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Hourly Wage for Laboratory Technician III Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Laboratory Technician III?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $50 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38 to $46 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Technician III Salaries

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.

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Technician IIIs

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: $110,790
  • San Francisco: $109,590
  • Oakland: $107,290

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 4.18% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Pathology (Mentioned in 3.11% Job Postings): Analyzing and reviewing the cause, origin, and nature of diseases and illnesses to provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment plans.
  • Patient Care (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): Patient care refers to the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of physical and mental well-being through services offered by health professionals.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 4.18%
Pathology 3.11%
Patient Care 1.97%

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 III's salary.

  • CPT: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
CPT $95,800
9%
Presentation $94,042
7%
Problem Solving $92,285
5%

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

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.

Laboratory Technician III Salary by Company Size

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

Laboratory Technician III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Laboratory Technician III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Laboratory Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Technician III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Technician III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$105,468$51.020%
Software & Networking$105,468$51.020%
Biotechnology$101,073$49.015%
Financial Services$101,073$49.015%
Aerospace & Defense$96,679$46.010%

How Education impacts a Laboratory Technician III's Salary?

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).

Laboratory Technician III Salaries by Degree Level

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%

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

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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$78,890
Average $87,890/year
$96,290
$6,574
Average $7,324/month
$8,024
$1,517
Average $1,690/week
$1,852
$38
Average $42/hour
$46
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

Most common benefits for Laboratory Technician III

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

Common company salaries for Laboratory Technician III

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

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FAQ about Laboratory Technician III

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Technician III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the difference between lab tech 3 and 4?

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.

3. How much does a Level 3 earn in USA?

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.

4. Is MLT better than MLS?

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.

5. What is a level 3 laboratory technician?

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.

6. What is level 3 qualification equivalent to in the US?

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.

7. Is lab technician a stressful job?

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.

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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