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What is an assistant laboratory manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA

Assistant laboratory managers assist managers in overseeing lab activities, making sure equipment is safe and functional. They are responsible for enforcing safety regulations and see to it that lab supplies are always in stock. They train lab assistants, schedule staff, and manage the disposal of samples.

Working in this position, you will take care of ordering supplies, too. Keeping track of documents and ensuring they are well organized and accessible when necessary will also be your job. You will also have to see that specialized software used for research procedures is up to date and functional.

You will need a degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field to be considered for this role. Usually, people rise to this position through experience working in a laboratory. An affinity for management will help you succeed, learning as you go from the lab manager you assist.

What general advice would you give to an assistant laboratory manager?

Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA

Assistant Professor / MLS Program Director, Northern Michigan University

Experience. I have found through my time in the realm that an experienced lab tech is going to be highly sought after and henceforth will have optimal pay opportunities. As the word implies, experience can only be achieved through 'time in the lab' which means you have to put in your time to gather that resume boosting element, experience. Once that happens, then even more doors open up in the profession.
ScoreAssistant Laboratory ManagerUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,817

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.6

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 10.25%

Hispanic or Latino 17.73%

Unknown 5.14%

White 54.09%

Gender

female 44.12%

male 55.88%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.7

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Assistant laboratory manager career paths

Key steps to become an assistant laboratory manager

  1. Explore assistant laboratory manager education requirements

    Most common assistant laboratory manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.9 %

    Associate

    15.2 %

    Master's

    11.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific assistant laboratory manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Lab Equipment19.93%
    Test Results9.15%
    Chemistry8.49%
    Hematology5.65%
    Clinical Laboratory5.50%
  3. Complete relevant assistant laboratory manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New assistant laboratory managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an assistant laboratory manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real assistant laboratory manager resumes.
  4. Research assistant laboratory manager duties and responsibilities

    • Lead GMP instrument validation efforts for the laboratory.
    • Manage a variety of laboratory equipment types, including freezers, centrifuges and fume hoods.
    • Utilize LIMS to manage data review by implementing data flags, turnaround times and sample disposal records.
    • Manage undergraduate chemistry labs and stockroom which entail taking inventory, procurement, and lab prep of chemicals and equipment.
  5. Prepare your assistant laboratory manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your assistant laboratory manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an assistant laboratory manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable assistant laboratory manager resume templates

    Build a professional assistant laboratory manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your assistant laboratory manager resume.
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
    Assistant Laboratory Manager Resume
  6. Apply for assistant laboratory manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an assistant laboratory manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first assistant laboratory manager job

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Average assistant laboratory manager salary

The average assistant laboratory manager salary in the United States is $51,817 per year or $25 per hour. Assistant laboratory manager salaries range between $29,000 and $89,000 per year.

Average assistant laboratory manager salary
$51,817 Yearly
$24.91 hourly

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Assistant laboratory manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

All of it. Enjoy CAP accreditation visits. Scheduling, policy procedures making.. QC program


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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