Microbiology Jobs in California

Microbiology jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical diagnostics, and public health, with openings at every level from laboratory technician through principal scientist and research director. The largest hiring centers are San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Genentech, Abbott Laboratories, and the University of California health system maintain deep and consistent demand. The most sought-after specialties in California right now are industrial fermentation, clinical microbiology, and environmental testing tied to the state's strict regulatory standards. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles51
Top employerSutter Health
Top citySan Diego, CA
Cities hiring30
Work type100% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 51+ Microbiology jobs

Microbiology Lab Aide (Day Shift)
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Added 4d ago
Microbiology Lab Aide (Day Shift)
Antech Diagnostics
Fountain Valley, California
Clinical Trials
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
High school diploma or GED
1,001-5,000

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Microbiology Technologist
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Added 4d ago
Microbiology Technologist
NAMSA
Irvine, California
Account Management
Customer Service
Customer Success
$18.32 - $35.82/hr
High school diploma or GED
1,001-5,000

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Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology
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Added 4d ago
Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology
Providence
Burbank, California
Business Operations
Compensation & Benefits
Human Resources (HR) — Generalist
$25.63 - $38.16/hr
10,000+

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Lab Associate III Microbiology - Short Hour
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Added 4d ago
Lab Associate III Microbiology - Short Hour
Sutter Health
Livermore, California
Clinical Trials
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
$37.38 - $52.32/hr
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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QC Microbiology Assoc I (Wed/Thurs-Sat 6:00pm-6:00am)
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Added 5d ago
QC Microbiology Assoc I (Wed/Thurs-Sat 6:00pm-6:00am)
B. Braun
Irvine, California
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
$23.68 - $28.37/hr
High school diploma or GED
201-500

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See All 51 Microbiology Jobs in California

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Microbiology Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Diego
7 jobs
Los Angeles
5 jobs
Irvine
3 jobs
Burbank
3 jobs
Livermore
3 jobs
San Juan Capistrano
3 jobs
Fresno
2 jobs
Santa Cruz
2 jobs
Newport Beach
2 jobs

Microbiology Job Market in California

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

Who's Hiring

Sutter Health4 open roles
Scripps Research4 open roles
Certified3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Science & Research

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in microbiology jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in microbiology, biology, or a closely related life science field
  • Hands-on experience with aseptic technique, culture methods, and standard microbiological assays
  • Familiarity with FDA Good Manufacturing Practice or Good Laboratory Practice regulations
  • Proficiency with laboratory information management systems and data documentation standards
  • Experience interpreting and reporting results for clinical, environmental, or quality control applications
  • Strong written communication skills for preparing technical reports and regulatory submissions

Microbiology Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a microbiology in California?

California does not require a state-issued license specifically for microbiologists, but most employers require at minimum a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or biochemistry from an accredited institution. Clinical laboratory scientists performing diagnostic microbiology in licensed California labs must hold a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services. Research and industrial roles typically look for GMP or GLP training and relevant laboratory coursework or internship experience.

How much do microbiologies make in California?

Microbiologies in California earn a median of about $108,530 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $62,440 for the lowest 10% to over $183,420 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire microbiologys in California?

Employers hiring microbiologys in California right now include Sutter Health, Scripps Research, and Certified, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense biotech corridor stretching from San Diego to the Bay Area means large pharmaceutical manufacturers, diagnostics companies, and public health agencies are consistently among the most active hirers year-round.

Which California cities have the most microbiology jobs?

San Diego, Los Angeles, and Irvine have the most microbiology openings in California. San Diego and the Bay Area drive the bulk of demand through their established biotech and pharmaceutical hubs, while Los Angeles draws openings from hospital networks, environmental testing labs, and public health agencies serving one of the country's largest metro populations.

Are there remote microbiology jobs in California?

Yes, but they're rare. Microbiology is fundamentally a bench and laboratory discipline, so most roles require physical presence to handle specimens, operate equipment, and maintain sterile environments. About 0% of microbiology openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions are typically in regulatory affairs, bioinformatics, or scientific writing rather than core laboratory work.

How can I get hired as a microbiology in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is a laboratory technician or research associate role, which most California biotech and pharmaceutical employers fill from new graduates. Companies such as large San Diego and Bay Area contract research organizations regularly post associate scientist openings that require only a bachelor's degree and coursework-based lab skills. Completing the California Department of Public Health's Clinical Laboratory Scientist trainee program is a strong credential for those aiming at clinical diagnostics, and lateral moves from adjacent roles like phlebotomy technician or quality control inspector are common first steps.

Where can I find and apply to microbiology jobs in California?

You can find and apply to microbiology jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 51 Microbiology Jobs in California

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

Find Microbiology Jobs