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Job outlook for laboratory coordinators in the United States
Laboratory coordinator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected laboratory coordinator job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 7,100 new jobs for laboratory coordinators are projected over the next decade.
Laboratory coordinator salaries have increased 7% for laboratory coordinators in the last 5 years.
There are over 3,685 laboratory coordinators currently employed in the United States.
There are 64,914 active laboratory coordinator job openings in the US.
The average laboratory coordinator salary is $52,690.
Are laboratory coordinator jobs in demand?
Laboratory coordinator job and salary trends over time
Laboratory coordinator jobs over time
Laboratory coordinator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,685 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,771 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,769 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,714 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,727 | 0.00% |
Average laboratory coordinator salary over time
Laboratory coordinator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,690 | $25.33 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $51,258 | $24.64 | --0.7% |
| 2023 | $51,628 | $24.82 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $50,346 | $24.20 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $49,375 | $23.74 | +0.9% |
Laboratory coordinator jobs by state
Most common states for laboratory coordinators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 517 | 39% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 324 | 34% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 292 | 34% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 244 | 32% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 393 | 29% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,918 | 28% |
| 7 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 517 | 28% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 166 | 27% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 437 | 25% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 744 | 24% |
| 11 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,113 | 23% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 480 | 23% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 155 | 21% |
| 14 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 143 | 21% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,237 | 19% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,060 | 19% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 195 | 19% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,079 | 18% |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 690 | 18% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 602 | 17% |
Most common cities for laboratory coordinators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark | 2 | 6% | $58,185 |
| 2 | Lenexa | 2 | 4% | $47,531 |
| 3 | Allen Park | 1 | 4% | $53,015 |
| 4 | Cambridge | 3 | 3% | $67,381 |
| 5 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $49,145 |
| 6 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $52,349 |
| 7 | Apopka | 1 | 2% | $52,366 |
| 8 | Coral Gables | 1 | 2% | $53,373 |
| 9 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $67,410 |
| 10 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $58,095 |
| 11 | Urban Honolulu | 2 | 1% | $67,527 |
| 12 | Clearwater | 1 | 1% | $52,859 |
| 13 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $49,317 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $48,149 |
| 15 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $47,156 |
| 16 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $48,783 |
Laboratory Coordinator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of laboratory coordinator experts
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Weber State University
Medical University of South Carolina
Weber State University
Saint Cloud State University
Wenatchee Valley College
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Old Dominion University
The University of Akron
Siena College
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Houston Baptist University
Adelphi University
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bay Path University
Kettering University
University of California - Davis
Pennsylvania State University
What Laboratory Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): The best way to maximize your salary potential within the MLS field is to gain experience. Take every opportunity to learn something and grow your skills within the field. Development of leadership and management skills will also be helpful to move up in the laboratory.
What will help Laboratory Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Katherine Nelson MBA, MLS (ASCP): My advice to a graduate beginning their career in the Medical Laboratory Science field, would be to take every opportunity to learn something new. Say yes to as much as possible and use every opportunity to amass a variety of different laboratory skills and experiences.
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm
Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science and Phlebotomy ProgramsBloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Coordinator?
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm: You completed an MLS program and you have learned a ton of information in a short span of time. However, there is still so much to learn for Medical Laboratory Science! We recommend that you do your best to grow into the role, practice with a questioning attitude, participate and advocate for the field, consider joining our advocacy group - the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). If you have not taken your ASCP MLS BOC exam, we highly recommend that you do as a way to validate your learning experiences and to optimize your long term career growth.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Coordinator?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) are an integral part of the healthcare team as seventy percent (70%) of diagnoses come from laboratory results. On a day-to-day basis, the duties of an MLT can include collecting and analyzing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and accurately recording results for medical providers to review and consider when diagnosing patients.
