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Hourly Wage for Laboratory Technician II Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Laboratory Technician II?

As of October 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Laboratory Technician II in the United States is $34, which translates to an annual salary of about $70,090.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $39 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $29 to $37 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $25 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Technician II Salaries

A Laboratory Technician II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Laboratory Technician II 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 Laboratory Technician IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $77,590.
  • California: $77,290.
  • Massachusetts: $76,290.

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Technician IIs

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: $88,390
  • San Francisco: $87,490
  • Oakland: $85,590

What Skills Can Increase a Laboratory Technician II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.25% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 2.89% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
  • Quality Assurance (Mentioned in 1.88% Job Postings): Verifying the adherence of product with required specifications and expectations to track and resolve deficiencies prior to product release.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.25%
Laboratory Equipment 2.89%
Quality Assurance 1.88%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Laboratory Technician II's salary.

  • Clinical Research: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Clinical Research $74,295
6%
Collaboration $73,595
5%
Presentation $73,595
5%
Get Latest Data

Laboratory Technician II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Laboratory Technician II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $78,263. While startup companies pay approximate $66,308.

Laboratory Technician II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $66,308
Growth Stage 51~500 $70,100
Established 501~5000 $75,578
Enterprise 5000+ $78,263

Laboratory Technician II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Laboratory Technician II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Laboratory Technician positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Technician II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Technician II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$87,612$42.025%
Biotechnology$84,108$40.020%
Business Services$80,604$39.015%
Aerospace & Defense$77,099$37.010%
Chemicals$77,099$37.010%

How Education impacts a Laboratory Technician II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Technician IIs 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 II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $67,829 and $74,690).

Laboratory Technician II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Laboratory Technician II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 15.2%
Associates 8.2%
Bachelors 61.0%
Masters 14.2%
Doctorate 0.4%
View as Graph

Laboratory Technician II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Laboratory Technician II'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 October 01, 2026
$60,290
Average $70,090/year
$76,090
$5,024
Average $5,841/month
$6,341
$1,159
Average $1,348/week
$1,463
$29
Average $34/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $76,090 $6,341 $1,463 $37
Average $70,090 $5,841 $1,348 $34
25th Percentile $60,290 $5,024 $1,159 $29

Most common benefits for Laboratory Technician II

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

Common company salaries for Laboratory Technician II

Here are companies hiring for Laboratory Technician II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Laboratory Technician II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Laboratory Technician II?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Technician II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary of a lab technician?

The highest salary that a Lab Technician can earn is ₹90,590 per year. This translates to approximately ₹7.5 Lakhs annually or ₹62,000 monthly. The top-paying industries for Lab Technicians often include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research organizations, which typically offer competitive compensation packages.

3. What is an entry level lab technician?

Entry-level laboratory technicians typically earn between $65,590 and $90,590 annually, with a median salary of $77,690. They operate diagnostic equipment, manage chemicals, and assist in lab operations under the supervision of senior staff. Following directions accurately is crucial for success in this role.

4. What is a laboratory technician II?

A Laboratory Technician II performs technical laboratory work, conducting standard analytical and diagnostic tests or preparatory procedures for more complex tests in various specialized facilities. The salary for this position ranges from $65,590 to $90,590, with a mid-point salary of $77,690, reflecting the technician's expertise and responsibilities.

5. What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid laboratory technicians can earn salaries significantly above the average range. For instance, Clinical Scientists can make between $83,500 and $142,000 annually. In comparison, the salary data for laboratory technicians shows a minimum of $65,590, a mid-range of $77,690, and a maximum of $90,590, indicating potential for higher earnings in specialized roles.

6. What is a technician 2?

A Technician II is responsible for skilled tasks involving the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of various systems, including mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural systems. The salary for this position typically ranges from $65,590 to $90,590, with a mid-point salary of $77,690, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.

7. Which technician pays the most?

The highest-paying technician role is the Laboratory Technician, with a salary range from $65,590 to $90,590. The median salary for this position is $77,690, making it a lucrative option in the technical field. Other high-paying technical jobs include avionics technicians and engineering technicians, but Laboratory Technicians offer competitive compensation.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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