How Much Does a Lab Research Associate Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Lab Research Associate in California is $104,151. While Salary.com is seeing that Lab Research Associate salary in CA can go up to $138,942 or down to $66,609, but most earn between $84,500 and $122,362. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $84,500 10% $66,609 90% $138,942 75% $122,362 $104,151 50%(Median)
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Similar Job Salaries to Lab Research Associate by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Vir Biotechnology, Inc.
Research Associate, Lab Operations (Temporary)
$112,185/yr
$100,224
$124,145
RANGE: $100,224 - $124,145
Marina Del Rey Hospital
Research Associate III - Ronai Lab
$111,335/yr
$100,808
$121,861
RANGE: $100,808 - $121,861
Cedars-Sinai
Research Associate I, Yuan Lab
$94,917/yr
$84,555
$105,279
RANGE: $84,555 - $105,279
DELFI Diagnostics, Inc.
Research Associate, Clinical Lab (Contract)
$142,914/yr
$127,172
$158,656
RANGE: $127,172 - $158,656
Cedars-Sinai
Research Associate III, Ramin Lab
$102,962/yr
$92,014
$113,909
RANGE: $92,014 - $113,909
Walt Disney Imagineering
Associate Lab Director - Disney Research
$170,933/yr
$154,708
$187,158
RANGE: $154,708 - $187,158
Cedars-Sinai
Research Associate I - Heeger Lab - Department of Medicine
$102,674/yr
$91,738
$113,610
RANGE: $91,738 - $113,610
UCLA Health
Staff Research Associate I - Animal Lab, Westwood
$140,139/yr
$124,862
$155,415
RANGE: $124,862 - $155,415
CEDARS-SINAI
Research Associate III - Anastassiou Lab - Department of Neurosurgery
$111,335/yr
$100,808
$121,861
RANGE: $100,808 - $121,861

Open Lab Research Associate Jobs in California

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Lab Research Associate Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Lab Research Associate can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Lab Research Associate job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Lab Research Associate jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Lab Research Associate positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Lab Research Associate salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Lab Research Associate salary is $119,099 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Lab Research Associate salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Lab Research Associate in California is $104,151, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Lab Research Associate jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Lab Research Associate jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $119,099 $9,925 $2,290 $57
Santa Clara $119,099 $9,925 $2,290 $57
Fremont $118,872 $9,906 $2,286 $57
San Francisco $117,928 $9,827 $2,268 $57
Daly City $117,928 $9,827 $2,268 $57
Berkeley $115,312 $9,609 $2,218 $55
Oakland $115,312 $9,609 $2,218 $55
Hayward $115,123 $9,594 $2,214 $55
Antioch $108,797 $9,066 $2,092 $52
Vallejo $106,228 $8,852 $2,043 $51

What Does a Lab Research Associate Do?

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists perform lab tests, and many of their duties are similar to the tasks carried out by lab research assistants.
Updated November 05, 2021
– because laboratories are collaborative environments where several researchers work on the same project, good verbal and written communication skills are a must-have for lab research assistants.
Updated October 21, 2021
– some computer skills are needed for lab research assistants to record data, log test samples, and create detailed lab reports.
Updated October 05, 2021
– lab research assistants analyze their research findings and record data, which requires strong critical thinking abilities.
Updated December 21, 2021
Natalia Shustova joins the lab as a Posstdoctoral Associate after receiving a PhD in fullerene chemistry from Colorado State University.
Updated December 16, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Lab Research Associate Salaries

What is the average of a Lab Research Associate in California?

The Lab Research Associate salary range is from $84,500 to $122,362, and the average Lab Research Associate salary is $104,151/year in California. The Lab Research Associate's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Lab Research Associate salary in the United States?

The Lab Research Associate salary in San Jose, CA is $119,099 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Lab Research Associate's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Lab Research Associate.

What is the growth rate of the Lab Research Associate's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Lab Research Associate or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Lab Research Associate.