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Summer Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Lab information

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$24

$44

How much do summer lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer lab in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer lab?

Summer lab positions are temporary research or assistant roles offered during the summer, typically at universities, research institutes, or private laboratories. These positions are often geared toward students or recent graduates who want hands-on experience in a scientific setting. Participants may assist with experiments, data analysis, lab maintenance, or other research-related tasks. Summer lab jobs provide an opportunity to gain practical skills, work with experienced researchers, and explore potential career paths in science. They can also enhance resumes and help with networking in the scientific community.

What types of projects or experiments might I work on as a summer lab assistant, and how hands-on is the experience?

As a Summer Lab assistant, you'll typically engage in a variety of hands-on scientific projects, such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, collecting data, and assisting with equipment setup. The exact nature of your tasks can vary depending on the lab’s focus—ranging from biology and chemistry to engineering or environmental science. Most programs are designed to offer a practical, immersive experience, allowing you to work directly alongside experienced researchers or graduate students. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop lab techniques, gain exposure to real-world research, and build connections with professionals in your field.

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

To thrive as a Summer Lab Assistant, you typically need a background in science coursework, attention to detail, and basic laboratory skills, often supported by current enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data recording software is important for daily tasks. Strong communication, reliability, and the ability to work collaboratively help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and effective teamwork in a research environment.

What is the difference between Summer Lab vs Summer Internship?

AspectSummer LabSummer Internship
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in a relevant academic programOften requires enrollment or recent graduation in a related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in labs or academic settingsPractical, industry-focused, may include office or fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in academic and research institutionsCommon in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors
Search & Comparison IntentInterested in research opportunities and academic projectsLooking for industry experience and professional development

Summer Labs are primarily research-based programs in academic or research settings, focusing on scientific or technical projects for students enrolled in relevant programs. Summer Internships are industry-oriented, providing practical work experience in corporate or organizational environments. Both offer valuable experience but serve different career development paths.

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

The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Lab jobs in California?

For Summer Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Lab jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Summer Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Summer Lab job openings:

Summer Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Graduate Student Lab/Research Assistant

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/39840 Job Number SE202724
Position Information
Department or Unit Name Food Sciences Position Headcount 3 Position Title Graduate Student Lab/Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Grad Anticipated Pay Range $23.00 per hour Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done? Orange Approved Supervisor Anuradha Prakash Supervisor Email prakash@chapman.edu
Scheduling

Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)

Desired Start Date 06/01/2026 Projected End Date 08/23/2026 Average number of hours per week Up to 40 hours/Summer Only
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
  • Up to 20 hours a week
  • The selected candidate will assist Dr. Prakash and lab technician in conducting small batch trials in the Food Processing lab using equipment such as the Microthermics beverage pasteurizer and the spray dryer.
  • The candidate will assist in batching the formulations, and processing them, and assist in maintaining equipment and inventories.
Responsibilities
  • Assisting Dr. Prakash and the lab technician with food processing experiments and trials.
  • Preparing and batching food or beverage formulations according to recipes or research instructions.
  • Monitoring processing conditions like temperature, flow rate, and drying parameters during trials.
  • Measuring and weighing ingredients accurately for small-batch production.
  • Recording data, observations, and processing results from experiments.
Required Qualifications
  • Pursuing MS in Food Science, approval of Dr. Prakash.
Desired Qualifications
  • Pursuing MS in Food Science, approval of Dr. Prakash.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required? With or Without FWS

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