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Job outlook for laboratory researchers in the United States
Laboratory researcher job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected laboratory researcher job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 20,800 new jobs for laboratory researchers are projected over the next decade.
Laboratory researcher salaries have increased 14% for laboratory researchers in the last 5 years.
There are over 42,855 laboratory researchers currently employed in the United States.
There are 57,359 active laboratory researcher job openings in the US.
The average laboratory researcher salary is $27,760.
Are laboratory researcher jobs in demand?
Laboratory researcher job and salary trends over time
Laboratory researcher jobs over time
Laboratory researcher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 42,855 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 47,693 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 47,994 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 43,593 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 41,271 | 0.01% |
Average laboratory researcher salary over time
Laboratory researcher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $27,760 | $13.35 | +3.1% |
| 2025 | $26,935 | $12.95 | +4.7% |
| 2024 | $25,728 | $12.37 | +3.3% |
| 2023 | $24,903 | $11.97 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $24,429 | $11.74 | --2.1% |
Laboratory researcher jobs by state
Most common states for laboratory researchers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,339 | 34% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 195 | 28% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 109 | 17% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,170 | 16% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 886 | 16% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 656 | 16% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 211 | 16% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 141 | 16% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 112 | 15% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 831 | 14% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 435 | 14% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 711 | 13% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 135 | 13% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 99 | 13% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,466 | 11% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 988 | 11% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 306 | 11% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 116 | 11% |
| 19 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,022 | 10% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 132 | 10% |
Most common cities for laboratory researchers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $22,794 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $29,584 |
| 3 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $34,367 |
| 4 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $27,026 |
| 5 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $40,790 |
| 6 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $32,015 |
| 7 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $22,871 |
| 8 | Springfield | 1 | 1% | $25,855 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $19,075 |
| 10 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $15,968 |
| 11 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $35,133 |
| 12 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $21,099 |
| 13 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $23,920 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $31,556 |
| 15 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $29,996 |
| 16 | Montgomery | 1 | 0% | $21,466 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $25,338 |
| 18 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $30,344 |
Laboratory Researcher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of laboratory researcher experts
University of Northern Iowa
Pennsylvania State University - Berks
Lake Superior State University
Coastal Carolina University
University of Rhode Island
Stockton University
Macalester College
Pennsylvania State University - York
Cornell University
Ohio State University
University of Texas at Austin
Saint Xavier University
Norfolk State University
Carthage College
Cleveland State University
Vanderbilt University
American University
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Theresa Spradling: All of the jobs that biologists do help other people, and that brings biologists personal satisfaction with their job.
Maureen Dunbar PhD
Program Chair/Associate Professor of BiologyPennsylvania State University - Berks
Information Science/Studies
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Maureen Dunbar PhD: To maximize your starting salary, try to get as much lab experience as possible during your college years. Undergraduate research, internships, and co-op experiences are wonderful opportunities for students to gain lab experience. If that is not possible, be open to positions that will give you as much lab experience as possible even if you can't see yourself in that specific area long term.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: Traditional fisheries skills such as setting and lifting nets, and collecting biological data from fish will continue to be important. Managing, analyzing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets and statistical software are also essential in fisheries. Other skills such as acoustic telemetry (deploying & maintaining receivers, implanting fish with transmitters), analyzing spatial data or other 'big data' sets, and laboratory skills (e.g., eDNA, water quality, emerging contaminants) are likely to increase in demand as technologies continue to develop.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Jennifer Slate PhD: Because there are so many types of jobs in biology, there is a job to suit everyone! Jobs may be people-oriented, focus primarily on labwork, or even allow one to spend time outdoors. Many (but not all) jobs in biology require further education after finishing the bachelor’s degree. Biology graduates often go on to health professional programs, to obtain teaching certification, or to obtain a master’s or PhD degree.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Slate PhD: There is currently a huge demand for workers in biology and other STEM professions. Healthcare workers are especially needed in nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. There is a shortage of teachers, particularly those who can teach biology or other sciences. The huge amount of biological data that is available, such as in genetics and environmental biology, means that scientists with analytical skills have great job opportunities.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Slate PhD: There are so many different types of jobs in biology, to suit people of different interests. Biologists work in health care, in research labs, in environmental protection, and in teaching- just to name a few fields. Responsibilities on a day-to-day basis will depend upon the particular job field. Common skills required on a daily basis include use of computer software, ability to make and record detailed observations, and teamwork/communication skills.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Danielle Silvia: There are many emerging trends and changes in the natural world making biology a fascinating career to embark on. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of biology is predicted to see a 5% increase in job growth through 2032, as biologists are in high demand across areas such as healthcare, environmental science, sustainability, biotechnology, and more. Due to pressing issues like climate change, the disappearance of species and nature, public health crises, drug development, and genetic engineering, becoming a biologist today will provide career advancement tomorrow. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in important areas of society while pursuing an intellectually stimulating career for the long-term.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Danielle Silvia: A day in the life of a biologist typically involves researching various forms of life, such as bacteria, animals, plants, how they impact the world around them, and vice versa. Biologists may run experiments to work towards answering these questions, using some of the latest and greatest scientific tools and techniques in a laboratory setting. The job scope also includes collecting and reviewing data from research and experiments, and creating reports based on findings to solve important problems. Biologists work at all levels on organisms from the molecular to the whole organism to populations.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Danielle Silvia: Working in the field of biology offers a variety of distinct occupations, and the likes and dislikes may vary from person to person. However, if you’re somebody who enjoys thinking analytically, asking big questions then testing them, and exploring natural environments, this career path may be the right fit for you.
