ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Laboratory Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

SPL

Environmental Laboratory Director

Conroe, TX · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Develop and execute the laboratory's strategic plan, annual operating priorities, and performance objectives * Lead laboratory managers and functional leaders while strengthening accountability ...

SPL

Environmental Laboratory Director

Conroe, TX · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Develop and execute the laboratory's strategic plan, annual operating priorities, and performance objectives * Lead laboratory managers and functional leaders while strengthening accountability ...

Eurofins

Laboratory Business Manager

Pasadena, TX · On-site

Laboratory Business Manager is responsible for maintaining positive operating margin at the laboratory level and for meeting and exceeding the annual budget. Supervises all laboratory personnel and ...

SGS

Senior Manager, Laboratory

Deer Park, TX · On-site

Ensures that the administrative and technical laboratory services to both internal and external ... at the operating level through the implementation of new technology, common training ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLaboratory Operator JobsLaboratory Operator Jobs in Houston, TX

Laboratory Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$17

$35

$59

How much do laboratory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory operator in Houston, TX is $35.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.39 and $42.93 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.

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Laboratory Operator jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Laboratory Operator job openings:

Laboratory Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,822 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Environmental Laboratory Director

SPL

Conroe, TX • On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead laboratory personnel, operations, quality systems, client service, and financial performance to ensure safe, accurate, compliant, and efficient delivery of environmental laboratory services.

  • Develop and execute the laboratory's strategic plan, annual operating priorities, and performance objectives.

  • Monitor and establish performance expectations across safety, quality, compliance, turnaround time, client service, productivity, and financial results.

Job description

Description

At SPL, the work you do matters. Our teams provide trusted environmental testing and measurement solutions that protect communities, support critical infrastructure, and safeguard the environment. With a nationwide footprint and opportunities to grow across multiple locations and disciplines, SPL is a place where you can build a meaningful career and make a real-world impact.


We're looking for an experienced and strategic Laboratory Director to lead SPL's full-service, accredited environmental laboratory in Conroe, TX.


In this role, you'll lead laboratory personnel, operations, quality systems, client service, and financial performance while ensuring safe, accurate, compliant, and efficient delivery of environmental laboratory services. The Conroe laboratory provides drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, soil, solid, sediment, waste-characterization, and environmental toxicology testing, including Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing and effluent biomonitoring. The ideal leader brings demonstrated progressive leadership experience and a strong record of developing teams, improving performance, and delivering reliable, defensible data.



What You'll Do

  • Develop and execute the laboratory's strategic plan, annual operating priorities, and performance objectives
  • Lead laboratory managers and functional leaders while strengthening accountability, succession planning, and leadership development
  • Drive financial performance through effective budgeting, forecasting, pricing, profitability management, capital planning, and investment decisions
  • Direct long-term workforce, capacity, technology, facility, and service-expansion strategies
  • Establish and monitor performance expectations across safety, quality, compliance, turnaround time, client service, productivity, and financial results
  • Maintain executive oversight of quality systems, accreditation, regulatory compliance, and operational risk
  • Shape market strategy, major proposals, pricing decisions, and growth initiatives in partnership with business development and senior leadership
  • Serve as an executive point of contact for key clients, regulatory stakeholders, vendors, and strategic partners
  • Lead major organizational change, integration, standardization, and operational transformation initiatives
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline; Master Degree in a related field preferred
  • 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience managing multi-level analytical laboratory operations, personnel, resources, and performance objectives within a NELAP-accredited environmental laboratory
  • Working knowledge of TNI standards and Texas environmental regulatory requirements
  • Demonstrated ownership of laboratory P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing strategy, capital planning, equipment investments, productivity, and profitability
  • Proven success developing and executing organizational and continuous-improvement strategies, applying Lean Six Sigma or comparable methodologies to optimize processes, improve operational efficiency, build high-performing teams, and lead organizational change 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and  standard business applications


What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development support


Work Schedule & Travel

  • Full-time, hybrid leadership position with regular onsite presence required
  • Flexibility to work outside normal business hours as needed to support a laboratory operating 365 days a year, meet deadlines, or respond to time-sensitive operational needs
  • Occasional travel may be required to support laboratory operations, training, audits, meetings, or other business-related activities


Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At SPL, we believe that a diverse team is a strong team. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please let us know.



Visa Sponsorship

At this time, SPL is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. We sincerely appreciate your interest and understanding, and we encourage you to explore other opportunities with us that may be a fit in the future.

Apply