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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Overview

Open roles97
Top employerUC San Francisco Academic
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring46
Work type80% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 97+ Lab Assistant jobs

Sutter Health
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Lab Assistant II
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Sutter Health
Added 1d ago
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Lab Assistant II
Sutter Health
Castro Valley, California
Clinical Trials
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
$34.55 - $48.36/hr
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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Sutter Health
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Lab Assistant II
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Sutter Health
Added 1d ago
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Lab Assistant II
Sutter Health
Sunnyvale, California
Clinical Trials
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
$34.55 - $48.36/hr
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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Sutter Health
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Lab Assistant II
We won't show you this job again
Sutter Health
Added 1d ago
Certified Phlebotomy Technician Lab Assistant II
Sutter Health
Berkeley, California
Clinical Trials
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
$34.55 - $48.36/hr
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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Tenet Healthcare
Lab Assistant
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Tenet Healthcare
Added 1d ago
Lab Assistant
Tenet Healthcare
Modesto, California
Account Management
Business Development
Sales
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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University of California - San Francisco
Lab Assistant - Division of Global Medicine
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University of California - San Francisco
Added 1d ago
Lab Assistant - Division of Global Medicine
University of California - San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Community & Nonprofit Services
Healthcare Administration
Social Work & Counseling
10,000+

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See All 97 Lab Assistant Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Lab Assistant Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Francisco
15 jobs
San Diego
13 jobs
Los Angeles
7 jobs
Davis
5 jobs
La Verne
4 jobs
Palo Alto
3 jobs
Turlock
2 jobs
Berkeley
2 jobs
Oroville
2 jobs

Lab Assistant Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

UC San Francisco Academic
UC San Francisco Academic9 open roles
UC Davis
UC Davis7 open roles
Sutter Health
Sutter Health6 open roles

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