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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Technician I in North Carolina is $55,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Laboratory Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Laboratory Technician I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,390 | $5,033 | $1,161 | $29 |
| Average | $55,090 | $4,591 | $1,059 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,990 | $4,083 | $942 | $24 |
Microbac - Wilson, NC
Vulcan Elements - Durham, NC
Warren Oil Company, Inc. - Dunn, NC
BioIVT - Durham, NC
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, 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 | $55,056 |
| Intermediate Laboratory Assistant | 2-4 years | $66,561 |
| Senior Laboratory Assistant | 4-7 years | $83,414 |
| Expert Laboratory Assistant | 7+ years | $103,354 |
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:
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:
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 $61,667. While startup companies pay approximate $52,204.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,204 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $55,201 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $59,559 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $61,667 |
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 | $77,126 | $37.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $71,617 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $71,617 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $66,108 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $66,108 | $32.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $60,390 | $5,033 | $1,161 | $29 |
| Average | $55,090 | $4,591 | $1,059 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,990 | $4,083 | $942 | $24 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Laboratory Technician I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Research Associate - Biotech | $59,400 | 8% |
| Intermediate Laboratory Assistant | $66,600 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Laboratory Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Mastech Digital
Durham, NC
Mastech Digital | Durham, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: QC Analyst / Laboratory Technician. Location: Durham, NC (100% Onsite). Duration: 12 Months Contingent with po... more
3 Days Ago
Saratoga Ascend
Camp Lejeune, NC
Saratoga Ascend | Camp Lejeune, NC
Medical Lab Technician. Saratoga Medical has a full-time opening for a Medical Lab Technician to work on Camp Lejeune. Position is 40 hours a week schedule... more
3 Days Ago
UNC Health Blue Ridge
Morganton, NC
UNC Health Blue Ridge | Morganton, NC
Job Opportunity At UNC Health Blue Ridge. At UNC Health Blue Ridge, we live our mission by enhancing the lives of every patient and resident we serve. We b... more
3 Days Ago
Cone Health
Greensboro, NC
Cone Health | Greensboro, NC
Medical Laboratory Technician II. The Medical Laboratory Technician II is responsible for performing, analyzing, and releasing laboratory tests on specimen... more
4 Days Ago
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Greensboro, NC
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated | Greensboro, NC
Medical Laboratory Technician I - Greensboro, NC - 3 X 12hour. Friday- Sunday 6PM-630AM. Perform routine lab tests under the direction of senior laboratory... more
6 Days Ago
Phenom People
Wilson, NC
Phenom People | Wilson, NC
Job Opportunity. People are our passion and purpose. Work where you are appreciated for who you are not just what you can do. At Wilson Medical Center, a 2... more
6 Days Ago
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