As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Support Technician I in the United States is $45,017 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Laboratory Support Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Laboratory Support Technician 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 Support Technician 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 Support Technician I | 0-1 years | $45,017 |
| Laboratory Support Technician II | 1-3 years | $52,040 |
| Laboratory Support Technician III | 3-5 years | $71,519 |
| Laboratory Support Technician IV | 5-7 years | $84,417 |
| Laboratory Supervisor | 7+ years | $83,875 |
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 Support Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Support Technician Is enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Support Technician I with a No Diploma is between $41,012 and $44,024).
Laboratory Support Technician I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Support Technician 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 June 01, 2026For a Laboratory Support Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Laboratory Support Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $52,040 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Laboratory Support Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,426 in 2023 to around $37,896 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Laboratory Support Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $38,426 |
| 2024 | $38,245 |
| 2025 | $37,896 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A Laboratory Support Technician 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 Support Technician I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Laboratory Support Technician I is $56,780.
The highest pay for Laboratory Support Technician I is $52,000.
The lowest pay for Laboratory Support Technician I is $38,296.
Provides routine technical support for laboratory operations. Assembles, configures, and maintains equipment for use in tests and experiments. Responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining cleanrooms and equipment. Operates equipment, prepares chemical solutions, and performs analytical tests as assigned. Records test results and maintains records as instructed. Complies with all safety and operational procedures and policies. Typically requires an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work 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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