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.
Find Laboratory Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 111+ Laboratory Technician jobs
INTRODUCTION
Involves provision of laboratory processing services and information for patient diagnosis and treatment by performing laboratory tests in toxicology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology laboratories; receiving, typing, testing, and recording blood bank inventories, phlebotomy services, specimen collection, specimen processing and simple processing. Assists with short term specimen storage and shipping.
Hospital Laboratory Technicians perform a wide variety of technical procedures in a hospital laboratory or other facility directly involved in patient-care activities; and perform other related duties as required.
The technical determinations made are in one or more fields of hospital or laboratory procedure, and either directly or indirectly yield technical data about patients. The fields include biochemistry, microbiology, hematology, hemodialysis, and may include specialized work in areas such as ophthalmology, dental prosthetics, and pathology. Installation, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments may be a secondary, but essential part of the duties. The primary usage of the technical data yielded is related to direct patient care; however, this data may be used for research purposes secondarily.
Under general supervision, the Hospital Laboratory Technician 2 perform a wide variety of repetitive technical procedures at the operational level of skill; or perform a limited variety of repetitive but specialized laboratory procedures requiring a high level of skill, finesse, and judgment in one specialized field of work.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
EDUCATION, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Education, Licenses and Certifications:
ABOUT UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
PRIDE VALUES
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
SALARY INFORMATION
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
INTRODUCTION
Involves provision of laboratory processing services and information for patient diagnosis and treatment by performing laboratory tests in toxicology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology laboratories; receiving, typing, testing, and recording blood bank inventories, phlebotomy services, specimen collection, specimen processing and simple processing. Assists with short term specimen storage and shipping.
Hospital Laboratory Technicians perform a wide variety of technical procedures in a hospital laboratory or other facility directly involved in patient-care activities; and perform other related duties as required.
The technical determinations made are in one or more fields of hospital or laboratory procedure, and either directly or indirectly yield technical data about patients. The fields include biochemistry, microbiology, hematology, hemodialysis, and may include specialized work in areas such as ophthalmology, dental prosthetics, and pathology. Installation, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments may be a secondary, but essential part of the duties. The primary usage of the technical data yielded is related to direct patient care; however, this data may be used for research purposes secondarily.
Under general supervision, the Hospital Laboratory Technician 2 perform a wide variety of repetitive technical procedures at the operational level of skill; or perform a limited variety of repetitive but specialized laboratory procedures requiring a high level of skill, finesse, and judgment in one specialized field of work.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
EDUCATION, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Education, Licenses and Certifications:
ABOUT UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
PRIDE VALUES
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
SALARY INFORMATION
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
See All 111+ Laboratory Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory Technician JobsLaboratory Technician Jobs by City in California
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
- Applied Materials5
- Scripps Research5
- University of California - San Francisco5
- California Institute of Technology3
- Eurofins3
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals22
- Science & Research19
- Education16
- Healthcare & Medical Services16
- Electronics & Hardware13
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 Applied Materials, Scripps Research, and University of California - San Francisco, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
San Diego, San Francisco, and Santa Clara 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 5% of laboratory technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 111+ Laboratory Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory Technician Jobs