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Job outlook for laboratory supervisors in the United States
Laboratory supervisor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected laboratory supervisor job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 7,100 new jobs for laboratory supervisors are projected over the next decade.
Laboratory supervisor salaries have increased 7% for laboratory supervisors in the last 5 years.
There are over 40,246 laboratory supervisors currently employed in the United States.
There are 49,957 active laboratory supervisor job openings in the US.
The average laboratory supervisor salary is $67,361.
Are laboratory supervisor jobs in demand?
Laboratory supervisor job and salary trends over time
Laboratory supervisor jobs over time
Laboratory supervisor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 40,246 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 39,335 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 39,805 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 38,915 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 37,928 | 0.01% |
Average laboratory supervisor salary over time
Laboratory supervisor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $67,361 | $32.39 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $65,530 | $31.50 | --0.7% |
| 2024 | $66,003 | $31.73 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $64,364 | $30.94 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $63,123 | $30.35 | --0.1% |
Laboratory supervisor jobs by state
Most common states for laboratory supervisors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 140 | 16% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 91 | 15% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 187 | 14% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 397 | 13% |
| 5 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 91 | 13% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 742 | 11% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 84 | 11% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 81 | 11% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 527 | 9% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 612 | 8% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 585 | 8% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 461 | 8% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 149 | 8% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 109 | 8% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 88 | 8% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,628 | 7% |
| 17 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,380 | 7% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 881 | 7% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 234 | 7% |
| 20 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 126 | 7% |
Most common cities for laboratory supervisors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doral | 2 | 3% | $55,495 |
| 2 | South San Francisco | 2 | 3% | $98,110 |
| 3 | Terre Haute | 2 | 3% | $53,741 |
| 4 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $56,473 |
| 5 | Fremont | 3 | 1% | $97,688 |
| 6 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $80,501 |
| 7 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $54,233 |
| 8 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $79,612 |
| 9 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $63,617 |
| 10 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $73,778 |
| 11 | Mesa | 2 | 0% | $63,229 |
| 12 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $63,583 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $56,098 |
| 14 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $64,630 |
Laboratory Supervisor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of laboratory supervisor experts
Northern Michigan University
Saint Cloud State University
Wenatchee Valley College
Old Dominion University
The University of Akron
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Houston Baptist University
Adelphi University
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bay Path University
Kettering University
Pennsylvania State University
Eastern Kentucky University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
University of New Mexico
Palm Beach State College
University of Arizona
Southeastern Louisiana University
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA
Assistant Professor / MLS Program DirectorNorthern Michigan University
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, And Treatment Professions
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Supervisor?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: 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.
What Laboratory Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: The skills that will be required in the lab tech milieu over the next 3-5 years are the same ones that are necessary now, which is what makes the lab tech profession so lucrative. Foundational laboratory skills are a must now and will be must in the future. Once the aspiring lab tech learns and masters the foundational work, such as lab math, pipetting, dilution schemes, titrating, proper glassware use and application, basic spectrophotometry, transformational weights and measures, microscopy, etc. then they'll be readily adaptable for employment in any laboratory setting.
What will help Laboratory Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Martin Renaldi MT (ASCP), MPA: I would highly recommend that the newly graduated lab tech does not limit themself to a specific location or a specific vocation. The places to work and the types of jobs available are nearly limitless. If one thinks outside of the box, outside of the mainstream lab tech opportunities, they'll find a whole host of other intriguing possibilities. So, do not limit yourself, the world is your oyster, .......so to speak.
Louise Millis
Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnician Program Director, Associate Professor of BiologySaint Cloud State University
Medical Laboratory Science
What skills will help Laboratory Supervisors earn the most?
Louise Millis: -Problem solving gives you the ability to see opportunities, to take on additional tasks or projects
-Careful work: Precision, accuracy, reproducibility
-Ability to work with others
-Work experience with the above and also furthering your education
-Work experience which enhance base knowledge and technical skills
-Educational
-MBA for some positions (depends on the size of the hospital), management
-MS/Ph.D. for some positions
-Depends on the size of the hospital
-Also, needed for an academic position, MS for some, others require PhD
What skills stand out on Laboratory Supervisor 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 type of skills will young Laboratory Supervisors 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's a good job out of college for Laboratory Supervisors?
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 Supervisors?
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 Supervisors 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.
What will help Laboratory Supervisors 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.
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 Supervisors?
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 Supervisors 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 Supervisors?
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 Supervisors?
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's a good job out of college for Laboratory Supervisors?
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 Supervisors 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Supervisors?
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.
What will help Laboratory Supervisors 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 Supervisors?
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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Laboratory Supervisor 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 Laboratory Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Ludwigsen: Graduates from our programs often find that graduate degrees, masters, or even doctorates, fit into their career trajectories well. If I were advising a graduating senior considering a gap year, I would suggest a certificate program in a relevant field, such as programming, data science, or similar areas. While these incorporate broadly applicable skills as well as valuable disciplinary perspective, these certificate programs often offer credit that can later be applied toward a graduate degree.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Supervisor?
Daniel Ludwigsen: If I'm talking with a graduate that is in the fortunate position to be weighing multiple opportunities, I emphasize the importance of work culture. This applies to graduate schools as well! If you are interviewing, and have a chance to evaluate the environment in which you'll be spending so much of your time and energy, try to pick up on the nonverbal "feel" of the place and the people there.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Laboratory Supervisor job market given the pandemic?
