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Regulatory Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$40 - $46/hr

Regulatory Affairs Associate Location: Sylmar, CA Duration: 7 Months 100% Onsite Summary: Responsible for filing necessary regulatory applications and supporting interactions with U.S. and ...

Manager, Regulatory Affairs

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$127K - $165K/yr

Manage regulatory associates as needed, responsible for team's work planning, guidance, execution and talent development * Lead FDA submissions (510(k) or pre-submissions) with the team, including ...

Bachelor's degree in a scientific or related discipline. * 1+ years of direct regulatory experience in the medical device field. * Recent experience with Class III implantable medical devices is ...

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Regulatory Associate information

See California salary details

$16

$31

$48

How much do regulatory associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for regulatory associate in California is $31.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.18 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a regulatory associate do?

As a regulatory associate or regulatory affairs associate, your job is to coordinate compliance with internal—and occasionally external—regulations. This work involves checking each inspection review for accuracy, using safety data sheets (SDS), gathering and compiling documentation for products, and submitting material for license renewals and registrations. In this role, you often create management templates, study existing report documents, oversee the collection of consent forms, and audit the company for any sign of regulatory noncompliance. Some regulatory associates frequently travel to perform audits at various locations. Depending on the industry, you may have additional tasks that involve meeting state or federal guidelines.

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

To thrive as a Regulatory Associate, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of regulatory guidelines (such as FDA or EMA), and a relevant degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with regulatory submission systems, document management tools, and electronic common technical document (eCTD) software is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, communication abilities, and the capacity to manage deadlines make candidates stand out. These skills ensure accurate regulatory submissions, compliance with evolving regulations, and effective collaboration across teams, all of which are crucial for product approvals and market access.

What are some common challenges regulatory associates face when working with cross-functional teams?

Regulatory Associates often work closely with teams from R&D, quality assurance, clinical, and legal departments to ensure compliance throughout product development and approval processes. A common challenge is navigating differing priorities and timelines among these groups, which requires strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, Regulatory Associates must interpret and clarify complex regulatory requirements to various stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed. Building collaborative relationships and proactively addressing potential misunderstandings are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Regulatory Associate vs Compliance Specialist?

AspectRegulatory AssociateCompliance Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in life sciences, regulatory affairs, or related field; certifications like RAC are a plusBachelor's degree in law, business, or related; certifications like CCEP may be relevant
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device companies; regulatory departmentsCorporate compliance departments across various industries, including healthcare and finance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in regulated industries to prepare and submit regulatory documentsUsed to ensure company adherence to laws and regulations, often involving audits and policy development

The Regulatory Associate primarily focuses on preparing and managing regulatory submissions within life sciences industries, while the Compliance Specialist ensures ongoing adherence to laws and regulations across various sectors. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their core responsibilities and work environments differ slightly, with Regulatory Associates working more directly with regulatory agencies and Compliance Specialists focusing on internal compliance processes.

Is regulatory associate high paying?

Regulatory associates typically earn a competitive salary that varies by industry, location, and experience level. In general, the role offers moderate to high pay, especially for those with specialized knowledge of regulations, certifications, or experience in highly regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals or healthcare.

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

The most popular types of Regulatory jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Regulatory Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Regulatory Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Regulatory Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,115 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Health Care Regulatory Associate General Counsel

Ensign Services

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Ensign Group rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

608th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position:Health Care Regulatory Associate General Counsel

Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA

Job Id:1728

# of Openings:1

Health Care Regulatory Associate General Counsel

Position Type: Full Time, Exempt Employee

Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000 annually, DOE; may be eligible for bonus. Compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Location: This position based onsite at the Service Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA.Ability to travel up to 20% of the time, as business needs require.

About the Company

Ensign Services, Inc. (“ESI”) is a subsidiary of The Ensign Group, Inc., which is a national leader in the operation of skilled nursing, senior living, rehabilitation, home health, hospice, and other healthcare services. ESI is known as the “Service Center” and provides the facilities and leaders it serves with “back-office” support in areas such as accounting, construction, compliance, human resources, information technology, learning and development, legal and risk management and recruiting.