Derek Crane Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCoastal Carolina University
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, And Population Biology
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Derek Crane Ph.D.: Some of our greatest challenges as a global society, such as food security under a changing climate, predicting, preventing, and handling of future pandemics, and rapid loss of biodiversity are based in biology. We need smart, energetic, and motivated people to address these issues.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brian Plouffe PhD: The biological sciences are an ever-evolving field, so graduates may be at the forefront of innovation in the fields of drug discovery and development, agriculture, and healthcare. With the new advances in genetic engineering and molecular biology, graduates will be involved in future advances that may change the work of medicine, food insecurity and sustainability, and climate control. The broad education of recent graduates will also give the foundation to find and keep a career in a wide variety of fields and industries.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biology offers a variety of career opportunities in labs, industry, journalism, environmental organizations, policy-making, teaching, etc. The field is essential for addressing societal challenges and is stable in society.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elena Tonc: Stay curious and keep learning-the field is constantly evolving with new techniques and building on previous knowledge so it will be important to stay up-to-date. Also, more generally, there is always something new to learn in biology or explore a new subfield. Another thing to keep in mind is building relationships. Reach out to professionals who are on the career path you desire and schedule informational interviews as they are a fantastic way to gain insights, advice, and potentially even mentorship. Learning from others' experiences can help you navigate your career path more effectively and open up opportunities you might not have considered otherwise. The diversity of career trajectories in biology means there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so being proactive in seeking guidance and learning from others' journeys can be immensely valuable.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Elena Tonc: Having a specialized skillset is one way to increase your compensation potential early in your career as those jobs are high in demand and companies might offer bigger salary incentives as a recruitment tool. Of course, negotiation is a big part too-don't be afraid to ask for higher compensation after researching salary ranges for similar positions in your location.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Jessica Petko: Teaching - Use of technology (virtual reality, AI, remote teaching) and active learning techniques. Research - For cell and molecular biology, experience with bioinformatics (computer programming, working with large datasets, experience with various genome sequencing platforms) and experience with histology and imaging.
Professor Marvin Pritts
Professor of HorticultureCornell University
International Agriculture
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Professor Marvin Pritts: Everyone has to eat, and as the population grows and resources diminish, there is ever increasing demand for more and better-quality food. Even the animals we eat rely on plant-based food. There will never be a time when plant science becomes obsolete. New pests and climate change require that the genetics of our crops and the ways crops are managed change as well. Preservation of our remaining natural areas is critical for ecosystem functioning and quality of life. When COVID hit, attendance at parks skyrocketed and has not diminished. Participation at pick-your-own farms went way up as people rediscovered a connection with nature and their food. So it's a great time to pursue a profession in plant science.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Marvin Pritts: Some jobs are mostly lab-based while others are field-based. Still others involve education or data management so would occur mostly inside. I think the best type of job is one that involves all three components, and a career in plant science can allow for one to participate in all of these. Lab-based jobs typically involve some sort of research, genetic studies, propagation, or analyses of samples. Field-based jobs typically involve growing or propagating plants, data collection or scouting, pest management, plant breeding, or crop and natural area management. The number of careers that fall under the plant science category is very diverse so there is no typical day. Even within a particular career, what is done in a day varies greatly by season of the year.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Professor Marvin Pritts: Some jobs are mostly lab-based while others are field-based. Still others involve education or data management so would occur mostly inside. The best type of job involves all three components, and a career in plant science allows for one to participate in all of these. Lab-based jobs typically involve research, genetic studies, propagation, or analyses of samples. Field-based jobs involve growing or propagating plants, data collection or scouting, pest management, plant breeding, or crop and natural area management. The number of careers under plant science is diverse so there is no typical day. Even within a particular career, daily tasks vary greatly by season of the year.
