As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DRA in the United States is $52,491 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a DRA's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A DRA'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 DRA'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 DRA | $44,551 |
| DRA Level DRA | $51,504 |
| Laborator... Level DRA | $70,810 |
| Laborator... Level DRA | $83,575 |
| Laborator... Level DRA | $83,002 |
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 DRAs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.43% |
| Phlebotomy | 3.41% |
| Medical Laboratory | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Diagnostic
|
$57,741 |
10%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$56,166 |
7%
|
|
Product Testing
|
$55,641 |
6%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$54,591 |
4%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$54,591 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,591 |
4%
|
For DRA 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, DRA positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view DRA as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $62,990 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $60,365 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $58,790 | $28.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $58,790 | $28.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,741 | $28.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a DRA'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, 2026Salaries for a DRA can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,693 in 2023 to around $42,089 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of DRA salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,693 |
| 2024 | $42,547 |
| 2025 | $42,089 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for DRA roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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