Does Lawrence Berkeley Lab pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Lawrence Berkeley Lab employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.6 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Lawrence Berkeley Lab. This rating has improved by 4% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Lawrence Berkeley Lab?

83% of Lawrence Berkeley Lab employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Lawrence Berkeley Lab 4.3 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.2 for culture and values and 3.7 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Lawrence Berkeley Lab?

Postdoctoral Fellow (133) , Postdoctoral Researcher (57) , Student Assistant (41) , Research Associate (36) , Research Assistant (34) , Research Scientist (33) , Intern (23) , Postdoctoral Scholar (22) , Project Scientist (21) , Graduate Research Assistant (14) , Scientific Engineering Associate (14) , Postdoctoral Research Associate (13) , Undergraduate Research Assistant (12) , Research Affiliate (11) , Research Intern (11)

What are the pros of working at Lawrence Berkeley Lab according to real employee reviews?

"Great people to work with" ((in 122 reviews)); "Good benefits and retirement savings package" ((in 103 reviews)); "The people: My colleagues and my group are great people." ((in 29 reviews)); "Work life balance is good" ((in 27 reviews)); "At least my coworkers were great people" ((in 25 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Lawrence Berkeley Lab according to real employee reviews?

"Postdoc researchers with family might find the salary is low to live in the Bay Area." ((in 91 reviews)); "Same as all grad student research positions… low pay" ((in 60 reviews)); "Limited parking spots are available on site." ((in 39 reviews)); "Poor management and often" ((in 20 reviews)); "Managers hide things from their bosses." ((in 6 reviews))

What are employees saying about Lawrence Berkeley Lab layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Lawrence Berkeley Lab layoffs and their outlook for job security at Lawrence Berkeley Lab in 2026.

Lawrence Berkeley Lab reviews

4.2

83% would recommend to a friend

(1,077 total reviews)

Michael Witherell

87% approve of CEO

76% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Lawrence Berkeley Lab has an employee rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 1,077 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Lawrence Berkeley Lab employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Management et conseil aux entreprises industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

1K reviews

5.0

Oct 14, 2014

Good place when you have good supervisor, but can be too focused on year-to-year funding cycles without long term view

Research associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

A world-class institute for science means that you are surrounded by talented and curious peers. The pay and compensation are good with great benefits.

Cons

Hardest part is that lab does not have long term funding commitments for staff. Instead you and your supervisor need to be continually developing relationships with DOE funders and matching your skills with program manager interests. Since turnover rates for DOE program managers can be high, you end up without clear long term direction required for good science.

4.0

Sep 25, 2014

Good place to make a difference

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The flexible work schedule and government retirement benefits are renowned.

Cons

The adminstrative structure is somewhat confusing.

3.0

Sep 20, 2014

Experience can very a lot depending upon your "credentials"

Staff scientest

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Often many smart people and continuous access to smart UC Berkeley students that flow through. Opportunity to do interesting, impactful and sometimes important work. Opportunities for building professional contacts and reputation. Relaxed environment and great setting.

Cons

Highly political (but where not?), many egos to deal with, little close parking, old buildings, many staff who did great work once but do little but collect $ now.

Viewing 133 - 135 of 1,077 Reviews

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Jobs at Lawrence Berkeley Lab

Custodian (Floor Crew)