As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Assistant III in the United States is $87,713 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Laboratory Assistant III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Laboratory Assistant 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 Assistant 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Assistant I | 0-2 years | $57,915 |
| Laboratory Assistant II | 2-4 years | $70,002 |
| Laboratory Assistant III | 4-7 years | $87,713 |
| Laboratory Assistant IV | 7+ years | $108,676 |
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 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
|
$95,607 |
9%
|
|
Presentation
|
$93,853 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$92,099 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$92,099 |
5%
|
|
Medical Laboratory
|
$92,099 |
5%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$92,099 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Assistant 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 Assistant III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $84,992 and $93,948).
Laboratory Assistant 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 Assistant 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 April 01, 2026For a Laboratory Assistant III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Laboratory Assistant IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $108,676 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Salaries for a Laboratory Assistant 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 Assistant 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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A Laboratory Assistant III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Laboratory Assistant III is $110,632.
The highest pay for Laboratory Assistant III is $104,504.
The lowest pay for Laboratory Assistant III is $71,153.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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.
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