As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Technician III in the United States is $87,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Laboratory Technician III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Laboratory Technician III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Laboratory Assistant | 0-2 years | $57,919 |
| Intermediate Laboratory Assistant | 2-4 years | $70,012 |
| Laboratory Technician III | 4-7 years | $87,729 |
| Expert Laboratory Assistant | 7+ years | $108,696 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 4.18% |
| Pathology | 3.11% |
| Patient Care | 1.97% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CPT
|
$95,691 |
9%
|
|
Presentation
|
$93,935 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$92,180 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$92,180 |
5%
|
|
Medical Laboratory
|
$92,180 |
5%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$92,180 |
5%
|
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
| 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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a Laboratory Technician III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Expert Laboratory Assistant role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $108,700 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
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 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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 provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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