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Lab Operations Support Technician I Salary in the United States

How much does a Lab Operations Support Technician I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Operations Support Technician I in the United States is $45,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Lab Operations Support Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $51,968
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,590 to $48,690
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,403

Key Factors That Influence Lab Operations Support Technician I Salaries

A Lab Operations Support Technician I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Lab Operations Support Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lab Operations Support Technician I'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:

  • Lab Operations Support Technician I (0-1 years): $45,028
  • Lab Operations Support Technician II (1-3 years): $52,056
  • Lab Operations Support Technician III (3-5 years): $71,583
  • Lab Operations Support Technician IV (5-7 years): $84,485
  • Clinical Laboratory Supervisor (7+ years): $95,029
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Lab Operations Support Technician I0-1 years$45,028
Lab Operations Support Technician II1-3 years$52,056
Lab Operations Support Technician III3-5 years$71,583
Lab Operations Support Technician IV5-7 years$84,485
Clinical Laboratory Supervisor7+ years$95,029

How Do Lab Operations Support Technician I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Support Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $49,890.
  • California: $49,690.
  • Massachusetts: $49,090.

Top Paying Cities for Lab Operations Support Technician Is

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:

  • San Jose: $56,790
  • San Francisco: $56,190
  • Oakland: $54,990

Lab Operations Support Technician I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Lab Operations Support Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,390. While startup companies pay approximate $42,625.

Lab Operations Support Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,625
Growth Stage 51~500 $45,080
Established 501~5000 $48,658
Enterprise 5000+ $50,390

Lab Operations Support Technician I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lab Operations Support Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lab Operations Support Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Operations Support Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lab Operations Support Technician I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$54,108$26.020%
Aerospace & Defense$49,599$24.010%
Energy & Utilities$49,599$24.010%
Transportation$49,148$24.09%
Insurance$48,697$23.08%

How Education impacts a Lab Operations Support Technician I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lab Operations Support Technician Is enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Support Technician I with a No Diploma is between $40,851 and $43,821).

Lab Operations Support Technician I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Lab Operations Support Technician I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 50.0%
High School 50.0%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 50.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

Lab Operations Support Technician I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lab Operations Support Technician I'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 September 01, 2026
$41,590
Average $45,090/year
$48,690
$3,466
Average $3,758/month
$4,058
$800
Average $867/week
$936
$20
Average $22/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $48,690 $4,058 $936 $23
Average $45,090 $3,758 $867 $22
25th Percentile $41,590 $3,466 $800 $20

Lab Operations Support Technician I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Lab Operations Support Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lab Operations Support Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $52,100 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Lab Operations Support Technician I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Lab Operations Support Technician I

Here are companies hiring for Lab Operations Support Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Lab Operations Support Technician I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Lab Operations Support Technician I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Lab Operations Support Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the difference between a lab technician and a medical lab technician?

Lab technicians and medical lab technicians both conduct tests on biological samples, but they differ in education and responsibilities. Medical lab technicians typically handle routine tasks under the supervision of medical lab scientists, who have advanced training. Salaries for lab operations support technicians range from $39,590 to $53,090, with a median of $45,390.

3. What does an operations support technician do?

An Operations Support Technician provides training on hardware and software for end-users, performs testing and documentation activities, and documents operational problems. They communicate with vendors, users, and other IT staff. The salary for this role ranges from $39,590 to $53,090, with a mid-point of $45,390.

4. Which technician pays the most?

The Lab Operations Support Technician has a salary range of $39,590 to $53,090 per year, with a midpoint of $45,390. While this role offers a competitive salary, high-paying engineering technician jobs, such as Lab Engineers, can earn between $76,500 and $125,000 annually, making them more lucrative options in the field.

5. Is a lab tech a good job?

A lab tech is a promising career choice, with a growing demand projected at 7% through 2029, making entry-level positions more accessible. Salary ranges for Lab Operations Support Technicians are competitive, with a minimum of $39,590, a mid-range of $45,390, and a maximum of $53,090, reflecting the value of this essential role in healthcare.

6. How much does an operations support specialist make in the US?

The salary for a Lab Operations Support Technician in the US ranges from a minimum of $39,590 to a maximum of $53,090, with a mid-range salary of $45,390. This reflects a more specialized role compared to the broader operations support specialist positions, which can earn significantly higher salaries.

7. What is lab operations technician?

Laboratory Operations Technicians at Spotlight Safety are responsible for conducting routine safety equipment checks, restocking lab supplies, and managing biological and hazardous chemical waste areas. This role ensures smooth laboratory operations while adhering to federal, state, and local regulations. The salary for this position ranges from $39,590 to $53,090, with a midpoint of $45,390.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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