As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Research Support Technician I in the United States is $45,033 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Lab Research Support Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lab Research 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 Research 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 Research Support Technician I | 0-1 years | $45,013 |
| Lab Operations Support Technician II | 1-3 years | $52,034 |
| Lab Operations Support Technician III | 3-5 years | $71,497 |
| Lab Operations Support Technician IV | 5-7 years | $84,393 |
| Clinical Laboratory Supervisor | 7+ years | $83,871 |
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 Research Support Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lab Research 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 Research Support Technician I with a No Diploma is between $40,822 and $43,816).
Lab Research Support Technician I Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 Research 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 May 01, 2026For a Lab Research 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 Research 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 Research Support Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $38,426 |
| 2024 | $38,245 |
| 2025 | $37,896 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lab Research Support Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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As of now, the salary for a Lab Research Support Technician in the United States ranges from $39,553 to $53,073 annually, with a median salary of $45,343. This translates to approximately $19.00 to $25.50 per hour, or about $3,296 to $4,423 per month.
The average salary for a Lab Research Support Technician ranges from $39,553 to $53,073, with a midpoint of $45,343. In top-paying cities like San Francisco, the annual salary can reach $57,224, significantly above the national average, highlighting the potential for higher earnings in specific locations.
The highest salary that a Lab Research Support Technician can earn is $53,073 per year. This translates to approximately $4,423 per month. The top-paying industries for Lab Technicians often include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research institutions.
Becoming a Lab Research Support Technician can be a rewarding career in America. With a salary range from $39,553 to $53,073, it offers competitive compensation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in this field by 2029, indicating strong job stability and opportunities for advancement, making it an attractive option for many.
To become a lab researcher, you should complete a bachelor's degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related field like chemistry or microbiology. Gaining practical experience through a clinical laboratory program or internship is essential. As a Lab Research Support Technician, you can expect a salary ranging from $39,553 to $53,073, with a median of $45,343.
Lab Research Support Technicians in the USA earn between $39,553 and $53,073, with a median salary of approximately $45,343. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role.
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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