As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Worker in the United States is $27,928 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $13.
However, a Lab Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lab Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $29,978 | $2,498 | $576 | $14 |
| Average | $27,928 | $2,327 | $537 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,246 | $2,187 | $505 | $13 |
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A Lab Worker'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 Worker'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lab Worker | $27,998 |
| Intermediate Level Lab Worker | $28,279 |
| Senior Level Lab Worker | $29,042 |
| Specialist Level Lab Worker | $29,146 |
| Expert Level Lab Worker | $29,319 |
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 Workers. 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 Worker roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Hospitality & Leisure, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Lab Worker positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lab Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality & Leisure | $33,514 | $16.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lab Worker'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 | $29,978 | $2,498 | $576 | $14 |
| Average | $27,928 | $2,327 | $537 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,246 | $2,187 | $505 | $13 |
Salaries for a Lab Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $35,266 in 2023 to around $34,450 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lab Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $35,266 |
| 2024 | $34,684 |
| 2025 | $34,450 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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