Shelby McCarty MSNPA
Public Relations CoordinatorWhat Laboratory Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shelby McCarty MSNPA: Medical Laboratory Science is a rewarding career that is both exciting, yet challenging. As a graduate begins their career in the medical laboratory profession, we should be prepared to collaborate with colleagues in the laboratory and with other healthcare providers. Effective communication skills are crucial. We should be respectful of others' expertise and conversely share our own knowledge to foster a positive working environment. As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, we develop an acute eye for detail because precision and accuracy are vital in laboratory work. We must ensure that we are providing physicians reliable results. Furthermore, we should always adhere to the highest ethical standards, respecting patients' confidentiality and following established protocols and regulations. MLS graduates need to have excellent time management skills, as the laboratory profession often involves handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Lastly, graduates should continue to seek opportunities for professional growth and strive for excellence. Many hospital laboratories provide professional development or allow their employees to attend professional meetings.
Helen Martin
Associate Professor, Division DirectorMedical University of South Carolina
Division of Physician Assistant Studies
What soft skills should all Laboratory Coordinators possess?
Helen Martin: Computer skills within a hospital system.
Dr. Janice Thomas
Professor and Program DirectorWeber State University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
What skills will help Laboratory Coordinators earn the most?
Dr. Janice Thomas: Ability to work independently, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Students that are detail-oriented and consistently create solutions to problems will likely be promoted to team leaders, technical supervisors, and laboratory managers and earn higher wages.
Patricia Ellinger
Medical Laboratory Science FacultySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills stand out on Laboratory Coordinator resumes?
Patricia Ellinger: Note, we offer a four-year degree, so these individuals are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The Technician is the 2-year level.
-Oral and written communication with others in the lab, lab profession (doctors)
-Ability to work alone or in a group (teamwork)
-Ability to follow directions
-Problem solving
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ask questions when need help: Know when to ask for help, the data matters, ask to confirm a test result if in question, before sending out
-Ethical
-Time management
-Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
-Confidence without arrogance
-Leadership
What skills stand out on Laboratory Coordinator resumes?
Patrick Tracy: -Good critical-thinking skills
-Good problem-solving skills
-Able to prioritize tasks
-Pay attention to detail
-Take a process from beginning to end
-Maintain focus for periods
What's a good job out of college for Laboratory Coordinators?
Ruth Ann Murphy Ph.D.: -Graduate School in Chemistry! There is a shortage of graduate students in Chemistry so this is a great time to go. Chemistry is one of the few fields where they pay you to attend Graduate School. You can earn about $30k per year with benefits (!) while improving your employability! With an advanced degree such as a Master's (doable in as little as one year), one can then teach in colleges and universities. In Chemistry, you can go directly to a PhD program, bypassing the Master's degree. Those holding post-baccalaureate degrees earn on average more than those with a bachelor's degree.
-Environmental! Climate change is here and there is a need for scientists to deal with it as well as to keep the non-science sector of the public informed. You can work for an environmental company as some of our graduates do, or for an agency such as the EPA, or TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality). I know a PhD Organic Chemist who headed the Austin, TX Air Quality program.
-Teaching Chemistry - High School, Middle School, etc. This can be done without any education courses, via Alternative Certification. The need for Chemistry teachers in Texas is critical! Students can get their student loans forgiven if they commit to teaching Chemistry in high school for a set period of time.
-Health professions. Health care careers are "recession-proof." The need for competent health care continues. With its critical thinking emphasis, a Chemistry major is great training for future physicians, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, and more.
-Pharmaceutical Research. Develop new and better medications!
-Forensic Science. There are great jobs for chemists with the Texas Department of Public Safety and other such agencies. I know some of these and the head of the Albuquerque, NM Crime Lab was at one time a PhD Chemist I know.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Coordinators?
