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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Operations Associate in California is $75,859 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Lab Operations Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lab Operations Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $83,182 | $6,932 | $1,600 | $40 |
| Average | $75,859 | $6,322 | $1,459 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,069 | $5,339 | $1,232 | $31 |
BreezeBio - Brisbane, CA
Simply Biotech - Vista, CA
Partners Personnel - Paso Robles, CA
Quest Diagnostics - Sacramento, CA
A Lab Operations Associate'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.
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 Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Lab Operations Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Lab Operations Associate positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Operations Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $94,823 | $46.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $91,030 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $87,237 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $83,444 | $40.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $83,444 | $40.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lab Operations Associate'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $83,182 | $6,932 | $1,600 | $40 |
| Average | $75,859 | $6,322 | $1,459 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,069 | $5,339 | $1,232 | $31 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lab Operations Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Simply Biotech
Poway, CA
Simply Biotech | Poway, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Lab Associate - Simply Biotech. OVERVIEW. Are you looking for a new career opportunity with an exciting biotech company. ... more
7 Days Ago
Lumicity
Fremont, CA
Lumicity | Fremont, 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
3 Days Ago
Lumicity
Alameda, CA
Lumicity | Alameda, 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
3 Days Ago
Lumicity
San Jose, CA
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
3 Days Ago
Lumicity
San Francisco, CA
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
3 Days Ago
Lumicity
Sunnyvale, CA
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
3 Days Ago
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