Dr. Judson Jeffries
ProfessorOhio State University
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Dr. Judson Jeffries: Introduce yourself to some of the more noteworthy people in the field at conferences. Establish a relationship with those folks. I am not saying that your circle should include only the most celebrated academics in your field, but you want to get to know maybe 3 to 4 such persons for the following reasons: 1) to position oneself to get sage, counsel and advice from seasoned academics 2) to learn about various opportunities that may not be publicly advertised and 3) at some point the person 's department will need people to evaluate that person for tenure and promotion. Some departments will ask the junior professor for a list of names. At that point the junior professor will be equipped to provide that list. Finally, go into those fields understanding that you have a responsibility to advocate on behalf of those historically marginalized groups that you're studying. What's more, that person needs to understand that what comes with that is doing research that addresses some of the challenges those groups face.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Judson Jeffries: Easy, have a vita that clearly shows strong credentials such as publications and the like, which will help said person get multiple interviews, which may lead to multiple offers. Once that person gets multiple offers, that person cannot be shy about negotiating. Everything is negotiable.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Judson Jeffries: Grant writing ability. Scholars will become increasingly reliant on securing grants as universities and colleges continue to tighten their belts. This is especially true for state schools where some state legislatures are not as generous with funding as they once were. The state supported The Ohio State University is one such example. There are many more.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Kristen Willems PhD: At the beginning of your career it is most important to keep learning from those around you with more experience. There is a lot of knowledge about the day to day hands-on work in Biology which they can teach you in and out of the lab.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kristen Willems PhD: Being familiar with new technologies like CRISPR and skills in immunobiology will become more important in the next few years but the fundamental skills like cell culture, PCR and western blotting will continue to be used in every area of Biological research.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Kristen Willems PhD: Know your worth. How much are other companies and schools paying someone in this position? What are the different expectations and benefits in these positions as well. There are other things to consider when weight job offers than just salary.
Mary Neuburger
Director, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian StudiesUniversity of Texas at Austin
Slavic, Baltic And Albanian Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mary Neuburger: Language skills are always important, as well as research skills, and experience working on team projects. I also think deep interdisciplinary knowledge of Russia and its sphere of influence will continue to be important, as well as teachnical skills and knowledge of the information environment-and especially disinformation. UT Austin has a new Global Disinformation Lab, in which study of Russian disinformation (among other things) is carried out.
Tatiana Tatum Ph.D.
ProfessorSaint Xavier University
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Tatiana Tatum Ph.D.: For a graduate starting their career in biology, my general advice would be to stay curious and open-minded. Biology is a vast and rapidly evolving field, so it's important to keep learning and adapting to new developments. Network with professionals in your field, seek out mentorship opportunities, and don't be afraid to explore different areas of biology to find where your passions lie. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or research assistantships can be invaluable in building your skills and credibility.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tatiana Tatum Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, several skills are likely to become more important and prevalent in the field of biology. These include proficiency in data analysis and bioinformatics, as advancements in technology generate vast amounts of biological data that need to be interpreted and analyzed. Additionally, interdisciplinary skills, such as the ability to collaborate with experts in fields like computer science, engineering, and mathematics, will be increasingly valuable as biology becomes more integrated with other disciplines. Furthermore, expertise in emerging areas such as synthetic biology, gene editing technologies like CRISPR, and personalized medicine could offer significant opportunities for growth and impact.
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorNorfolk State University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: In order to maximize the salary potential in the field of Biology, stay focused to the fundamental basics and use your skillset to problem solve obstacles and overcome them with confidence. You are no longer in the classroom, so it's time to show off all that you know. In addition, leverage your skills learned in hands-on labs to maximize your salary potential.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: As a graduate with a degree in Biology, I advise that you keep up with the technology in the biomedical field. In the age of gene editing, personalized medicine, and advanced implants, the biology degree is a valuable asset to have.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dana Garrigan Ph.D.: All of biology continues to be shaped by emerging technologies. A key skill for a successful scientist is the ability to creatively use new tools. Understanding biotechnology, an ability to make sense of increasingly large data sets, and the potential use of AI to solve problems are going to be significant to all biologists moving forward.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Dana Garrigan Ph.D.: Like all sciences, biology is a dynamic field with new research and technologies reshaping it daily. Remember that credentials are as much about demonstrating your ability to engage in the process of discovery and apply new knowledge as they are about what you know today. Keep learning and innovating!
