As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Leading Hand in the United States is $52,478 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Leading Hand's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Leading Hand'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Leading Hand's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Laborator... Level Leading Hand | $45,105 |
| Leading H... Level Leading Hand | $52,145 |
| Laborator... Level Leading Hand | $71,690 |
| Laborator... Level Leading Hand | $84,614 |
| Laborator... Level Leading Hand | $84,034 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Leading Hands. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.43% |
| Phlebotomy | 3.41% |
| Medical Laboratory | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Diagnostic
|
$57,726 |
10%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$56,151 |
7%
|
|
Product Testing
|
$55,626 |
6%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$54,577 |
4%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$54,577 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,577 |
4%
|
For Leading Hand roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Leading Hand positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Leading Hand as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $62,973 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $60,349 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $58,775 | $28.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $58,775 | $28.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $57,726 | $28.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Leading Hand'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, 2026Salaries for a Leading Hand can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,223 in 2023 to around $42,612 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Leading Hand salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,223 |
| 2024 | $43,076 |
| 2025 | $42,612 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Leading Hand roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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