As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Operations Associate in the United States is $71,829 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Laboratory Operations Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Laboratory Operations Associate'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 Laboratory Operations Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.25% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 2.89% |
| Quality Assurance | 1.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Research
|
$76,138 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$75,420 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$75,420 |
5%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$74,702 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$73,265 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$73,265 |
2%
|
For Laboratory Operations Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Laboratory Operations Associate positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Operations Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $89,786 | $43.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $86,194 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $82,603 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $79,011 | $38.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $79,011 | $38.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Operations Associates 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 Laboratory Operations Associate with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,135 and $75,011).
Laboratory Operations Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 15.2% |
| Associates | 8.2% |
| Bachelors | 61.0% |
| Masters | 14.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Operations Associate'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, 2026Salaries for a Laboratory Operations Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,099 in 2023 to around $65,771 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Laboratory Operations Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $66,099 |
| 2024 | $65,982 |
| 2025 | $65,771 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Operations Associate roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.)
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