Highest-Paying Laboratory Technician Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has utilized a blend of public government data, company information, and insights from thousands of job postings to provide current average salary estimates for laboratory technician positions across the United States. Based on this comprehensive analysis, we have identified the highest-paying laboratory technician roles based on their average annual salaries.
Here are our key findings on the highest-paid types of laboratory technicians:
-
The Laboratory Supervisor remains the highest-paid laboratory technician role, with an average salary of $67,361 and an hourly rate of $32.39.
-
The second highest-paying role is the Dental Laboratory Technician, earning an average salary of $55,271.
-
Overall, the average salary for laboratory technicians stands at $40,038 annually, equating to about $19.25 per hour.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is a significant factor, it should not be the sole consideration. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a laboratory technician, understanding the roles that offer the highest compensation can help you make informed career decisions.
Below are the top salaries for various types of laboratory technicians:
-
Laboratory Supervisor
Average Salary: $67,361
Laboratory Supervisors play a crucial role in managing daily laboratory operations. They ensure the collection, analysis, and interpretation of results are conducted effectively. Responsibilities also include supervising staff, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with quality assurance and control standards. They are also tasked with addressing technical or administrative challenges and overseeing laboratory equipment procurement.
-
Dental Laboratory Technician
Average Salary: $55,271
A Dental Laboratory Technician is responsible for creating dental prosthetics such as dentures, crowns, and bridges. They also keep detailed records and work to enhance the quality of care, ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained and that procedures are followed meticulously.
-
Lead Laboratory Technician
Average Salary: $54,230
Lead Laboratory Technicians coordinate laboratory operations, supervise test preparations, and manage the technician team’s responsibilities.
-
Laboratory Coordinator
Average Salary: $52,690
Laboratory Coordinators support experiments, manage sample collections, and ensure the functionality of laboratory equipment. They maintain a sanitized environment to prevent contamination and keep organized records of findings.
-
Medical Laboratory Technician
Average Salary: $51,780
Medical Laboratory Technicians assist healthcare professionals by conducting tests that inform diagnosis and treatment. They ensure equipment sanitation, collect specimens, analyze fluids, and report findings accurately.
Below is a complete table detailing the average pay for various laboratory technician roles.
Highest-Paying Types Of Laboratory Technicians
Methodology
Our salary estimates are derived from publicly available data from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The Zippia data team also analyzes job postings and company reports to ensure that our salary data remains up-to-date.
Once the data is gathered, our team calculates a weighted average for each job title to provide accurate salary insights. For a more in-depth understanding of our methodology, please read our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Laboratory Technician Jobs FAQs
-
What is the highest-paid laboratory technician job?
The highest-paid laboratory technician job is that of a laboratory supervisor. Laboratory Supervisors earn an average salary of $67,361, which translates to $32.39 per hour.
Laboratory supervisors oversee daily operations, ensuring effective collection and analysis of laboratory results. Their responsibilities include supervising staff, managing budgets, and enforcing quality assurance practices. They also handle equipment procurement and resolve administrative issues within the lab.
-
What is a good salary for a laboratory technician?
A good salary for a laboratory technician is $40,038 or more. This figure represents the average salary, so those earning at least this amount are above the average pay scale.
Bear in mind that salaries can vary significantly based on location, industry, and experience level. Researching local salary trends is essential for understanding your market value.
-
Do Laboratory Technician jobs pay well?
Laboratory technician jobs vary in pay, with some offering better compensation than others. The average salary of $40,038 is lower than the national average salary of approximately $44,225.
Nonetheless, many positions within this field have high earning potential, particularly for experienced professionals. It’s crucial to consider factors like industry, experience, and geographical location when evaluating salary offers.
-
Where do laboratory technicians get paid the most?
The highest-paid laboratory technicians are found in Alaska. In Alaska, laboratory technicians earn an average annual salary of $98,434, which equates to an hourly wage of $47.32.
Additionally, states like New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey also feature high salaries for laboratory technicians, averaging $50,010, $46,201, and $45,684 respectively.
The cities where laboratory technicians earn the most include:
-
New York, NY – $50,208
-
Boston, MA – $46,160
-
Richmond, CA – $45,492
-
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
