As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Technician III in South Dakota is $79,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
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, 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 | $52,651 |
| Intermediate Laboratory Assistant | 2-4 years | $63,654 |
| Laboratory Technician III | 4-7 years | $79,771 |
| Expert Laboratory Assistant | 7+ years | $98,840 |
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:
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 $89,316. While startup companies pay approximate $75,610.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,610 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,950 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $86,262 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $89,316 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $95,748 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $95,748 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $91,758 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $91,758 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $87,769 | $42.0 | 10% |
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 August 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 $98,900 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Laboratory Technician III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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