Patrick Drohan Ph.D.: The market will rebound in a way similar to the 1920s following the Spanish Flu pandemic. Coupled with the administration shifts, students in science fields especially will be well-placed for quick hires. There is also an age cohort now moving in retirement that occupied a pretty large percentage of positions and those jobs are opening up to entry-level hires. We are starting to see some of that now.
What skills stand out on Laboratory Supervisor 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.
What Laboratory Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.: I would recommend gaining additional laboratory and/or research experience to enhance their skill set with new techniques. Individuals could do this by reaching out to principal investigators of research laboratories who are conducting research that they have an interest in. They can also start to build their network by reaching out to professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society and their university's alumni association. These relationships can possibly lead to future opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Supervisor?
Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.: 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.
Dr. Rainer Glaser
Professor and ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Chemistry Department
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Laboratory Supervisors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Rainer Glaser: There are a few classic hubs of "big commodities chemistry" and "big pharma", for example. Interestingly, the chemistry enterprise constantly spawns new specializations and keeps getting more de-centralized with excellent employment opportunities in every state.
Christopher Bae Ph.D.
Professor, Department ChairUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Anthropology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Supervisors?
Christopher Bae Ph.D.: Yes and no. Obviously, hiring in anthropology, like most academic fields, has become more difficult now because of the economic impact of COVID-19 worldwide. However, anthropology graduates are still managing to find job placement in postdoctoral research fellowships, cultural resource management firms, and non-governmental organizations. The applied areas of anthropology are where positions can still be found fairly regularly. Moving forward, however, I anticipate a rebound, like in most fields, of hires more broadly in anthropology.
What type of skills will young Laboratory Supervisors need?
Christopher Bae Ph.D.: Several things really make a resume stand out when hitting the job market. First and foremost, experience in the field and/or laboratory and the ability to show that one is capable of starting a project from scratch and seeing it through to final completion (as evidenced from resulting conference presentations and publications). Undergraduate students should try to gain experience as interns and in field schools. This gives them some experience, and they get a chance to see whether the field is right for them. Graduate students need to develop advanced analytical skills as they work through their qualitative and quantitative datasets. Having a high grade point average can help as well if the hiring firm requests academic transcripts.
What Laboratory Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Benjamin Ford: Students taking a gap year should think about where they want to end up, both geographically and in terms of a career, and position themselves accordingly. That might mean moving to where they eventually want to live, taking a job to pay the bills, and volunteering with an organization to build local contacts. They should also work to develop the skills that will make them necessary in their intended career. The world became much more digital in the last nine months. We will likely return to many of our pre-pandemic physical practices, but aspects of our remote-everything existence will likely stick with us. Developing skills to be successful in a digital environment will be important.
What type of skills will young Laboratory Supervisors need?
Dr. Bruce Huckell Ph.D.: While the kinds of skills necessary for success aren't likely to change, how people learn those skills may shift to some extent from academic institutions to employers, again due to the pandemic.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Supervisor resumes?
Dr. Bruce Huckell Ph.D.: In terms of archaeology, for employers in the governmental and private sectors, I think experience in field work and laboratory analysis is what is most desired when considering folks with bachelor's degrees. In those same employment settings, master's and doctoral graduates who have good writing skills need the knowledge of appropriate legal regulations and museum methods and the ability to organize and supervise workers. In the academic realm, where a doctoral degree is needed in most instances, skills in research, teaching, and pubic/professional service are the key realms in which experience must stand out.
What type of skills will young Laboratory Supervisors need?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: Graduates [of all ages] will continue to need hands-on skills, the ability to work both in the group and individual settings, and, most importantly, be curious and teachable. Soft skills have taken on greater importance over the years, so we provide ongoing events for outreach, scientific communication, interview preparation, etc., to help provide students with ways to improve and grow their soft skills.
We are seeing scientific communications transitioning from in-person to remote settings, and our students are excelling at rising to the challenges. South Florida has a diverse life science career field, and our students continue to be well prepared to enter the job market and succeed in their career paths.
What experience really stands out on Laboratory Supervisor resumes?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: The Palm Beach State College Biotechnology Program is a very hands-on intensive training program that ensures our graduates are well versed in fundamental life science laboratory techniques and sterile/aseptic techniques and instrumentation skills. As part of our program, students can earn two College Credit Certificates along with an A.S. degree that includes an industry internship experience.
We are very fortunate to have an excellent relationship with our business partners who are familiar with our facilities, worked with us for many years, and are aware of the vast instrumentation and hands-on training our students receive. They continue to provide career opportunities for our students and interns.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Laboratory Supervisors?
John Wilbur Ph.D.: I am not sure we can tell at this time how the pandemic will impact graduates. I am sure the job market is bleak, at best.
What type of skills will young Laboratory Supervisors need?
John Wilbur Ph.D.: In the short-term, testing skills like PCR and ELISA seems essential, but I think the enduring skills or working with a team, writing, and other communication skills are most important.
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.
Department HeadSoutheastern Louisiana University
Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Laboratory Supervisors in the next 3-5 years?
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.: IoT and automation.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Laboratory Supervisors in the next 5 years?
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.: There will be an increase; however, employers will be looking for a unique set of qualities/abilities. Some of the trends have been: technical writing, sales, communication, besides the technical skills, which must be current with the evolution in communication methods that we are experiencing.