John Cooper Ph.D.: One of the most amazing impacts of the pandemic was the rapidity to which students and employees had to adapt to new online modes of communications and scheduling for large interactive groups. This was already a trend in the sciences where multi-disciplinary teams were geographically dispersed, but now it is a universally expected skill set, and this adoption took place in less than a year. Students who took classes during the pandemic were exposed to a wide-range of teaching and training pedagogies. Virtual labs, at home delivered lab kits, hybrid labs with students both in person and online, and every possible delivery method that can be imagined for lectures became the norm. Our students were unintentionally part of a great experiment where they were able to evaluate what works well and what does not work so well. Whether they know it or not, this knowledge will guide them as they make future decisions in their careers about the best ways to communicate, train, and interact with their peers, employees, and employers. Our graduates are the leaders of the future, and the successful ones will find this experience to have been invaluable.
What type of skills will young Laboratory Coordinators need?
John Cooper Ph.D.: Although many skill sets are required of our successful graduates, most of these skills take a second seat to communication. The ability to communicate your skills, ideas, work product, and your vision for your area of responsibility to others are paramount to success. During the pandemic, these skills were brought into sharp focus as written communication took precedence over face-to-face discussions, and online verbal communications between large groups demanded a new set of skills for replacing the polite in-person human ques that we have taken for granted but which were developed from early childhood.
Equally as important as the ability to communicate is the ability to think analytically. As both knowledge and data has become democratized over the past decade, success requires that our graduates not only assimilate knowledge, but have the ability to use that knowledge to analyze problems and extrapolate their knowledge in new and useful ways. In the sciences this is encapsulated within the framework of The Scientific Method and is the cornerstone of the research which both our undergraduate and graduate students participate in.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Coordinator resumes?
John Cooper Ph.D.: Employers want experience. In the sciences, research is one of the most important experiences that students can obtain. Research allows students to get in-depth hands-on training solving real world problems by putting into practice what they have learned in their labs and lectures. It also allows students to communicate their findings both in peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences. Research experience is not only a top priority for employers, it is also required for admission to top medical schools and graduate schools in the sciences.
What's a good job out of college for Laboratory Coordinators?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: Professional areas, such as engineering, medical, law, business, etc., should not see much change except the requirement of new skills that allow them to work with less social interaction. What may change are jobs in some areas such as hospitality, entertainment, transportation, etc., as many of these jobs will be lost to automation. Hence, any job that resists automation should do fine. Certain areas that have to do with climate change, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, health care, etc will do better than others based on the new administration priorities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Coordinators?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: I think the COVID-19 pandemic will have an enduring effect on graduates, and everyone in the workforce. Graduates will enter a workforce that will be fundamentally changed from the pre-pandemic era. Even after herd immunity, and after we go back to what we will call the new normal, life will not mirror the past. Industry will remain lean, cost-effective and risk-averse for some time. Whatever can be done from home, or remote platforms will be encouraged. Business meetings, interactions, and even negotiations may continue mostly on the remote platforms with some face-to-face meetings. Graduates will need to accept this as the new normal at least for some time.
What will help Laboratory Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: Anyone that can and has adapted to remote working will do fine. Remote working also comes with the caveat that you have to sometimes work alone, without supervision, make decisions on your own, and yet be a team player. Learning new platforms for meetings, business operations, project management and effective leadership will help in increased earning potential. In engineering, being involved in robotics, automation, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, smart systems, cyber-security, biomedical innovation, etc., is a plus.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Coordinators?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic will almost certainly have some impact on student learning. Much of this gap will be closed in the first few years of employment if students work in fields directly using skills learned in the classes affected directly by the pandemic. This will affect skills, especially lab skills, from schools who stayed virtual. This is why we pushed for in-person lab experiences. Schools will work to close these gaps with students who are in the earlier parts of their education.
