As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Tech II in the United States is $56,373 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Lab Tech II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lab Tech II'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 Lab Tech IIs. 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
|
$74,976 |
33%
|
|
Service Excellence
|
$64,829 |
15%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$60,319 |
7%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$60,319 |
7%
|
|
Specimen Collection
|
$58,628 |
4%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$58,628 |
4%
|
For Lab Tech II 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, Lab Tech positions in Telecom or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Tech II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $78,922 | $38.0 | 40% |
| Healthcare | $73,285 | $35.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $67,647 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $62,010 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $59,191 | $28.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lab Tech IIs 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 Lab Tech II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $57,391 and $61,046).
Lab Tech II 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 Lab Tech II'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 Lab Tech II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $56,938 in 2023 to around $56,026 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lab Tech II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $56,938 |
| 2024 | $56,687 |
| 2025 | $56,026 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Lab Tech II roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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