Chemistry Lab Assistant Salary in the United States

How much does a Chemistry Lab Assistant make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemistry Lab Assistant in the United States is $71,253 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,812
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $60,410 to $77,304
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,537

Key Factors That Influence Chemistry Lab Assistant Salaries

A Chemistry Lab 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 Chemistry Lab 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 Chemistry Lab Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $78,892.
  • California: $78,593.
  • Massachusetts: $77,545.

Top Paying Cities for Chemistry Lab 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: $89,872
  • San Francisco: $88,888
  • Oakland: $87,015

What Skills Can Increase a Chemistry Lab Assistant's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.25% 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 2.89% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
  • Quality Assurance (Mentioned in 1.88% 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 7.25%
Laboratory Equipment 2.89%
Quality Assurance 1.88%

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 Chemistry Lab Assistant's salary.

  • Clinical Research: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Clinical Research $75,529
6%
Collaboration $74,816
5%
Presentation $74,816
5%

Chemistry Lab Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chemistry Lab Assistant 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, Chemistry Lab Assistant positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemistry Lab Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chemistry Lab Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$89,067$43.025%
Biotechnology$85,504$41.020%
Business Services$81,941$39.015%
Aerospace & Defense$78,379$38.010%
Chemicals$78,379$38.010%

How Education impacts a Chemistry Lab Assistant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chemistry Lab 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 Chemistry Lab Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,135 and $75,011).

Chemistry Lab Assistant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Chemistry Lab Assistant
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%

Chemistry Lab Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chemistry Lab 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 September 01, 2026
$60,410
Average $71,253/year
$77,304
$5,034
Average $5,938/month
$6,442
$1,162
Average $1,370/week
$1,487
$29
Average $34/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,304 $6,442 $1,487 $37
Average $71,253 $5,938 $1,370 $34
25th Percentile $60,410 $5,034 $1,162 $29

Most common benefits for Chemistry Lab Assistant

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

Common company salaries for Chemistry Lab Assistant

Here are companies hiring for Chemistry Lab Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Chemistry Lab Assistant

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Chemistry Lab Assistant?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemistry Lab Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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