How much does a Laboratory Assistant make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Laboratory Assistant?

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

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



