Laboratory Technician Jobs in California
Laboratory Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotech and pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, environmental testing, and food safety, with openings at every level from entry-level bench technician through senior lab scientist. The largest hiring markets are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers such as Bio-Rad Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics, and Kaiser Permanente maintain a sustained need for laboratory technicians year-round. Molecular diagnostics, clinical chemistry, and quality control testing are the most in-demand specialties across California's life sciences corridor. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About the Role
Datlon Bioanalytics is hiring a part-time, on-site Laboratory Technician. Our lab is located at UCLA. Your main focus will be sample preparation: preparing, handling and documenting samples carefully so our project manager and scientist can rely on the results. You will also operate and maintain laboratory instruments, collect data, and follow SOPs and safety procedures. Work is usually BSL1 and occasionally BSL2. The role is 20 hours per week, with the possibility of more hours depending on skills and interest.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare samples for analysis following SOPs and laboratory protocols; this is the primary duty of the role
- Prepare reagents, solutions and other experimental materials in line with protocols and safety guidelines
- Operate, clean and maintain laboratory instruments and glassware; perform routine quality control checks and report issues
- Collect, organize and review data and keep accurate records; organizing and documenting all work thoroughly is a must
- Follow laboratory safety, chemical handling, sterile technique and compliance procedures
- Handle and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols
- Stock and maintain laboratory supplies, monitoring inventory levels and placing orders
- Keep work areas clean, organized and in operable condition
- Communicate regularly with the project manager and/or scientist, including results and any concerns
- Work with the team to meet project timelines, including under time constraints
Required Qualifications
- Experience working in a BSL2 laboratory is highly preferred
- Hands-on experience with sample preparation and familiarity with analytical instrumentation
- High school laboratory experience, plus college-level science coursework or current enrollment in a Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or related program
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt and work under time constraints
- A high level of integrity and honesty
- A cooperative, team-oriented attitude
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or a related field
- Specialized technical training in laboratory skills
- Knowledge of mass spectrometry, especially LC-MS
- Knowledge of cell culture, microbiology, histology or molecular biology techniques
- Understanding of quality control, laboratory compliance, GLP, cGMP, FDA regulations and SOPs
Skills and Attributes
- Strong attention to detail, with accurate data collection, record keeping and practical math skills
- Technical proficiency with laboratory instruments and Microsoft Office
- Commitment to laboratory safety, chemical handling procedures and sterile technique
- Ability to follow detailed instructions consistently and learn new systems and processes quickly
- Effective in a team environment, with sound time management
Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15.0 – 20.0 per week
Work Location: In person
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory 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
- Energy
- Medical Devices
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory technician jobs across California.
- California Laboratory Field Services license or state-recognized certification such as CLS or CLT
- Associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or chemistry
- Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation including automated analyzers and pipetting systems
- Experience following CLIA, CAP, or GLP regulatory standards in a clinical or research setting
- Accurate specimen handling, sample preparation, and chain-of-custody documentation skills
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems such as EPIC Beaker or Sunquest
Laboratory Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory technician in California?
California requires clinical laboratory technicians to hold a state license issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services branch. Most candidates complete an associate degree in clinical laboratory science or a related science field, then pass the California CLS or CLT licensure examination. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in a biological or chemical science may qualify for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist license, which opens additional duties and a broader range of employer settings across the state.
How much do laboratory technicians make in California?
Laboratory technicians in California earn a median of about $71,440 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,700 for the lowest 10% to over $121,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire laboratory technicians in California?
Employers hiring laboratory technicians in California right now include Sutter Health, Eurofins, and Ansible Government Solutions, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of biotech firms, large integrated health systems, and environmental testing labs means hiring is distributed across both major metros and suburban research corridors such as South San Francisco and Carlsbad.
Which California cities have the most laboratory technician jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine account for the most laboratory technician openings in California. The Bay Area's density of biotech and pharmaceutical companies drives volume in that region, while Los Angeles and San Diego benefit from large hospital networks, university medical centers, and a growing life sciences industry that collectively sustain consistent demand for laboratory technicians year-round.
Are there remote laboratory technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Laboratory technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical access to specimens, instruments, and controlled environments, so the majority of roles are on-site. About 4% of laboratory technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve data review, quality assurance documentation, or laboratory informatics rather than direct bench work.
How can I get hired as a laboratory technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a phlebotomy or laboratory assistant role, which large California health systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and UCSF Health regularly post for candidates without full laboratory technician credentials. Community college clinical laboratory technician programs in California include externship rotations that count as structured experience. Earning a California CLS or CLT license, even before accumulating years of work history, gives candidates a measurable edge because the license itself signals verified competency to hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to laboratory technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 96 Laboratory Technician Jobs in California
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