Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Laboratory Assistant I Salary in the United States

How much does a Laboratory Assistant I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Assistant I in the United States is $57,935 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Laboratory Assistant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,507
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,543 to $63,469
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,723
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Assistant I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Laboratory Assistant I Salaries?

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:

  • Laboratory Assistant I (0-2 years): $57,935
  • Laboratory Assistant II (2-4 years): $70,042
  • Laboratory Assistant III (4-7 years): $87,776
  • Laboratory Assistant IV (7+ years): $108,759
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Laboratory Assistant I0-2 years$57,935
Laboratory Assistant II2-4 years$70,042
Laboratory Assistant III4-7 years$87,776
Laboratory Assistant IV7+ years$108,759
View as Graph

How Do Laboratory Assistant Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $64,146.
  • California: $63,902.
  • Massachusetts: $63,051.

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Assistant I

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: $73,073
  • San Francisco: $72,273
  • Oakland: $70,750

What Skills Can Increase a Laboratory Assistant I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.44% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
  • Quality Assurance (Mentioned in 1.92% Job Postings): Verifying the adherence of product with required specifications and expectations to track and resolve deficiencies prior to product release.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.44%
Laboratory Equipment 2.92%
Quality Assurance 1.92%
See More Skills

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 Assistant I's salary.

  • Clinical Research: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Clinical Research $66,625
15%
Presentation $64,308
11%
Accountability $61,990
7%
Get Latest Data

Laboratory Assistant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $64,852. While startup companies pay approximate $54,900.

Laboratory Assistant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $54,900
Growth Stage 51~500 $58,051
Established 501~5000 $62,635
Enterprise 5000+ $64,852

Laboratory Assistant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Assistant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$81,109$39.040%
Financial Services$75,316$36.030%
Pharmaceuticals$75,316$36.030%
Biotechnology$69,522$33.020%
Healthcare$69,522$33.020%

How Education impacts an Laboratory Assistant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Assistant I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Laboratory Assistant I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $53,887 and $59,386.

Laboratory Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Laboratory Assistant I
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%
View as Graph

Laboratory Assistant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 August 01, 2026
$51,543
Average $57,935/year
$63,469
$4,295
Average $4,828/month
$5,289
$991
Average $1,114/week
$1,221
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,469 $5,289 $1,221 $31
Average $57,935 $4,828 $1,114 $28
25th Percentile $51,543 $4,295 $991 $25

Laboratory Assistant I Salary Growth & Career Path

Laboratory Assistant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Laboratory Assistant I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Research Technician II - Biotech $62,464 8%
Laboratory Assistant II $70,042 21%

Most common benefits for Laboratory Assistant I

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

Common company salaries for Laboratory Assistant I

Here are companies hiring for Laboratory Assistant I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Laboratory Assistant I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Laboratory Assistant I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Laboratory Assistant I

1. Where can a Laboratory Assistant I earn the most?

A Laboratory Assistant I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Laboratory Assistant I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Laboratory Assistant I is $73,073.

2. What is the highest pay for Laboratory Assistant I?

The highest pay for Laboratory Assistant I is $68,507.

3. What is the lowest pay for Laboratory Assistant I?

The lowest pay for Laboratory Assistant I is $45,723.

4. What are the responsibilities of Laboratory Assistant I?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Laboratory Assistant I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Assistant I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst