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:
Lab Operations Support Technician I Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Next Role
Advancement
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.
Salaries for a Lab Operations Support Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,426 in 2023 to around $37,896 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lab Operations Support Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $38,426 |
| 2024 | $38,245 |
| 2025 | $37,896 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Lab Operations Support Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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