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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Scientist in Missouri is $95,949 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Lab Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lab Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $107,932 | $8,994 | $2,076 | $52 |
| Average | $95,949 | $7,996 | $1,845 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,316 | $6,943 | $1,602 | $40 |
Aya Healthcare - Saint Louis, MO
The University of Kansas Health System - Liberty, MO
Aya Healthcare - Maryville, MO
University of Missouri Health System - Columbia, MO
A Lab Scientist'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lab Scientist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Clinical ... Level Lab Scientist | $59,989 |
| Clinical ... Level Lab Scientist | $69,415 |
| Lab Scien... Level Lab Scientist | $98,581 |
| Clinical ... Level Lab Scientist | $106,495 |
| Clinical ... Level Lab Scientist | $158,548 |
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 Lab Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Lab Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Lab Scientist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $143,923 | $69.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $115,138 | $55.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lab Scientist'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 | $107,932 | $8,994 | $2,076 | $52 |
| Average | $95,949 | $7,996 | $1,845 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,316 | $6,943 | $1,602 | $40 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lab Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Aya Healthcare
Saint Peters, MO
Aya Healthcare | Saint Peters, MO
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) II. Barnes-Jewish St. Peter's Hospital is seeking a full-time Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) II to join its laborato... more
4 Days Ago
HCA Healthcare
Kansas City, MO
HCA Healthcare | Kansas City, MO
Medical Technologist. Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a Medical Lab Scientist. At Research Medical Center, you come first. HCA H... more
4 Days Ago
Phelps Health
Rolla, MO
Phelps Health | Rolla, MO
Medical Laboratory Scientist. Phelps Health is a 2000-employee-strong hospital and healthcare system serving the heart of small-town Missouri. No matter wh... more
5 Days Ago
Boone Health
Columbia, MO
Boone Health | Columbia, MO
Job Title. The Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) II performs specimen processing and routine I complex testing on blood and o... more
4 Days Ago
K.A. Recruiting
Warrensburg, MO
K.A. Recruiting | Warrensburg, MO
Medical Laboratory Scientist / Medical Lab Technician. The MLT/MT Registered will work in all areas of the laboratory including chemistry, microbiology, bl... more
1 Day Ago
Skaggs Community Hospital Association
Branson, MO
Skaggs Community Hospital Association | Branson, MO
Description :Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist perform tests on blood and body fluids to determine the presence or absence of disease, moni... more
5 Days Ago
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