Laboratory Assistant IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Assistant IV in the United States is $108,780 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $120,883
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,259 to $115,115
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,680

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Assistant IV Salaries

A Laboratory Assistant IV'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.

How Experience Level Affects Laboratory Assistant IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Laboratory Assistant IV'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): $57,940
  • Laboratory Assistant II (2-4 years): $70,052
  • Laboratory Assistant III (4-7 years): $87,792
  • Laboratory Assistant IV (7+ years): $108,780
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Laboratory Assistant I0-2 years$57,940
Laboratory Assistant II2-4 years$70,052
Laboratory Assistant III4-7 years$87,792
Laboratory Assistant IV7+ years$108,780

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Assistant IVs

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: $137,204
  • San Francisco: $135,702
  • Oakland: $132,842

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

Laboratory Assistant IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $121,802. While startup companies pay approximate $103,117.

Laboratory Assistant IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $103,117
Growth Stage 51~500 $109,031
Established 501~5000 $117,634
Enterprise 5000+ $121,802

Laboratory Assistant IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Laboratory Assistant IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% 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 IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Assistant IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$152,292$73.040%
Pharmaceuticals$141,414$68.030%
Financial Services$135,975$65.025%
Biotechnology$130,536$63.020%
Energy & Utilities$125,097$60.015%

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

Understanding how a Laboratory Assistant IV'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 September 01, 2026
$98,259
Average $108,780/year
$115,115
$8,188
Average $9,065/month
$9,593
$1,890
Average $2,092/week
$2,214
$47
Average $52/hour
$55
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $115,115 $9,593 $2,214 $55
Average $108,780 $9,065 $2,092 $52
25th Percentile $98,259 $8,188 $1,890 $47

Most common benefits for Laboratory Assistant IV

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

Common company salaries for Laboratory Assistant IV

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

Find Your Next Laboratory Assistant IV Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Laboratory Assistant IV 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 IV

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

A Laboratory Assistant IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Laboratory Assistant IV is $137,204.

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

The highest pay for Laboratory Assistant IV is $120,883.

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

The lowest pay for Laboratory Assistant IV is $88,680.

4. What are the responsibilities of Laboratory Assistant IV?

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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Assistant IV 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
lower level job