What will help Laboratory Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: The business of chemistry is a $797 Billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. Over 26% of U.S. GDP is generated from industries that rely on chemistry, ranging from agriculture to oil and gas production, from semiconductors and electronics to textiles and vehicles, and from pharmaceuticals to residential and commercial energy efficiency products.www.americanchemistry.com
Having a degree in chemistry or biochemistry is a good way to have good earning potential. To increase this potential, participation in internships and research experiences are valuable. Often students choose to go on and further their education with graduate degrees. This can also increase earning potential. Students with a degree in chemistry or biochemistry are expected to have strong data skills and this is an area with large growth in industry presently.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Laboratory Coordinators?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: College students are well served to spend time trying to find ways to differentiate their college degree. This can be accomplished by taking additional classes, participating in additional experiences, and providing service to their community. In chemistry, internships and experience in research are excellent examples of high impact practices that allow scientific maturation. Relationships with your professors and other students and community members can have a real networking benefit. Introducing students to scientific community members can help advance job prospects.
What will help Laboratory Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Xenia Morin Ph.D.: Helping new farmers have access to good mentors, facilities, infrastructure, and land as well as easy access to on-going training to incorporate more sustainable practices and build business skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Coordinators?
Xenia Morin Ph.D.: Yes. Food systems are changing and people have realized that there is a need for local and regional food systems. I expect that people will continue to buy more food locally, when food is available, for the near future. Others will start their own businesses and gardens and try producing some food at home and for their community.
What's a day at work look like for a Laboratory Coordinator?
Xenia Morin Ph.D.: Students who are interested in producing food will find themselves in indoor cultivation facilities as well as out in the field. Others will find themselves helping to bring more sustainable practices and awareness to the state.
Matthew Blank Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyHouston Baptist University
College of Science & Engineering
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Coordinators?
Matthew Blank Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic will absolutely impact 2021 biology graduates and their potential to secure degree-related employment. However, the impact is oftentimes dependent on available resources in their prospective city. For instance, graduates of HBU are fortunate enough to be in a large city which includes a world-class medical center with significant research and biotech opportunities. If one of our students is hoping to go elsewhere, the number of positions that offer relocation assistance, signing bonuses, and travel expenses are cautiously dwindling during the pandemic. On a positive note, graduates have been forced to learn and master new virtual technologies that are now commonplace in all employment sectors which provide them with an increased professional edge that might have been weaker prior to the pandemic.
What will help Laboratory Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Matthew Blank Ph.D.: Earning potential is always directly related to qualities that make an applicant well-rounded. It helps to pick up additional opportunities like serving on a committee, participating in research, helping as a teaching assistant, etc. These provide students with additional skills that make them more competitive.
What's a good job out of college for Laboratory Coordinators?
Matthew Blank Ph.D.: While a degree in biology provides our students with the background to excel in entry-level research, biotech, and educational positions, students oftentimes land positions that prepare themselves for advanced degree programs such as M.S., Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S, M.Ed., etc. A great position out of college is first of all, a position that the graduate finds rewarding and challenging. We encourage our graduates to consider research positions, project and/or grant management administrative jobs, STEM teaching/outreach positions, clinical and/or veterinary assistance, etc. Any position where the student utilizes their skills (both hard and soft) and is challenged is truly what matters most.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Coordinators?
Tandra Chakraborty: The pandemic has hit hard, very hard on students in higher-ed. Due to COVID-19, 13% of students have delayed graduation, 40% have lost a job, internship, or job offer, and 29% expect to earn less at age 35. But, I still think that the pandemic era graduates will come out stronger within the next two years and will have a great vision for future years. We have all learned how to live minimalistically, acknowledge social norms, and have grown to understand the importance of college and university lives.
What will help Laboratory Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Tandra Chakraborty: I consider two things to help with earning potential: hard work and the other is vigilance. Even in this pandemic, some students have made a ton of money. You have to think outside of the box. Try to find ways to shape your credentials so that you make a path for future earnings.
What's a good job out of college for Laboratory Coordinators?
Tandra Chakraborty: Good job' is a very relative term. One student may find one job as good and the other not. As far as I am concerned about a good job (not a dream job), I can afford livelihood and still be passionate about the work-a delicate balance.
