Lab Assistant Jobs in California
Lab assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical research, academic institutions, and biotechnology firms across the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Major employers with a long-standing presence in California include Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health, and Roche, all of which hire lab assistants at entry through senior levels. The most in-demand specialties are clinical chemistry, microbiology, and histology support. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!
Organization:
SEBMF-East Bay Medical FoundationPosition Overview:
Collects blood specimens, as well as receives, handles and processes specimens for Laboratory testing. Interacts with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behavior. Receives, sorts and accessions specimens, assigning to appropriate pre-analytic and analytic workflow. Completes computerized tasks related to patient registration and/or test order entry, specimen collection, receiving and processing. Performs basic post-analytic tasks, including distributing reports, storing and/or retrieving specimens. Completes quality-related tasks such as documentation of work, maintaining a clean, stocked and safe work area, and monitoring pending work, as well as escalating priority work. Operates and/or uses basic pre-analytic lab equipment. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care.***Position is 25 hours per week, 5 hour shifts***Job Description:
These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development). Job Description modifications for union represented position are subject to CBA guidelines.
EDUCATION:
HS Diploma: High School or General Education Diploma (GED) provided prior to start date
CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:
CPTI-Certified Phlebotomy Technician I provided prior to start date
OR CPT II-Certified Phlebotomy Technician II provided prior to start date
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge and practice of standard principles, processes, procedures, and equipment related to:
1) ordering Laboratory testing,
2) collecting blood specimens,
3) compassionately and effectively interacting with patients,
4) handling and processing biological specimens routinely submitted to the Laboratory for analysis.
Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks.
1) Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected timeframes.
2) Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behaviors.
Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to:
1) fluctuations in volume,
2) unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or IS failure,
3) shift-to-shift hand-offs,
4) STAT test orders,
5) specimen integrity issues,
6) regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.
Adherence to Practices & Procedures:
1) Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.
2) Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.
Applied Job Knowledge, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
1) Solid critical thinking in applying knowledge and decision-making.
2) Knowledge of and ability to recognize and appropriately escalate complex and unusual deviations, problems, unusual occurrences and unexpected outcomes.
3) Effective verbal and written communication skills.
4) Ability to work in a collaborative setting where the communication of current, factual, and relevant work information is required.
Job Shift:
Day/EveningSchedule:
Part TimeShift Hours:
6Days of the Week:
Monday - FridayWeekend Requirements:
Rotating WeekendsBenefits:
YesUnions:
NoPosition Status:
Non-ExemptWeekly Hours:
25Employee Status:
RegularSutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Pay Range is $34.55 to $48.36 / hourThe compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.
See All 97 Lab Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lab Assistant JobsLab Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Lab Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Science & Research
- Education
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lab assistant jobs across California.
- Current California Laboratory Field Services registration or eligibility as a laboratory assistant
- High school diploma or equivalent required, associate degree in a science field preferred
- Experience with specimen collection, processing, and centrifugation in a clinical or research setting
- Proficiency with laboratory information systems and electronic health record platforms
- Knowledge of OSHA safety protocols, infection control standards, and hazardous material handling
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy under high-volume workload conditions
Lab Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a lab assistant in California?
To become a lab assistant in California, you need to register with the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services as a laboratory assistant, which requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training hours completed under a licensed clinical laboratory scientist. Some positions in research or pharmaceutical settings do not require state registration but expect coursework in biology or chemistry. Community colleges throughout California offer certificate programs that meet the education component.
Which companies hire lab assistants in California?
Employers hiring lab assistants in California right now include UC San Francisco Academic, UC Davis, and Sutter Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large integrated health systems, university medical centers, and biotech firms create consistent demand for lab assistants across both clinical and research environments throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most lab assistant jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles have the most lab assistant openings in California. The concentration reflects the density of large hospital systems and academic medical centers in those metros, while San Diego's established biotech and pharmaceutical corridor drives strong demand in that region even relative to its smaller overall population compared to Los Angeles.
Are there remote lab assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Lab assistant work is largely hands-on, requiring physical handling of specimens, operation of lab equipment, and direct support of clinical or research teams on site. About 20% of lab assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve data entry, lab coordination, or administrative support functions rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a lab assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a laboratory assistant trainee or phlebotomy technician role at a large California hospital system such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, or a University of California medical center, many of which run new-hire training programs that do not require prior lab experience. Completing a phlebotomy certificate at a California community college gives candidates a strong edge, as does any coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, or clinical science. Lateral moves from patient care technician or medical assistant roles are also a common bridge into lab work.
Where can I find and apply to lab assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to lab assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the listings for roles that match your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 97 Lab Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lab Assistant Jobs