What is a laboratory manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.

A laboratory manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a laboratory. They manage staff, maintain equipment, and ensure that experiments are conducted safely and efficiently. They are responsible for maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, implementing policies and procedures, and managing budgets and resources. A laboratory manager must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong leadership skills. They must also have a deep understanding of scientific principles and laboratory techniques.

What general advice would you give to a laboratory manager?

Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.

Chair, Professor, Eastern Kentucky University

To a graduate just starting out, I would highly recommend establishing a list of short-term and long-term goals. Think about where they see themselves in the next 5 to 10 years and how they plan to reach them using SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). Additionally, if they have not already done so, they should set up a LinkedIn account as many jobs can be found on that platform. New graduates should plan on making multiple resumes that can be used when applying to different jobs based on the criteria (i.e., skills, academic, etc.). Lastly, I would recommend making a list of their "dream jobs and companies" and research the skills needed to perform the duties of their dream job and learn more about the company itself.

ScoreLaboratory ManagerUS Average

Salary

5.8

Avg. Salary $74,314

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.8

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 9.01%

Black or African American 3.77%

Hispanic or Latino 12.89%

Unknown 3.86%

White 69.97%

Gender

female 41.62%

male 58.38%

Age - 48

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 - 48

Stress level

9.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a laboratory manager?

Pros

Rewarding to see projects through from start to finish
Opportunities for leadership and mentorship
Chance to work with cutting-edge technology and equipment
Potential for career advancement and higher salaries
Ability to make a positive impact on scientific research and development

Cons

Potential exposure to hazardous materials or chemicals
High pressure to meet deadlines and produce accurate results
Potential for conflict among team members or with superiors
Budget constraints may limit resources available for experiments
Difficulty balancing managerial responsibilities with hands-on laboratory work

Key steps to become a laboratory manager

Explore laboratory manager education requirements

Most common laboratory manager degrees

Bachelor's

63.6 %

Associate

13.7 %

Master's

12.5 %

Start to develop specific laboratory manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Lab Equipment	12.39%
Patients	8.94%
Customer Service	6.67%
Chemistry	5.58%
Clinical Laboratory	5.27%

Complete relevant laboratory manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New 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 a laboratory manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laboratory manager resumes.

Research laboratory manager duties and responsibilities

Lead laboratory investigations, OOS, deviations, change controls and CAPA.
Manage daily personnel challenges, assist with marketing and maintain appropriate standards and regulations per JCAHO, DNV.
Manage staff and oversee FDA guidelines and regulations for pharmaceutical research
Initiate and manage successful in-house design and implementation of network base LIMS database.

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