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Medical Lab Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Medical Lab Director information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$114.9K

$137.7K

How much do medical lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical lab director in California is $114,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,800.00 and $133,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical lab director?

Medical Lab Directors are healthcare professionals responsible for overseeing the operations of medical laboratories. They ensure that lab tests are performed accurately and efficiently, maintain compliance with regulations, and manage laboratory staff. Additionally, they collaborate with physicians and hospital administrators to support patient care, develop laboratory policies, and implement new technologies. Their leadership is crucial for the quality and safety of diagnostic testing.

What are some common challenges medical lab directors face in managing laboratory operations?

Medical Lab Directors often encounter challenges such as maintaining regulatory compliance, ensuring quality control, and adapting to rapidly evolving technology. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on leadership, they must manage budgets, staffing, and workflow efficiency while also fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Effective communication with physicians, hospital administration, and lab staff is crucial for timely and accurate diagnostic services, making multitasking and problem-solving essential skills in this role.

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

To thrive as a Medical Lab Director, you need advanced knowledge of laboratory science, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in a related field, along with relevant certification such as ASCP or CLIA qualifications. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), quality management programs, and regulatory compliance tools is crucial. Outstanding communication, decision-making, and organizational skills help in leading teams and collaborating with healthcare professionals. These skills ensure the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of laboratory operations, directly impacting patient care and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Medical Lab Director vs Medical Laboratory Scientist?

AspectMedical Lab DirectorMedical Laboratory Scientist
CredentialsMedical degree, certification as a Medical Laboratory Director (e.g., ASCP, AMT)Bachelor's or master's degree in medical laboratory science, certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentOversees entire laboratory operations, manages staff, ensures compliancePerforms laboratory testing, analyzes samples, reports results
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, reference labs, public health labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities

The Medical Lab Director is responsible for managing the entire laboratory, including staff and compliance, while the Medical Laboratory Scientist focuses on performing tests and analyzing samples. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar healthcare environments, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Medical Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Medical Lab Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Medical Lab Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Lab Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,936 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Lab Director , Hospital Lab Management role, CLS, BS, Ca.

Southern Medical Recruiters

Lompoc, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Clientsย are general acute care hospitalsย nationwide.

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Southern Medical Recruiters is a healthcare/hospital recruitmentย organization with hospitals clients nationwide. seeking the best in healthcare talent.

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ย  Candidates must have strong hospital experience as CEO, CNO, COO, CFO, Director of Business Office, Director of Quality, Performance Improvement, Director of Case, Director of Anciallary, Allied, Critical Care, Pediatrics, NICU, CCU, ICU, Cardiac CAth, Radiology, Lab Services, Education, ER, OR, Physicians, Clinics, Outpatient, Service Line Administrators, ONcology, NP, PA, CRNA, etc.

We provide recruitment services to hospitals, physician practice organizations, clinics, healthcare providers, for profit and non for profit health care organizations seeking the best value and talent.

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Our Clients offer excellent compensation, benefits, relo. allowance, bonus incentive, nego. doe.

We work Nationwide on a contingency basis.

pls. email us your job description if you are seeking healthcare talent.

If you are a candidate seeking a job, pls. submit a CV

http://www.southernmed.com

no fees to applicants

ย 

Job Description

Director of Hospital Laboratory Services, Lab Director, MT(ASCP), CLS, BS,

5+ years of strong experience in hospital lab Services Management. California CLS lic.

Candidates must have steady work history, strong accomplishments as Lab Manager/Director of at least 5+ years in general acute care hospital of at least 100 beds.

Client is located in beautiful small /rural north area of California. North of Los Angeles, Ca., beautiful

pls. email a resume for consideration.

Adela Nash

Southern Medical Recruiters

361-425-7471

google us:ย  Southern Medical Recruiters

Qualifications

Interim Lab Director role, BS, Ca. CLS Lic., 5+ years in Lab Management/Director/Manager role.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Client offers excellent salary, benefits, relocation package and more.

email a resume for consideration.