Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of laboratory assistants that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of laboratory assistants:
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Laboratory Supervisor is the highest-paid type of laboratory assistant with an average salary of $67,361 and an average hourly rate of $32.39.
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The second highest-paying type of laboratory assistant is laboratory coordinator, with an average salary of $52,690.
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The average laboratory assistant salary is $34,168 per year, and the average hourly pay is $16.43.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a laboratory assistant, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of laboratory assistants are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of laboratory assistants:
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Laboratory Supervisor
Average Salary: $67,361
The primary job of laboratory supervisors is to oversee the daily operations of laboratories. They are responsible for facilitating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of laboratory results. Other responsibilities include supervising personnel, managing the operating budget of the laboratory, and hiring employees. Laboratory supervisors are responsible for overseeing quality assurance and enforcing practices to ensure quality control within the laboratory. Aside from these tasks, they also manage the acquisition of laboratory equipment and supplies and resolve any technical or administrative issues within the laboratory.
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Laboratory Coordinator
Average Salary: $52,690
A laboratory coordinator is responsible for supporting laboratory examinations and experiments, collecting laboratory samples, and ensuring the efficiency and performance of laboratory tools and equipment. Laboratory coordinators maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the laboratory facility at all times to avoid contaminations and hazards that may affect laboratory results and accuracy of examinations. They also perform scientific processes under the supervision of a scientist or laboratory technicians and keep an organized report of findings in the database.
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Medical Laboratory Technician
Average Salary: $51,780
A medical laboratory technician is responsible for assisting medical health professionals in conducting laboratory tests to diagnose patients’ conditions and provide treatments. Medical laboratory technicians ensure the sanitation of all the tools and equipment before conducting tests. They collect adequate blood samples and specimens, analyze fluid elements, utilize laboratory equipment safely, create reports of findings, and alert medical personnel and medical technologists of emergency conditions. A medical laboratory technician must have excellent knowledge of the medical industry disciplines and processes to perform sensitive tasks and release accurate medical results.
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Clinical Laboratory Technician
Average Salary: $50,756
A clinical laboratory technician typically works under the direction of a physician or medical technologist to perform tests that will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and illnesses. You will perform various duties, including preparing samples for analysis, monitoring tests and procedures, and matching blood for transfusion. Additionally, you are expected to participate in staff training and educational opportunities and contribute to a secure and safe environment for patients, physicians, co-workers, and visitors. This role will also require ensuring that laboratory information remains confidential.
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Laboratory Specialist
Average Salary: $50,357
A laboratory specialist develops the areas assigned to them and promotes maximum resource allocation and utilization to achieve their goals. Laboratory specialists handle storage and backup devices, support telecommunication-associated equipment, and relay customer requests and issues. It is their job to process specimens in toxicology, coagulation, microbiology, hematology, chemistry, and urinalysis. Skills and knowledge in a photo lab, cell culture, customer service, and test cases are necessary for this position.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various laboratory assistant that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Laboratory Assistants
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for laboratory assistants.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Laboratory Assistant Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid laboratory assistant job?
The highest-paid laboratory assistant job is a laboratory supervisor. Laboratory Supervisors earn an average salary of $67,361, which is $ 32.39 hourly.
The primary job of laboratory supervisors is to oversee the daily operations of laboratories. They are responsible for facilitating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of laboratory results. Other responsibilities include supervising personnel, managing the operating budget of the laboratory, and hiring employees. Laboratory supervisors are responsible for overseeing quality assurance and enforcing practices to ensure quality control within the laboratory. Aside from these tasks, they also manage the acquisition of laboratory equipment and supplies and resolve any technical or administrative issues within the laboratory.
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What is a good salary for a laboratory assistant?
A good salary for a laboratory assistant is $34,168 or more. The average laboratory assistant salary is $34,168, so those making at least $34,168 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average laboratory assistant salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a laboratory assistant, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $34,168 average, as this includes all laboratory assistants of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Laboratory Assistant jobs pay well?
No, laboratory assistant jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some laboratory assistant jobs pay better than others, but the average laboratory assistant salary of $34,168 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many laboratory assistant jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of laboratory assistants earning $0 a year on average.
Laboratory Assistants’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a laboratory assistant. Do your research on the going rate for a laboratory assistant in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do laboratory assistants get paid the most?
Laboratory Assistants get paid the most in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, laboratory assistants earn an average annual salary of $43,536 and an average hourly wage of $20.93.
Following MA, the states with the highest-paid laboratory assistants are Vermont, Maine, and Pennsylvania, with average annual salaries of $37,699, $36,793, and $36,313 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid laboratory assistant salaries are:
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Boston, MA – $43,573
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Anchorage, AK – $39,976
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Lakewood, NJ – $38,282
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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.
