As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Preparator in Chilhowie, VA is $48,297 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Preparator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Preparator'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Preparator'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 |
|---|---|
| Laborator... Level Preparator | $42,455 |
| Preparato... Level Preparator | $49,081 |
| Laborator... Level Preparator | $67,478 |
| Laborator... Level Preparator | $79,642 |
| Laborator... Level Preparator | $79,096 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.43% |
| Phlebotomy | 3.41% |
| Medical Laboratory | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Diagnostic
|
$53,127 |
10%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$51,678 |
7%
|
|
Product Testing
|
$51,195 |
6%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$50,229 |
4%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$50,229 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$50,229 |
4%
|
For Preparator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Preparator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Preparator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $57,957 | $28.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $55,542 | $27.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $54,093 | $26.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $54,093 | $26.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $53,127 | $26.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Preparator'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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Preparator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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