Quality Control Laboratory Technician Salary in the United States

How much does a Quality Control Laboratory Technician make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Control Laboratory Technician in the United States is $47,033 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, a Quality Control Laboratory Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,534
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,588 to $52,530
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,630

Key Factors That Influence Quality Control Laboratory Technician Salaries

A Quality Control Laboratory Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Quality Control Laboratory Technician Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Quality Control Laboratory Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $52,075.
  • California: $51,878.
  • Massachusetts: $51,186.

Top Paying Cities for Quality Control Laboratory Technicians

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:

  • San Jose: $59,323
  • San Francisco: $58,673
  • Oakland: $57,437

What Skills Can Increase a Quality Control Laboratory Technician's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 3.62% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Hematology (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Hematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood.
  • Quality Assurance (Mentioned in 1.92% Job Postings): Verifying the adherence of product with required specifications and expectations to track and resolve deficiencies prior to product release.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 3.62%
Hematology 3.33%
Quality Assurance 1.92%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Quality Control Laboratory Technician's salary.

  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Chemistry: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Collaboration $49,385
5%
Coordination $48,914
4%
Chemistry $48,444
3%

Quality Control Laboratory Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Quality Control Laboratory Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Quality Control Laboratory Technician positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Control Laboratory Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$65,846$32.040%
Pharmaceuticals$61,143$29.030%
Healthcare$56,440$27.020%
Internet$51,736$25.010%
Chemicals$49,385$24.05%

Quality Control Laboratory Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Quality Control Laboratory Technician'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 September 01, 2026
$41,588
Average $47,033/year
$52,530
$3,466
Average $3,919/month
$4,377
$800
Average $904/week
$1,010
$20
Average $23/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $52,530 $4,377 $1,010 $25
Average $47,033 $3,919 $904 $23
25th Percentile $41,588 $3,466 $800 $20

Most common benefits for Quality Control Laboratory Technician

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Quality Control Laboratory Technician

Here are companies hiring for Quality Control Laboratory Technician and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Quality Control Laboratory Technician

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Quality Control Laboratory Technician?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality Control Laboratory Technician roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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