As of October 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Laboratory Technician III in the United States is $42, which translates to an annual salary of about $87,890.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Laboratory Technician III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $96,290 | $8,024 | $1,852 | $46 |
| Average | $87,890 | $7,324 | $1,690 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,890 | $6,574 | $1,517 | $38 |
A Laboratory Technician III'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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 4.18% |
| Pathology | 3.11% |
| Patient Care | 1.97% |
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 III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| CPT | $95,800 | |
| Presentation | $94,042 | |
| Problem Solving | $92,285 |
Laboratory Technician III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $98,138. While startup companies pay approximate $83,147.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,147 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,903 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $94,772 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $98,138 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Technician IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $84,605 and $93,533).
| Typical Education for Laboratory Technician III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 17.6% |
| Associates | 16.7% |
| Bachelors | 40.7% |
| Masters | 22.2% |
| Doctorate | 1.9% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Technician III'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 | $96,290 | $8,024 | $1,852 | $46 |
| Average | $87,890 | $7,324 | $1,690 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,890 | $6,574 | $1,517 | $38 |
Salaries for a Laboratory Technician III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,250 in 2023 to around $81,034 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Laboratory Technician III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $83,250 |
| 2024 | $82,194 |
| 2025 | $81,034 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Technician III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The difference between Lab Tech 3 and Lab Tech 4 primarily lies in their responsibilities and expertise. Lab Tech 3 focuses on collecting human and animal specimens for tests, while Lab Tech 4 operates advanced laboratory equipment like microscopes and spectrophotometers for research. Salaries for these positions range from $78,490 to $112,490, with a midpoint of $94,990.
A Level 3 Laboratory Technician in the USA typically earns between $78,490 and $112,490 annually. The average salary is around $94,990, translating to approximately $7,916 per month. Top earners can make up to $112,490, while those in the lower range may earn around $78,490 per year.
Upon completing the program and earning certification, MLTs can expect a salary ranging from $78,490 to $112,490, with a mid-salary of $94,990 for entry-level positions in laboratories. In contrast, medical lab scientists (MLS) have more education and responsibilities, which typically leads to higher earning potential.
A Level 3 Laboratory Technician plays a crucial role in utilizing advanced technology for routine and specialized laboratory testing, as well as providing technical support across the organization. The salary for this position ranges from $78,490 to $112,490, with a mid-point salary of $94,990, reflecting the technician's expertise and responsibilities.
A Level 3 qualification in the UK is equivalent to A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3, and Advanced Apprenticeship. In the US, it corresponds to a High School Diploma or GED. For a Laboratory Technician, the salary ranges from $78,490 to $112,490, with a mid-salary of $94,990.
While lab technicians generally report high job satisfaction, the role can be stressful, with over 85% experiencing burnout at some point, according to an AACC survey. The salary range for lab technicians varies, with a minimum of $78,490, a mid-range of $94,990, and a maximum of $112,490, reflecting the responsibilities and challenges of the job.
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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