As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Laboratory Technician I in the United States is $28, which translates to an annual salary of about $57,990.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Laboratory 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 Laboratory 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Technician I | 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 Laboratory Technician Is. 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
|
$66,689 |
15%
|
|
Presentation
|
$64,369 |
11%
|
|
Accountability
|
$62,049 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$62,049 |
7%
|
|
Organizing
|
$62,049 |
7%
|
|
Data Collection
|
$61,469 |
6%
|
Laboratory Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,913. While startup companies pay approximate $54,952.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,952 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $58,107 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $62,694 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $64,913 |
For Laboratory Technician I 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, Laboratory Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $81,186 | $39.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $75,387 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $75,387 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $69,588 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $69,588 | $33.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Technician Is 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 Laboratory Technician I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $52,811 and $58,303).
Laboratory Technician I 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 a Laboratory 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Laboratory Technician I 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 Laboratory Technician I 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 Laboratory Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Laboratory Technician I is the entry-level position, typically earning between $51,590 and $60,790. Laboratory Technician II, being a first-level supervisory role, generally has a salary range from $60,790 to $71,590. The key difference lies in responsibilities and supervisory duties, with Technician II overseeing the work of Technician I.
The salary for a Laboratory Technician in the USA ranges from $51,590 to $71,590 per year, with a median salary of $60,790. Entry-level positions typically start at $51,590, while experienced technicians can earn up to $71,590 annually.
The highest-paying technician roles typically exceed the salary range of a Laboratory Technician, which is between $51,590 and $71,590 annually. Positions like Lab Engineer can earn between $76,500 and $125,000 per year, making them more lucrative options in the engineering field.
The highest paid Laboratory Technicians can earn significantly more than the average salary range. While the typical salary for a Laboratory Technician is between $51,590 and $71,590, specialized roles such as Clinical Scientists can earn between $83,500 and $142,000 annually, reflecting the potential for higher earnings in advanced positions.
Laboratory technicians earn a median annual salary of $60,790, with a range from $51,590 to $71,590. This salary is competitive compared to biological technicians, though lower than that of chemists and materials scientists. The field is projected to grow by 7% by 2031, adding approximately 21,800 new jobs.
To become a medical laboratory technician, you'll need either an associate or bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science. This degree includes courses in chemistry, biology, math, and statistics, preparing you for an entry-level job. The salary for laboratory technicians ranges from $51,590 to $71,590, with a median salary of $60,790.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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