As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Water Quality Control Lab Technician in the United States is $79,135 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Water Quality Control Lab Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Water Quality Control Lab Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $85,428 | $7,119 | $1,643 | $41 |
| Average | $79,135 | $6,595 | $1,522 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,983 | $5,499 | $1,269 | $32 |
A Water Quality Control Lab Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Water Quality Control Lab Technician salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,181. While startup companies pay approximate $74,746.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $74,746 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,008 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,169 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $88,181 |
Understanding how a Water Quality Control Lab Technician'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 | $85,428 | $7,119 | $1,643 | $41 |
| Average | $79,135 | $6,595 | $1,522 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,983 | $5,499 | $1,269 | $32 |
For a Water Quality Control Lab Technician, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Water Quality Control Lab Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $124,046 - a projected growth of 57% over your current level.
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A Water Quality Control Lab Technician'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 Water Quality Control Lab Technician earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Water Quality Control Lab Technician is $99,813.
The highest pay for Water Quality Control Lab Technician is $91,158.
The lowest pay for Water Quality Control Lab Technician is $54,008.
Conducts laboratory testing of water and wastewater samples to support quality control and regulatory compliance. Performs laboratory tests and analyses on water and wastewater samples. Prepares samples, reagents, and equipment for testing procedures. Records and reports test results accurately in laboratory systems. Maintains and calibrates laboratory instruments and equipment. Follows quality control and safety protocols during testing. Reports abnormal results and equipment issues to supervisors. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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