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How much does a Laboratory Assistant make?

The average salary for a Laboratory Assistant is $45,564 per year in the US.

Laboratory Assistants play a key role in supporting scientific research and experiments. They help with tasks such as preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and recording data. Understanding the salary can help job seekers know what to expect in this role. The average yearly salary for a Laboratory Assistant is $45,564. This figure includes all levels of experience and types of laboratories.


Here are some details about the salary distribution for Laboratory Assistants:

  • The lowest 10% earn around $30,280 annually.
  • The next 10% earn between $30,280 and $34,330.
  • The next 20% earn between $34,330 and $38,380.
  • The next 10% earn between $38,380 and $42,430.
  • The next 10% earn between $42,430 and $46,480.
  • The next 10% earn between $46,480 and $50,530.
  • The next 10% earn between $50,530 and $54,580.
  • The next 10% earn between $54,580 and $58,630.
  • The next 10% earn between $58,630 and $62,680.
  • The highest 10% earn more than $62,680 annually.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Laboratory Assistant?

Job seekers looking for Laboratory Assistant roles can find good opportunities in several cities. San Francisco, California, offers the highest average salary at $73,315. Other top-paying cities include Santa Rosa, California, and Rochester, New York, where average salaries also exceed $64,000. These cities present attractive options for those seeking both quality positions and competitive pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Laboratory Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $73,315 and Charlotte, NC with the lowest at $51,674.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $73,315
    In San Francisco, working in a lab means joining a tech-driven industry. Companies like Genentech and UCSF offer dynamic environments. Expect to handle samples and help with research projects.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $70,672
    Santa Rosa is known for its wine country. Here, lab work often supports agricultural research. Companies such as Gallo Winery might need your skills. You will assist scientists and technicians in various experiments.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  3. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $64,155
    Rochester boasts a strong medical community. Working in a lab here often means supporting top-tier medical research. Companies such as Bio-Rad Laboratories might need your expertise. You will aid in data collection and analysis.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY


  4. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $55,618
    Syracuse is home to academic institutions like Syracuse University. Lab assistants here often help with teaching and research. You might work in a university setting, aiding professors and students alike.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Syracuse, NY


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $55,449
    In Los Angeles, the entertainment industry meets science. Labs here often support research in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Companies such as Amgen might seek your skills. You will assist in experiments and ensure lab safety.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $55,135
    Seattle is known for its tech giants. Working in a lab here means being part of a forward-thinking environment. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft may need your expertise. You will help with data management and technical tasks.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $54,314
    Atlanta has a vibrant healthcare sector. Labs here often support large medical facilities. Working at Grady Memorial Hospital or Emory University Hospital can be rewarding. You will assist with a variety of tests and procedures.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA


  8. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $53,266
    In Bakersfield, agricultural labs are prominent. Working here means supporting research that benefits local farms. Companies such as Sun-Maid Raisins might need your help. You will aid in soil and plant testing.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  9. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $52,820
    Buffalo has a mix of academic and industrial labs. Working here often means supporting research at institutions like the University at Buffalo. You will assist in experiments and data collection.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Buffalo, NY


  10. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $51,674
    Charlotte has a growing biotech sector. Labs here often support pharmaceutical research. Working at companies like Pfizer can be fulfilling. You will aid in experiments and ensure lab protocols are followed.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Charlotte, NC

What are the best companies a Laboratory Assistant can work for?

Sutter Health offers one of the highest salaries for Laboratory Assistants, averaging around $70,123. Kaiser Permanente and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital also provide competitive pay, with averages of $67,683 and $65,673, respectively. For those seeking well-paying opportunities, these companies are worth exploring.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Laboratory Assistant jobs, highlighting Sutter Health with the highest at $70,123 and Adventist Health with the lowest at $54,013.
  1. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $70,123
    Sutter Health is known for its innovative approach to healthcare. They provide Laboratory Assistant positions in many California locations, including Sacramento and San Francisco. These roles involve working in state-of-the-art labs, supporting medical tests and research.


  2. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $67,683
    Kaiser Permanente offers a range of healthcare services across multiple states. Laboratory Assistants here work in modern facilities in places like California and Colorado. They handle various lab tasks, ensuring tests are done accurately and efficiently.


  3. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
    Average Salary: $65,673
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in New York City. They offer competitive salaries for Laboratory Assistants. These professionals work in busy labs, supporting doctors with critical tests and procedures.


  4. Keck Medicine of USC
    Average Salary: $60,048
    Keck Medicine of USC combines academic research with patient care. Laboratory Assistants here work in Los Angeles, supporting both clinical and research activities. They play a key role in advancing medical science.


  5. University of Southern California
    Average Salary: $59,866
    The University of Southern California offers exciting Laboratory Assistant positions in Los Angeles. These roles involve working in cutting-edge research labs, contributing to groundbreaking studies and medical advancements.


  6. Olympic Medical Center
    Average Salary: $57,030
    Olympic Medical Center provides healthcare services in Washington state. Laboratory Assistants here work in Shelianm, supporting a wide range of medical tests and procedures in a community setting.


  7. Providence
    Average Salary: $55,752
    Providence is a large healthcare system with locations across several states. Laboratory Assistants work in facilities in places like Oregon and California. They assist with a variety of lab tasks, ensuring smooth operations.


  8. PIH Health
    Average Salary: $54,988
    PIH Health offers healthcare services in Southern California. Laboratory Assistants here work in Whittier and other locations, supporting doctors with essential lab tests and procedures.


  9. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $54,666
    UCLA Health combines top-notch medical care with academic research. Laboratory Assistants work in Los Angeles, supporting both clinical and research activities in a dynamic environment.


  10. Adventist Health
    Average Salary: $54,013
    Adventist Health provides healthcare services in several states. Laboratory Assistants here work in locations like California and Oregon, supporting a range of lab activities in a caring community.

How to earn more as a Laboratory Assistant?

Laboratory Assistants who want to earn more can take several steps. This profession offers opportunities for growth and higher pay with the right strategies. Here are some key ways to increase earnings.

Experience is one of the most important factors. Assistants who gain more experience can often take on more responsibilities and earn higher wages. Working in specialized fields can also lead to better pay. For instance, those in medical or pharmaceutical labs often earn more than others. Gaining certifications can also make an Assistant more valuable. Certifications in areas like lab safety or specific lab equipment can lead to higher salaries. Networking within the industry can open up more job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional groups can connect Assistants with potential employers who offer better pay.

Assistants can increase their earnings by taking additional steps. Continuing education can lead to higher positions. Courses in biology, chemistry, or other sciences can be helpful. Strong communication skills can also help. Being able to clearly explain results and procedures can make an Assistant more valuable. Seeking out performance reviews and asking for raises can also help. Demonstrating a commitment to the job can lead to better pay over time.

Laboratory Assistants have many ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on experience, certifications, and continuing education, Assistants can find better-paying jobs and advance in their careers.

  1. Gain more experience: More experience can lead to higher wages.
  2. Specialize in a field: Working in medical or pharmaceutical labs can offer better pay.
  3. Get certifications: Certifications in lab safety or equipment can increase value.
  4. Network within the industry: Attending events and joining groups can lead to new job opportunities.
  5. Seek continuing education: Courses in sciences can help in career advancement.

Currently 616 Laboratory Assistant job openings, nationwide.

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Position
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Laboratory Assistant
616 Job Openings