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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Scientist in South Carolina is $94,626 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
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 | $106,444 | $8,870 | $2,047 | $51 |
| Average | $94,626 | $7,885 | $1,820 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,167 | $6,847 | $1,580 | $40 |
Lexington Health Inc - Chapin, SC
Novant Health - Hilton Head Island, SC
Novant Health - Hardeeville, SC
Novant Health - Summerville, SC
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 | $59,162 |
| Clinical ... Level Lab Scientist | $68,458 |
| Lab Scien... Level Lab Scientist | $97,222 |
| Clinical ... Level Lab Scientist | $105,026 |
| Clinical ... Level Lab Scientist | $156,362 |
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 | $141,939 | $68.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $113,551 | $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 | $106,444 | $8,870 | $2,047 | $51 |
| Average | $94,626 | $7,885 | $1,820 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,167 | $6,847 | $1,580 | $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.
Tenet Healthcare
Rock Hill, SC
Tenet Healthcare | Rock Hill, SC
Job Description. Medical Lab Scientists perform various tests to analyze the blood, body fluids and tissues as ordered by healthcare personnel. Under the g... more
2 Days Ago
Novant Health
Bluffton, SC
Novant Health | Bluffton, SC
Medical Lab Scientist I (MLS). Novant Health is seeking a Medical Lab Scientist I (MLS) for our brand NEW Bluffton Free Standing Emergency Department. Come... more
3 Days Ago
Novant Health
Hilton Head Island, SC
Novant Health | Hilton Head Island, SC
Laboratory Scientist. Team member is responsible for performing all laboratory procedures, including quality control, specimen collection, processing, test... more
4 Days Ago
Prisma Health
Columbia, SC
Prisma Health | Columbia, SC
Job Title. Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference. Job Summary. Conducts routine and stat laboratory tests for use in diagnosis and treat... more
4 Days Ago
Bon Secours
Greenville, SC
Bon Secours | Greenville, SC
Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) - St. Francis Eastside. The Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) is responsible for performing the routine test on blood, tissues, and o... more
3 Days Ago
Novant Health
Hilton Head Island, SC
Novant Health | Hilton Head Island, SC
Point-of-Care Laboratory Specialist. This role serves as a Point-of-Care (POC) Laboratory Specialist, supporting assigned facilities with quality, complian... more
1 Day Ago
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