Lab Technician Jobs in California
Lab Technician jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where major research institutions, biotech firms, and hospital systems drive steady demand for clinical, environmental, and pharmaceutical lab talent. Employers like Kaiser Permanente, Roche, and UC San Diego Health maintain large lab workforces and hire at levels from entry-level associates to senior specialists. Molecular diagnostics, environmental testing, and quality control are among the most sought-after specialties in the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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 150+ Lab Technician Jobs in California
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Find Lab Technician JobsLab Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Lab Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Technology & Software
- Medical Devices
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Education
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lab technician jobs across California.
- California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license or Limited Phlebotomy Technician registration as applicable
- Associate or bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, biology, or chemistry
- Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation including analyzers, centrifuges, and pipetting systems
- Experience following CAP, CLIA, or ISO 15189 quality and compliance standards
- Ability to accurately document results in laboratory information systems such as Epic or Sunquest
- Strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple specimen types under time pressure
Lab Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a lab technician in California?
Most California lab technician roles require at minimum an associate degree in a life science field, and clinical positions typically require licensure from the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services. Clinical Laboratory Scientists must pass the CLS licensure exam, while limited-scope roles such as phlebotomy or limited laboratory technician positions have their own California-specific registration requirements. Environmental and pharmaceutical lab roles often rely on employer-specific training rather than state licensure.
Which companies hire lab technicians in California?
California lab technician roles are posted by Sutter Health, University of California - San Francisco, and Siemens Healthineers and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's density of academic medical centers, biotech headquarters, and environmental testing firms means openings are distributed across a wide range of employer types statewide.
Which California cities have the most lab technician jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Palo Alto are the California cities with the most lab technician openings. Los Angeles and San Diego lead because of their large hospital networks and biotech corridors, while San Francisco benefits from a concentration of life sciences companies in the broader Bay Area, including South San Francisco's established pharmaceutical cluster.
Are there remote lab technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 12% of lab technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how hands-on most lab work is by nature. The portions of the role most likely to be done remotely are data analysis, laboratory information system management, and regulatory documentation work.
How can I get hired as a lab technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a clinical or research laboratory assistant role, which large California systems like Kaiser Permanente, Cedars-Sinai, and UCLA Health regularly post for candidates without full CLS credentials. Completing an accredited medical laboratory technician program at a California community college and obtaining a Limited Phlebotomy Technician registration from the California Department of Public Health gives candidates a concrete edge. Lateral moves from roles such as medical assistant or pharmacy technician also open doors at hospital-based labs.
Where can I find and apply to lab technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to lab technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 150+ Lab Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lab Technician Jobs