As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Laboratory Assistant I in the United States is $28, which translates to an annual salary of about $57,930.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Laboratory Assistant I'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 Assistant I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Assistant I | 0-2 years | $57,930 |
| Laboratory Assistant II | 2-4 years | $70,032 |
| Laboratory Assistant III | 4-7 years | $87,760 |
| Laboratory Assistant IV | 7+ years | $108,738 |
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 Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.44% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 2.92% |
| Quality Assurance | 1.92% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Research
|
$66,620 |
15%
|
|
Presentation
|
$64,302 |
11%
|
|
Accountability
|
$61,985 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$61,985 |
7%
|
|
Organizing
|
$61,985 |
7%
|
|
Data Collection
|
$61,406 |
6%
|
Laboratory Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,803. While startup companies pay approximate $54,839.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,839 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $57,989 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $62,588 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $64,803 |
For Laboratory Assistant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Laboratory Assistant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $81,102 | $39.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $75,309 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $75,309 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $69,516 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $69,516 | $33.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Assistant Is 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 Assistant I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $53,027 and $58,571).
Laboratory Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 15.9% |
| Associates | 7.6% |
| Bachelors | 68.8% |
| Masters | 6.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Assistant I'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Laboratory Assistant I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,738 in 2023 to around $54,504 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Laboratory Assistant I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,738 |
| 2024 | $54,710 |
| 2025 | $54,504 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Assistant I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Performs research activities in a laboratory environment to aid in the planning, designing, and conducting of experiments. Collects, prepares, and tests samples and records measurements or observations. Prepares reports detailing results and conclusions, applications, and methodology. Conducts routine maintenance and safety checks on lab equipment to ensure working order. Assists with receipt and inspection of raw materials and the ordering and stocking of materials and equipment. May be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining cleanrooms and equipment. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
Laboratory Equipment: Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
Quality Assurance: Verifying the adherence of product with required specifications and expectations to track and resolve deficiencies prior to product release.
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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