What will help Laboratory Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Nicholas Oberlies Ph.D.: I think the ability to communicate your science, either/both in writing or in speaking, is critically important. It is no trick to talk over someone's head. It is easy to rattle off a bunch of abbreviations and confuse someone. The real skill is the ability to convey your science in a manner that allows people to understand. Even if the nuts and bolts of day-to-day research work is over their heads, conveying what you are doing and why it's important is critical. The most successful scientists work on honing such communication skills daily.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Coordinators?
Nicholas Oberlies Ph.D.: The entire world is affected by COVID. I'm sure that is true for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. In the short term, it likely means that the students may be behind a semester. In addition, students likely lost opportunities for networking via canceled conferences. While virtual conferences were a nice bandaid, nothing replaces meeting people in person. This is probably especially true for graduate students.
For the long term, however, I believe the world is starting to recognize that science matters. Recently, I just read an article about one of the first biologists (Professor Tom Brock) to study bacteria in hydrothermal vents. He was doing this in the 1960s, and his basic research helped pave the way for the Nobel Prize winning work in the PCR and the life-saving work that is needed for COVID screening. This was an article about a basic scientist but published in USA Today. Not only does the public need to know more about what scientists are doing, I believe that the public seems to have a hunger for such knowledge. So, while the short term might look a little messy and less than ideal, perhaps the long term horizon for science will be improving.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Coordinators?
Yadilette Rivera-Colon Ph.D.: Yes, I believe graduates who start jobs during the pandemic will have many unexpected challenges that will allow them to grow in ways that others did not have to. They will be able to talk about overcoming obstacles that will be specific and they will be better prepared for anything that comes their way.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Laboratory Coordinators?
Yadilette Rivera-Colon Ph.D.: Actually, more than specific certifications/licenses/courses the biggest impact comes from being computer savvy, being responsible and having a good presence whether it is in person or remote. Of course, hands-on biotechnology courses are important as well as learning and knowing the most common techniques used in biotechnology. Not so much being proficient at them which is very important but also being able to read a protocol and perform it independently.
How have salaries changed over time for Laboratory Coordinators?
Yadilette Rivera-Colon Ph.D.: Salaries in biotechnology are on the rise by 4% to 8% (Northeastern Univ.). Most of our graduates get jobs right away and they are well paid. Specific positions like biomanufacturing, now with the great need of vaccines all over the world will have great growth in the near future.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Laboratory Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Daniel Ludwigsen: In responding to this and other questions, I'm considering the perspective of graduates from my programs, with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics or Applied Physics. Most of our grads are looking at full-time positions in engineering, particularly R&D and product development, or consulting/project engineering directly with their employers' customers. In sectors that are in demand, these positions are seeing an accelerated shift in the ways of working-just like we see in most professions. Working at least a portion of the week at home, less travel, more video conferencing, all force employees to sharpen their essential skills in communication, project management, and basically, working with diverse teams.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Coordinator resumes?
Tonya Kuhl: Everyone who graduates has the degree, but it is a graduate's individual experience, their personality, and what they are passionate about that sets them apart. Looking for ways to contribute positively in their work experience from working fast food to internships, extracurricular clubs such as participating in their student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering, leadership, and community service. Given the increase in remote collaboration and hands-off operation, automation, process control and systems engineering skills will really standout. A link to a portfolio of their coding projects on GitHub would be a great way to demonstrate their coding skills.
What skills stand out on Laboratory Coordinator resumes?
Patrick Drohan Ph.D.: The academic skills are very important, experience in academic clubs like soil judging or weed judging (your niche), but more important is a diversity of experience with working in labs while in school, having summer jobs tied to your career, etc. - working at Dairy Queen in your home town may not be the best idea anymore if you are trying to out-compete others for entry-level work, and frankly, there is plenty of work out there if you are willing to move.