Chemist Jobs in California
Chemist jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, semiconductor materials, and environmental testing across experience levels from entry-level lab technicians through principal and senior research scientists. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and Thermo Fisher Scientific have deep and lasting presences. Analytical chemistry, formulation chemistry, and process chemistry are consistently the most in-demand specialties statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Type: Full-Time
Location: San Fernando, California
Job Description:
Pat-Chem Laboratories is seeking an experienced Environmental Laboratory Chemist with a strong background in wet chemistry analysis. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience testing environmental samples, including wastewater, storm water, and drinking water.
Responsibilities:
* Perform routine wet chemistry analyses, including BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, alkalinity, and
hardness.
* Conduct nutrient testing, including Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Ammonia, Nitrate,
Nitrite, and Total Phosphorus.
* Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instrumentation.
* Follow EPA Methods and Standard Methods testing procedures.
* Perform quality control checks and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
* Ensure compliance with laboratory SOPs and quality assurance requirements.
* Meet sample holding times and reporting deadlines.
* Work with Lab Director, Assistant Lab Director and Owner to ensure Wet Chem
department efficiency. Leaning management, responsibility of others, working in a team
and being a team leader
Qualifications
* Previous hands-on experience in environmental laboratory wet chemistry testing
required.
* Familiarity with EPA Methods and Standard Methods.
* Knowledge of laboratory quality control, calibration, and documentation.
* Ability to work independently and manage multiple samples efficiently.
* Interpersonal and Management skills, willingness and capabilities
* Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
What We're Looking For:
We are seeking a dependable, detail-oriented chemist with practical experience in environmental
wet chemistry testing who can contribute to daily laboratory operations. Training to be provided,
but eventually self sufficient capabilities is required.
Experienced applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should email their resume for consideration.
Pat-Chem Laboratories
San Fernando, CA
Pay: $23.00 - $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chemist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Technology & Software
- Mining & Natural Resources
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chemist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related physical science
- Hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, or ICP-MS
- Familiarity with California-regulated environmental or pharmaceutical compliance standards
- Experience following Good Laboratory Practice or Good Manufacturing Practice protocols
- Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with LIMS or laboratory software platforms
- Ability to write clear technical reports and communicate findings to cross-functional teams
Chemist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chemist in California?
A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related science is the standard entry point, and most California employers expect laboratory coursework and hands-on training. California does not require a state-issued license to work as a chemist, but roles in environmental testing labs may require analysts to meet California ELAP accreditation standards set by the State Water Resources Control Board. Gaining experience through university research programs or internships at Bay Area or San Diego biotech firms strengthens any application considerably.
How much do chemists make in California?
Chemists in California earn a median of about $97,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,930 for the lowest 10% to over $164,150 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chemists in California?
Employers hiring chemists in California right now include Clean Harbors, aptim, and Eurofins, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense concentration of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and specialty chemical companies means openings appear across a wider range of employer types than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most chemist jobs?
San Diego, San Jose, and Fullerton account for the largest share of chemist openings in California. The Bay Area and San Diego draw the most volume because of their established pharmaceutical and biotechnology clusters, while Los Angeles supports significant demand through its environmental consulting, consumer products, and specialty materials industries.
Are there remote chemist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most chemist work is hands-on and tied to a physical lab, so fully remote roles are a small portion of total openings. About 13% of chemist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in regulatory affairs, technical writing, and data-heavy roles like computational or analytical method development.
How can I get hired as a chemist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate scientist or laboratory technician roles, which California biotech and pharmaceutical employers routinely post as new-graduate positions. Companies like Genentech and Gilead run formal early-career or new-grad programs, and contract research organizations operating across the Bay Area and San Diego regularly hire entry-level analysts. A degree with strong lab coursework, a California ELAP-relevant certification for environmental roles, or undergraduate research experience at a University of California campus all give candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to chemist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to chemist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
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