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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Scientist in California is $137,156 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Laboratory Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Laboratory Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $152,973 | $12,748 | $2,942 | $74 |
| Average | $137,156 | $11,430 | $2,638 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,181 | $10,265 | $2,369 | $59 |
3B Healthcare, Inc. - Saint Helena, CA
3B Healthcare, Inc. - Ukiah, CA
3B Healthcare, Inc. - Saint Helena, CA
3B Healthcare, Inc. - Willits, CA
A Laboratory Scientist'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.
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 Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Laboratory Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (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, Laboratory Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $192,018 | $92.0 | 40% |
| Healthcare | $178,303 | $86.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $164,587 | $79.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $150,871 | $73.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Scientist'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $152,973 | $12,748 | $2,942 | $74 |
| Average | $137,156 | $11,430 | $2,638 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,181 | $10,265 | $2,369 | $59 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Laboratory Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
3B Healthcare, Inc.
Templeton, CA
3B Healthcare, Inc. | Templeton, CA
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Palo Alto, CA
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Santa Clara, CA
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Foundation Laboratory - 1716 W. Holt Ave., Pomona
Pomona, CA
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