As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Life Science Technician in the United States is $54,412 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Life Science Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Life Science Technician'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Life Science Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.88% |
| Quality Assurance | 3.14% |
| Instrument Maintenance | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$72,368 |
33%
|
|
Service Excellence
|
$62,574 |
15%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$58,221 |
7%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$58,221 |
7%
|
|
Specimen Collection
|
$56,588 |
4%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$56,588 |
4%
|
For Life Science Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 95% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Life Science Technician positions in Telecom or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Life Science Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $76,177 | $37.0 | 40% |
| Healthcare | $70,736 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $65,294 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $59,853 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $57,133 | $27.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Life Science Technicians enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Life Science Technician with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $57,391 and $61,046).
Life Science Technician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 12.3% |
| Associates | 52.9% |
| Bachelors | 32.0% |
| Masters | 2.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a Life Science 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Life Science Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,000 in 2023 to around $53,135 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Life Science Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $54,000 |
| 2024 | $53,762 |
| 2025 | $53,135 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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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