As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Operations Associate in the United States is $68,775 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Lab Operations Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lab Operations Associate'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.
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 Lab Operations Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.25% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 2.89% |
| Quality Assurance | 1.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Research
|
$72,901 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$72,214 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$72,214 |
5%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$71,526 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$70,150 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$70,150 |
2%
|
For Lab Operations Associate 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, Lab Operations Associate positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Operations Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $85,968 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $82,530 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $79,091 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $75,652 | $36.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $75,652 | $36.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lab Operations Associates 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 Lab Operations Associate with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,135 and $75,011).
Lab Operations Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 15.2% |
| Associates | 8.2% |
| Bachelors | 61.0% |
| Masters | 14.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Lab Operations Associate'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Lab Operations Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,762 in 2023 to around $65,435 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lab Operations Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $65,762 |
| 2024 | $65,645 |
| 2025 | $65,435 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Lab Operations Associate roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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