As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Specialist in Soquel, CA is $79,073 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Laboratory Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Laboratory Specialist'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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
|
$83,818 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$83,027 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$83,027 |
5%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$82,236 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$80,655 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$80,655 |
2%
|
For Laboratory Specialist 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 Specialist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $98,842 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $94,888 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $90,934 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,981 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $86,981 | $42.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Laboratory Specialist'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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Laboratory Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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