Laboratory Processing Assistant Salary in the United States

How much does a Laboratory Processing Assistant make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Processing Assistant in the United States is $58,228 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Laboratory Processing Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,886
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,994 to $63,807
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,318

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Processing Assistant Salaries

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

How Do Laboratory Processing Assistant 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 Laboratory Processing Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $64,470.
  • California: $64,225.
  • Massachusetts: $63,369.

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Processing Assistants

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: $73,443
  • San Francisco: $72,638
  • Oakland: $71,108

What Skills Can Increase a Laboratory Processing Assistant's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.44% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
  • 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 7.44%
Laboratory Equipment 2.92%
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 Laboratory Processing Assistant's salary.

  • Clinical Research: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Clinical Research $66,962
15%
Presentation $64,633
11%
Accountability $62,304
7%

Laboratory Processing Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Laboratory Processing Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Laboratory Processing Assistant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Processing Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Processing Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$81,519$39.040%
Financial Services$75,696$36.030%
Pharmaceuticals$75,696$36.030%
Biotechnology$69,873$34.020%
Healthcare$69,873$34.020%

How Education impacts a Laboratory Processing Assistant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Laboratory Processing Assistants 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 Processing Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $53,027 and $58,571).

Laboratory Processing Assistant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Laboratory Processing Assistant
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 15.9%
Associates 7.6%
Bachelors 68.8%
Masters 6.8%
Doctorate 0.6%

Laboratory Processing Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Laboratory Processing Assistant'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 October 01, 2026
$51,994
Average $58,228/year
$63,807
$4,333
Average $4,852/month
$5,317
$1,000
Average $1,120/week
$1,227
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,807 $5,317 $1,227 $31
Average $58,228 $4,852 $1,120 $28
25th Percentile $51,994 $4,333 $1,000 $25

Most common benefits for Laboratory Processing Assistant

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

Common company salaries for Laboratory Processing Assistant

Here are companies hiring for Laboratory Processing Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Laboratory Processing Assistant

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Laboratory Processing Assistant?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Processing Assistant 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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