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Laboratory Operator Salary in California

How much does a Laboratory Operator make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Operator in California is $64,734 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a Laboratory Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,162
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,264 to $71,239
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,374
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Laboratory Operator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Operator Salaries

A Laboratory Operator'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 Laboratory Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Laboratory Operator'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): $62,126
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $63,559
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $66,089
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $66,360
  • Expert (over 8 years): $66,541
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Laboratory Operator less than 1 year $62,126
Early Career Level Laboratory Operator 1-2 years $63,559
Mid-Level Level Laboratory Operator 2-4 years $66,089
Senior-Level Level Laboratory Operator 5-8 years $66,360
Expert Level Laboratory Operator over 8 years $66,541

How Do Laboratory Operator 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 Laboratory Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $64,980.
  • California: $64,734.
  • Massachusetts: $63,871.

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Operator

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: $64,845
  • West Hollywood: $64,798
  • Dodgertown: $64,845

Laboratory Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Laboratory Operator 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, Laboratory Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $90,627 $44.0 40%
Financial Services $84,154 $40.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $84,154 $40.0 30%
Biotechnology $77,680 $37.0 20%
Healthcare $77,680 $37.0 20%

Laboratory Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Laboratory Operator'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
$58,264
Average $64,734/year
$71,239
$4,855
Average $5,394/month
$5,937
$1,120
Average $1,245/week
$1,370
$28
Average $31/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,239 $5,937 $1,370 $34
Average $64,734 $5,394 $1,245 $31
25th Percentile $58,264 $4,855 $1,120 $28

Find Your Next Laboratory Operator Job

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

  • Ochsner Health System | BELLE CHASSE, LA

    Clinical Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

    Ochsner Health System | BELLE CHASSE, LA

    We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | WAILUKU, HI

    Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | WAILUKU, HI

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist / Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Laboratory Services team. In this rol... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | WAKE ISLAND, HI

    Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | WAKE ISLAND, HI

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Laboratory Services team. In this role,... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | HILO, HI

    Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | HILO, HI

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Laboratory Services team. In this role,... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | LIHUE, HI

    Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | LIHUE, HI

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Laboratory Services team. In this role,... more

    5 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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