As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Laboratory Assistant in the United States is $58,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, an Entry Laboratory Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Laboratory 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Laboratory 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Laboratory Assistant | 0-2 years | $57,935 |
| Intermediate Laboratory Assistant | 2-4 years | $70,042 |
| Senior Laboratory Assistant | 4-7 years | $87,776 |
| Expert Laboratory Assistant | 7+ years | $108,759 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Entry Laboratory Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.44% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 2.92% |
| Quality Assurance | 1.92% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Research
|
$66,700 |
15%
|
|
Presentation
|
$64,380 |
11%
|
|
Accountability
|
$62,060 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$62,060 |
7%
|
|
Organizing
|
$62,060 |
7%
|
|
Data Collection
|
$61,480 |
6%
|
Entry Laboratory Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,924. While startup companies pay approximate $54,961.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,961 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $58,117 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $62,705 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $64,924 |
For Entry Laboratory 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, Entry Laboratory Assistant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Laboratory Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $81,200 | $39.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $75,400 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $75,400 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $69,600 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $69,600 | $33.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Laboratory Assistants enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Laboratory Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $52,821 and $58,313).
Entry Laboratory Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 15.9% |
| Associates | 7.6% |
| Bachelors | 68.8% |
| Masters | 6.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how an Entry Laboratory 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Laboratory Assistant, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Research Associate - Biotech | $62,500 | 8% |
| Intermediate Laboratory Assistant | $70,100 | 21% |
Salaries for an Entry Laboratory Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,738 in 2023 to around $54,504 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Laboratory Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,738 |
| 2024 | $54,710 |
| 2025 | $54,504 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Laboratory Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
In the USA, Entry Laboratory Assistants earn between $51,600 and $71,600 annually, with a median salary of approximately $60,800. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on industry data, providing a clearer picture of compensation for this role.
How much does an Entry Laboratory Assistant make? As of now, the salary range for this position in the United States is between $51,600 and $71,600 annually, with a median salary of $60,800. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $24.80 to $34.43, depending on experience and location.
Entry-level positions often come with lower salaries, but this isn't always the case. For example, an Entry Laboratory Assistant can expect a salary ranging from $51,600 to $71,600, with a midpoint of $60,800. While starting salaries may be modest, these roles offer valuable learning opportunities and a pathway to career advancement.
A Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) is indeed a healthcare worker, playing a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients. The salary for an Entry Laboratory Assistant ranges from $51,600 to $71,600, with a mid-range salary of $60,800, reflecting the importance of their contributions to the healthcare team.
The highest salary for an Entry Laboratory Assistant is ₹71,600 per year. Salary estimates range from a minimum of ₹51,600 to a mid-level of ₹60,800, reflecting the varying compensation across different industries.
In the USA, Entry Laboratory Assistants earn between $51,600 and $71,600 annually. The median salary is approximately $60,800. This reflects a competitive pay scale, with the lowest earners starting at $51,600 and the highest reaching up to $71,600.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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