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Lab Operations Assistant Salary in California

How much does a Lab Operations Assistant make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Operations Assistant in California is $65,112 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a Lab Operations Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,614
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,605 to $71,656
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,681
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Lab Operations Assistant Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Lab Operations Assistant Salaries

A Lab Operations Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Lab Operations Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lab Operations Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $62,489
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $63,931
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $66,476
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $66,748
  • Expert (over 8 years): $66,930
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Lab Operations Assistant less than 1 year $62,489
Early Career Level Lab Operations Assistant 1-2 years $63,931
Mid-Level Level Lab Operations Assistant 2-4 years $66,476
Senior-Level Level Lab Operations Assistant 5-8 years $66,748
Expert Level Lab Operations Assistant over 8 years $66,930

How Do Lab Operations Assistant Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lab Operations Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $65,360.
  • California: $65,112.
  • Massachusetts: $64,244.

Top Paying Cities for Lab Operations Assistant

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $65,224
  • West Hollywood: $65,177
  • Dodgertown: $65,224

Lab Operations Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lab Operations Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Lab Operations Assistant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Operations Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lab Operations Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $91,157 $44.0 40%
Financial Services $84,646 $41.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $84,646 $41.0 30%
Biotechnology $78,135 $38.0 20%
Healthcare $78,135 $38.0 20%

Lab Operations Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lab Operations Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$58,605
Average $65,112/year
$71,656
$4,884
Average $5,426/month
$5,971
$1,127
Average $1,252/week
$1,378
$28
Average $31/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,656 $5,971 $1,378 $34
Average $65,112 $5,426 $1,252 $31
25th Percentile $58,605 $4,884 $1,127 $28

Find Your Next Lab Operations Assistant Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lab Operations Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Lumicity | San Jose, CA

    Lab Operations Lead

    Lumicity | San Jose, CA

    Position Summary. The Lab Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the laboratory to ensure efficient, compliant, and safe exe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Lumicity | San Francisco, CA

    Lab Operations Lead

    Lumicity | San Francisco, CA

    Position Summary. The Lab Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the laboratory to ensure efficient, compliant, and safe exe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Lumicity | Sunnyvale, CA

    Lab Operations Lead

    Lumicity | Sunnyvale, CA

    Position Summary. The Lab Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the laboratory to ensure efficient, compliant, and safe exe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Lumicity | Sonoma, CA

    Lab Operations Lead

    Lumicity | Sonoma, CA

    Position Summary. The Lab Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the laboratory to ensure efficient, compliant, and safe exe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Lumicity | Santa Clara, CA

    Lab Operations Lead

    Lumicity | Santa Clara, CA

    Position Summary. The Lab Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the laboratory to ensure efficient, compliant, and safe exe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Lumicity | Hayward, CA

    Lab Operations Lead

    Lumicity | Hayward, CA

    Position Summary. The Lab Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the laboratory to ensure efficient, compliant, and safe exe... more

    6 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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