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Laboratory Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prime Healthcare

Director of Clinical Laboratory

Redding, CA · On-site

$106.08 - $135.20/hr

Secure compliance of laboratory service with local, state, federal (CLIA), and other regulatory ... General Accounting and statistics and financial operating experience. * Quality Control and quality ...

Merieux NutriSciences

Laboratory Assistant

Salida, CA · On-site

Maintain equipment, supplies and instrumentation in working order to perform necessary preventative maintenance for operating departments. Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management ...

Merieux NutriSciences

Laboratory Assistant*

Salida, CA · On-site

Maintain equipment, supplies and instrumentation in working order to perform necessary preventative maintenance for operating departments. Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management ...

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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 Aug 8, 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 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.

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.
Laboratory Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% 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.

Director of Clinical Laboratory

Prime Healthcare

Redding, CA

$106K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Prime Healthcare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 283 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

638th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community! Shasta Regional Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.
 
Shasta Regional Medical Center is a 226-bed acute care facility serving Northern California. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of services. Shasta Regional Medical Center is one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals recognized by Watson Health and holds an ‘A’ Grade from Leapfrog Group, the nation's premier advocate of transparency in health care.The hospital is Joint Commission Certified for Stroke, Hip/Knee and Diabetes. They are a Five Star recipient for treatment of heart failure, respiratory failure and is named among the top 5% in the nation for patient safety. Shasta Regional Medical Center delivers patient-centered healthcare with compassion, dignity and respect for every patient and their family. For more information, visit www.shastaregional.com.


The Lab Director is responsible for the overall management of the clinical laboratory and/or multiple departments including, administrative, financial, compliance, quality improvement, technical, and personnel activities in accordance with established hospital and department policies and standards. Provides operational guidance to local site management. Ensures system integration of department structure, policy, procedure, information technology, supply chain, Human Resource, and quality assurance. Secure compliance of laboratory service with local, state, federal (CLIA), and other regulatory agency (CAP, TJC) standard. Takes on special projects or other assignments and completes them within timeframe. Meet and consults with Corporate Laboratory Operations Leadership for policies, procedures, forms, instrumentation, equipment, supplies, and LIS. Promotes standardization throughout the system. Ensure laboratories will meet or exceed established corporate/site KPIs in finance, quality, and service. Perform routine laboratory testing to support the department as needed.


EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

1. Bachelor of Science degree in a scientific field to meet requirements of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA).
2. Possession of a valid license or certificate of Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist, ASCP preferred
3. Minimum 5 years supervisory clinical laboratory experience required.
4. General Accounting and statistics and financial operating experience
5. Quality Control and quality tools management courses desired
6. LEAN Six Sigma certification preferred
7. Master’s Degree preferred.

#LI-CC2


Shasta Regional Medical Center offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs. Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and many more voluntary benefit options.  Benefits may vary based on employment status, i.e. full-time, part-time, per diem or temporary.  A reasonable compensation estimate for this role, which includes estimated wages, benefits, and other forms of compensation, is $106,080.00 to $135,200.00 on an annualized basis. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.


Full Time
Days

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf


Privacy Notice for California Applicants: https://www.primehealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Notice-at-Collection-and-Privacy-Policy-for-California-Job-Applicants.pdf

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