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anton Komar Ph.D.: Adaptability to a rapidly changing environment and ability to identify emerging opportunities. Ability to be proactive and take a lead in the project. Ability to stay self-motivated and not being afraid of the failure. On a practical level, knowledge of computational biology and related basic programming skills would be a plus and would continue to be in high demand for many years to come.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Anton Komar Ph.D.: Broaden and perfect your set of skills (experimental and theoretical methods you have in hands). Don't be afraid to learn new skills/techniques. Know your field, stay current with the professional literature. Read widely and regularly and follow the latest trends and technologies in your field. Find and follow a good mentor.
Phillis Sheppard Ph.D.
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture and Womanist ThoughtVanderbilt University
Theological And Ministerial Studies
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Phillis Sheppard Ph.D.: I tell recent graduates to read the contract and the faculty manual. Make sure you understand the long term implications of your early salary. Second, plan for retirement now; do not wait until you are making the salary of your fantasies. Take advantage of opportunities to learn about financial health and management. Third, position yourself. Write and publish directly and clearly in your field of study and adjacent areas. Fourth, create a plan with vision for the career you think you want. Finally, one way or the other, you will carve out a career or job, but a vocation is nurtured by paying attention to where you experience passion and a deep sense of belonging. A vocation is where your heart and intellect find a meaningful place in responding to the world's needs. Your salary best positions you when it supports your whole life and commitments.
What Laboratory Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Phillis Sheppard Ph.D.: I think it can be easy to immerse oneself in a specific area of study and become well informed, but isolated. I encourage graduate students to also expose themselves to the many co-curricular learning opportunities and intellectual ideas that will stretch and deepen their approach. Many of us have been taught to interrogate ideas that differ from our own. Graduate studies invite and require us to interrogate our own ideas and convictions too.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Phillis Sheppard Ph.D.: I tell recent graduates read the contract and the faculty manual. Make sure you understand the long term implications of your early salary. Second, plan for retirement now; do not wait until you are making the salary of your fantasies. Take advantage of opportunities to learn about financial health and management. Third, position yourself. Write and publish directly and clearly in your field of study and adjacent areas. Fourth, create a plan with vision for the career you think you want. Finally, one way or the other, you will carve out a career or job, but a vocation is nurtured by paying attention to where and you experience passion and a deep sense of belonging. A vocation is where your heart and intellect find a meaningful place in responding to the world's needs. Your salary best positions you when it supports you whole life and commitments.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Researcher?
Meg Bentley: Remember that you are 'starting your career' - even the most brilliant and capable people have to start somewhere, so don't attach a starting salary to your self-worth and don't think that a high salary will make up for a miserable job experience. Ask upfront questions about how your employer sets your initial salary and then handles and manages promotions and raises. Remember, that benefits other than salary count toward your overall compensation package (health insurance, retirement, childcare), so include those as well and ask about benefits that are really important to you. Also, do your homework - don't ask for a $90K starting salary when the CEO makes $110K. Once you accept an offer, be willing to listen to feedback on your performance and address it as best you can. Finally - seek out employers/companies where you can have balance, be happy, and do something that you think is important while also identifying ways to grow professionally and increase your salary.
What will help Laboratory Researchers increase their earning potential?
Meg Bentley: Remember that you are "starting your career" - even the most brilliant and capable people have to start somewhere, so don't attach a starting salary to your self-worth and don't think that a high salary will make up for a miserable job experience. Ask upfront questions about how your employer sets your initial salary and then handles and manages promotions and raises. Remember, that benefits other than salary count toward your overall compensation package (health insurance, retirement, childcare), so include those as well and ask about benefits that are really important to you. Also, do your homework - don't ask for a $90K starting salary when the CEO makes $110K. Once you accept an offer, be willing to listen to feedback on your performance and address it as best you can. Finally - seek out employers/companies where you can have balance, be happy, and do something that you think is important while also identifying ways to grow professionally and increase your salary.