We seek individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment, embrace continuous learning, and are passionate about making a meaningful impact. We take our core values of Celebration, Accountability, Passion for Learning, Love One Another, Intelligent Risk Taking, Customer Second, and Ownership (“CAPLICO”) seriously. We want an individual in this role who will demonstrate these values through actions and words.

About the Opportunity

The Health Care Regulatory Associate General Counsel will provide legal guidance and support on regulatory matters, especially as related to post-acute care operations. It requires transactional based experience in implementing and operationalizing the regulations. Specifically, expertise in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement and how the applicable regulations interface with related State and Federal healthcare regulatory laws, including OBRA, the False Claims Act, the Federal Physician Self-Referral Law (\"Stark Law\"), and the Anti-Kickback Statute. In this role, you will provide business advice to assist our client business entities and Service Center partners in identifying and resolving legal and regulatory matters. In addition, the position will play a key role in drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex reimbursement arrangements, including documents related to ACOs, managed care organizations, and other similar arrangements. In addition, you will likewise advise on compliance with Federal and State healthcare industry laws and regulations; monitor changes in relevant regulatory and reimbursement areas; and educate others on same.

Job Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Serve as a key advisor in evaluating regulatory issues and directives that may impact business operations.
  • Conduct research into state and federal regulatory requirements across a variety of healthcare-related topics, and provide operational advice on implementation of the regulations.
  • Provide advice and guidance around issues and initiatives existing in the post acute care industry, including reimbursement, MCOs ACOs, ISNPs, and related matters.
  • Research, advise and provide counsel to client facilities involving the application and interpretation of health care laws, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement regulations, and related Federal and State laws governing the delivery of care and reimbursement for services in a post-acute care setting.
  • Assess business risks based on substantive legal and regulatory support.
  • Keep current with legislative and regulatory changes, and communicate changes to affected stakeholders, including but not limited to participation on reimbursement regulatory committees.
  • Partner with key stakeholders on compliance matters that present legal or regulatory risk
  • Communicate the tactical and strategic legal needs of the operations to Service Center colleagues.
  • Proactively help ESI and its clients manage legal risk as it impacts the operation of the involved service line.
  • Serve as a business partner in contract negotiations, including but not limited to contracts related to revenue generation.
Position Requirements:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and 0-3 years of legal practice experience.
  • At least one State Bar Admission and in good standing.
  • Strong research and analytical skills.
  • Ability to manage several matters at one time in a fast-paced environment.
  • High degree of maturity and professionalism.
  • Exceptional presentation, writing and communication skills
  • Support additional tasks and special ad hoc projects as assigned.
  • Ability to travel up to 20% of the time, as business needs require.
Personal Characteristics
  • Servant-leader mindset with a commitment to providing excellent customer service in a high-energy, high-accountability environment.
  • Disciplined, self-motivated professional with strong work habits and the ability to follow through on commitments.
  • Collaborative team player who is willing to support work at all levels and is passionate about the organization, its mission, and the people it serves.
  • Active listener who demonstrates sound judgment, inspires confidence, and handles confidential matters with discretion.
  • Positive, approachable, and solutions-oriented professional with a strong desire to support others and contribute to team success.
  • Proven leadership and interpersonal skills, with a strong team orientation.
  • Professional demeanor and executive presence.
  • Ability to provide clear direction and consistently deliver high-quality results.
  • Culture leader who can model, support, and reinforce the organization’s values across the organization.
Physical Requirements:

More than 50% of the time:

  • Sit, stand, walk.
  • Repetitive movement of hands, arms and legs.
  • See, speak and hear to be able to communicate.

Less than 50% of the time:

  • Stoop, kneel or crawl.
  • Climb and balance.
  • Carry and lift 10-20 lbs.
Additional Information

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of job-related post-offer requirements, which may include background checks, reference checks, and/or other screenings or examinations as permitted by applicable law.

What We Offer

We are committed to providing a competitive benefits and compensation package which includes medical/dental/vision coverage, company-provided life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and sick/vacation plans. Additionally, enjoy access to our fully equipped onsite gym (San Juan Capistrano office location). We also believe in supporting our employee’s professional growth and development through our Learning Management System as well as training sessions and seminars.Take a look at these benefits (and more!) at www.ensignbenefits.com

Ensign Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact us at 888-659-3616.

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