintaining equipment in scientific labs, assisting with experiments, and ensuring that tests and processes are carried out safely and accurately. They typically handle the preparation of samples, operate instruments, record data, and help maintain a clean and organized work environment. Laboratory Operators work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and play a crucial role in supporting research, quality control, and product development in industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Operator, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically a background in chemistry, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data recording systems, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help individuals excel in maintaining accurate records and supporting team operations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, precise, and efficient laboratory workflows, which support reliable results and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges laboratory operators face when working with complex equipment and how can they be managed?

Laboratory Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting sensitive analytical instruments, maintaining calibration standards, and managing multiple tests simultaneously. Staying organized and following strict protocols helps minimize errors and equipment downtime. Regular training and open communication with senior technicians or engineers can also provide valuable support when addressing technical problems. Embracing continuous learning and asking questions when unsure are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Laboratory Operator vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory OperatorLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, quality control labsResearch labs, clinical labs, industrial testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, quality assurance, industrial testingHealthcare, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Laboratory Operators and Laboratory Technicians often share similar roles in laboratory settings, focusing on sample testing and data collection. However, Laboratory Technicians typically have more specialized training and may perform more complex analyses. Both roles are essential in ensuring quality and accuracy in lab results, but Laboratory Technicians often work in more research or clinical environments, while Laboratory Operators may focus on manufacturing or quality control processes.

Laboratory Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory 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 $76,290 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Regional Laboratory Manager

Antech Diagnostics

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$98K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Antech Diagnostics rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 121 rated laboratories

Job description

We understand that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, and that's why we're inspired to make A Better World for Pets. Antech is comprised of a diverse team of individuals who are committed to each other's growth and development. Our culture is centered on our guiding philosophy, The Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. Today Antech is driving the future of pet health as part of Mars Science & Diagnostics, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care.
Current Associates will need to apply through the internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on Menu or View All Apps, select the Jobs Hub app, then click the magnifying glass to Browse Jobs.
Work Shift: Hours may vary with the primary shift being 3am - 11am Tuesday - Saturday
The Target Pay for this position is $98,200 - $115,500 anually. At Antech, pay decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, education, training and budget.
PURPOSE OF JOB:
Manages activities in a veterinary diagnostic reference laboratory, with responsibility for achieving revenue and profitability goals. Manages staff, assigning work and evaluating results. Leads the development of laboratory budget, operating policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Manages and support activities in multiple diagnostic reference laboratories, with responsibility for achieving timeline for reporting results to client, revenue and profitability goals.
  • Provide technical direction and supervision to laboratory personnel.
  • Monitor and resolve client concerns, answer questions, and provide technical expertise when necessary.
  • Ensure that associates obtain knowledge sufficient to perform job responsibilities. Institute and maintain systems to monitor and verify related training.
  • Manages staff, assigning work, establishing performance metrics, monitoring activities and evaluating performance. Resolves escalated issues.
  • Administers employment actions, provides coaching and guidance to staff and promotes staff training and development. Ensures staff are properly trained and adheres to SOP's.
  • Leads the development of laboratory budget, policies and procedures. Ensures production standards and laboratory goals are maintained.
  • Leads work activities of the laboratory, planning and organizing work, providing for adequate staffing and resources and maintaining work on schedule so that ongoing client satisfaction is maintained.
  • Communicates with other related departments to coordinate work and resolve issues as needed.
  • Leads maintenance of laboratory diagnostic equipment and other technical resources.
  • Coordinates with internal personnel, vendors and others as needed to resolve issues and maintain ongoing functionality. Communicates procedural changes to supervisory staff.
  • Provides customer feedback to product development, sales and other areas to improve product quality and features and enhance the client experience.
  • Participates in various related committees and project teams as needed. Visits clients and performs other related activities in support of sales and marketing efforts.
  • Prepares reports, presentations and other information summarizing work activities. Prepares various analyses as needed to highlight issues and resolve questions.
  • Prepares and delivers regular general management business reviews to summarize laboratory financial performance, turnaround times, instrument downtime, productivity, quality and other performance metrics.
  • Manages laboratory health and safety activities. Administers safety program, reports injuries and accidents and ensure ongoing Associate health and safety.
  • Leads/participates in process improvement activities to enhance laboratory operations, coordinating with related Company departments as needed.
  • Maintains knowledge of changes and developments in the industry affecting work activities. May participate in outside industry groups and forums related to business activities.
  • Assist with bench tech duties as needed with familiarity in Processing, Parasitology, Serology, Hematology, Urinalysis, and Clinical Chemistry.
  • Ensures quality of testing under the guidelines of Quality Assurance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • We share a collaborative obligation to ensure that we conduct ourselves in the utmost ethical manner and that we hold each other accountable to the values and standards of the organization. Every associate has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance, and report concerns and/or violations of company policy or ethical standards. Antech Diagnostics has several processes in place to communicate with leadership and expects that associates will have a commitment to integrity and uncompromising values.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Science (MT or MLT) or equivalent combination of education and work experience
  • Minimum 5years general clinical laboratory supervisory experience in the areas of Chemistry, Hematology, Parasitology, Hematology, Coagulation, Serology, and Urinalysis.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to organize, prioritize and direct work activities.
  • Experience with laboratory operations, testing and services, including setting up, reading and releasing test results and troubleshooting equipment.
  • Experience in a high volume environment managing work flows.
  • Process/operational improvement skills and ability.
  • Reasoning and analytical skills to resolve issues.
  • Contact with clients will be required, good customer service skills are important. In addition, interaction with purchasing and manufacturing or technical representatives may be required.
  • Independent and self-directed requiring minimal day to day supervision
  • Attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Capable of standing continuously for up to 2 hours
  • Extend and reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers
  • Occasionally required to bend, kneel, stoop, or crouch
  • May be required to lift, move, and carry up to 20 lbs.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Hearing ability to effectively communicate via the telephone and in person
  • Ability to communicate verbally on the phone and in person
  • Fluency in the English language
  • Extended hours may be needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Laboratory environment with potential biohazards present
  • Use of potentially hazardous chemicals as defined by the National Hazard Communication Standards
  • A complete list of such chemicals is available from department supervision

About Antech
Antech is a leader in veterinary diagnostics, driven by our passion for innovation that delivers better animal health outcomes. Our products and services span 90+ reference laboratories around the globe; in-house diagnostic laboratory instruments and consumables, including rapid assay diagnostic products and digital cytology services; local and cloud-based data services; practice information management software and related software and support; veterinary imaging and technology; veterinary professional education and training; and board-certified specialist support services.
Benefits
Antech offers an industry competitive benefits package and continues to invest in and evolve benefits programs that meet the health, wellness and financial needs of our associates.
Benefits eligiblity is based on employment status.
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Medical, Dental, Vision (Multiple Plans Available)
  • Basic Life (Company Paid) & Supplemental Life
  • Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition/Continuing Education Reimbursement
  • Life Assistance Program
  • Pet Care Discounts

Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement, please see our Career page at Antech Careers.
Note to Search Firms/Agencies
Antech Diagnostics, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Antech) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Antech and the requisition is position-specific. Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Antech will be deemed the sole property of Antech and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Antech.

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