As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Assistant II in Iowa is $67,021 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Laboratory Assistant II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Laboratory Assistant II Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $72,718 | $6,060 | $1,398 | $35 |
| Average | $67,021 | $5,585 | $1,289 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,631 | $4,803 | $1,108 | $28 |
Northwest Iowa Community College - Sheldon, IA
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa - Riverside, IA
Aya Healthcare - Cedar Rapids, IA
A Laboratory Assistant II'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 Assistant II'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 | $55,439 |
| Laboratory Assistant II | 2-4 years | $67,021 |
| Laboratory Assistant III | 4-7 years | $83,986 |
| Laboratory Assistant IV | 7+ years | $104,062 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Laboratory Assistant II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,972. While startup companies pay approximate $63,444.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $63,444 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $67,089 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $72,410 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $74,972 |
For Laboratory Assistant II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Laboratory Assistant positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Assistant II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $83,776 | $40.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $80,425 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $77,074 | $37.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $73,723 | $35.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $73,723 | $35.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Assistant II'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $72,718 | $6,060 | $1,398 | $35 |
| Average | $67,021 | $5,585 | $1,289 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,631 | $4,803 | $1,108 | $28 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Laboratory Assistant II, 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 III - Biotech | $66,064 | -1% |
| Laboratory Assistant III | $83,986 | 25% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Laboratory Assistant II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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