As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Operations Manager in the United States is $120,683 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Lab Operations Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lab Operations Manager'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 a Lab Operations Manager'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Laboratory Supervisor | 4+ years | $83,867 |
| Clinical Laboratory Senior Supervisor | 3-5 years | $98,971 |
| Lab Operations Manager | 5+ years | $120,665 |
| Clinical Lab Services Senior Manager | 5+ years | $146,468 |
| Research Laboratory Director | 5+ years | $171,720 |
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 Lab Operations Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.98% |
| Calibration | 2.56% |
| Regulatory Compliance | 1.77% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$126,717 |
5%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$125,510 |
4%
|
|
Pathology
|
$125,510 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$125,510 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$125,510 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$125,510 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lab Operations Managers 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 a Lab Operations Manager with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $111,747 and $120,033).
Lab Operations Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 3.8% |
| Associates | 6.9% |
| Bachelors | 53.1% |
| Masters | 30.2% |
| Doctorate | 5.7% |
Understanding how a Lab Operations Manager'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 April 01, 2026For a Lab Operations Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Clinical Lab Services Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $146,500 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for a Lab Operations Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $105,042 in 2023 to around $105,055 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lab Operations Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $105,042 |
| 2024 | $105,933 |
| 2025 | $105,055 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Operations Manager typically earns a higher salary than an HR Manager. For instance, the salary range for a Lab Operations Manager is between $108,023 and $141,693, with a midpoint of $124,073. This reflects the broader responsibilities and impact on overall business operations compared to the more focused role of HR management.
An Operations Manager typically earns a higher salary than an HR Manager. For instance, the salary range for a Lab Operations Manager is between $108,023 and $141,693, with a midpoint of $124,073. This reflects the broader responsibilities and impact on overall business operations compared to the more focused role of HR management.
As of now, the salary range for a Lab Operations Manager is between $108,023 and $141,693 annually, with a midpoint of $124,073. When negotiating your salary, consider aiming for a figure within this range based on your experience and qualifications.
Lab Operations Managers in the US earn between $108,023 and $141,693 annually, with a median salary of $124,073. This translates to a weekly pay range of approximately $2,077 to $2,724, reflecting the competitive nature of this role in the laboratory sector.
A Lab Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily laboratory operations to ensure accurate and timely results while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. This role involves operational laboratory management. The salary for this position typically ranges from $108,023 to $141,693, with a midpoint of $124,073.
The highest salary for a Lab Operations Manager is $141,693. The median salary is $124,073, while the minimum salary starts at $108,023. This reflects a competitive compensation structure within the field, highlighting the value of experienced professionals in lab operations management.
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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