How much does a Laboratory Assistant make?
A Laboratory Assistant plays a key role in scientific research and testing. They help scientists and researchers by preparing samples and maintaining lab equipment. The average yearly salary for a Laboratory Assistant is around $43,409. This salary can vary based on experience and location.
The salary range for Laboratory Assistants can be quite broad. Some earn as little as $30,000 a year, while others can make up to $73,250. Most Laboratory Assistants fall in the middle, earning between $37,864 and $57,523 annually. This range shows that with experience and skill, there is potential for growth in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Laboratory Assistant?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $71,201
In San Jose, you can find many tech companies where you can work. You'll help with experiments and tests. Companies like Intel and Cisco offer many opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $67,706
San Francisco has a vibrant job market. You can work in research labs or healthcare facilities. Companies like Genentech and UCSF provide great chances.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $66,144
Rochester offers a mix of healthcare and research jobs. You can work in labs for companies like Mayo Clinic and Eastman Kodak. The city has a strong focus on innovation.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $66,119
Santa Rosa is a smaller city with a growing job market. You can find work in local labs and healthcare facilities. The area is known for its wineries, offering a unique work-life balance.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $56,690
Sacramento offers a variety of lab opportunities. You can work in government labs or private companies. The city is known for its political activity and vibrant community.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $56,061
Buffalo has a strong job market in healthcare and research. You can work in labs for companies like Roswell Park and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $51,647
Los Angeles offers many opportunities in research and healthcare. You can work in labs for companies like UCLA and Cedars-Sinai. The city is known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $51,412
Seattle has a thriving tech and healthcare sector. You can find work in labs for companies like Amazon and Fred Hutchinson. The city offers a mix of urban and natural environments.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $51,123
Bakersfield offers a variety of lab jobs in healthcare and agriculture. You can work in local labs and research facilities. The city is known for its oil industry and warm climate.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $50,857
Riverside offers a mix of lab jobs in healthcare and education. You can work in labs for companies like UC Riverside and Kaiser Permanente. The city is known for its parks and outdoor activities.
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What are the best companies a Laboratory Assistant can work for?

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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $73,465
Sutter Health offers a range of Laboratory Assistant positions across its many locations in California. Employees work in state-of-the-art labs, supporting various medical tests and procedures. Locations include Northern California, from Sacramento to San Francisco.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $63,149
Kaiser Permanente provides Laboratory Assistant roles in its facilities across California, Hawaii, and the Mid-Atlantic states. Assistants here are integral to the lab team, ensuring smooth operations and accurate results. Locations include major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Average Salary: $63,071
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers Laboratory Assistant positions in New York City. Assistants work in a fast-paced environment, supporting doctors and researchers. The hospital is known for its cutting-edge research and patient care.
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Keck Medicine of USC
Average Salary: $61,508
Keck Medicine of USC provides Laboratory Assistant jobs in Los Angeles. Assistants here support a wide range of medical tests and research projects. The institution is known for its academic excellence and innovative medical practices.
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City of Hope
Average Salary: $55,513
City of Hope offers Laboratory Assistant positions in Duarte, California. Assistants work in a supportive environment focused on cancer research and treatment. The institution is dedicated to finding cures for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
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PIH Health
Average Salary: $55,484
PIH Health provides Laboratory Assistant roles in Southern California, including Whittier and Downey. Assistants work in well-equipped labs, supporting various medical tests and procedures. The organization is committed to providing high-quality care.
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Olympic Medical Center
Average Salary: $54,143
Olympic Medical Center offers Laboratory Assistant positions in Port Angeles, Washington. Assistants here support a range of medical tests and procedures. The center is known for its community-focused approach to healthcare.
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UC Davis
Average Salary: $53,623
UC Davis provides Laboratory Assistant roles in Sacramento, California. Assistants work in a research-intensive environment, supporting various scientific studies. The university is known for its academic excellence and innovative research.
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Minnesota State University, Mankato
Average Salary: $52,025
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers Laboratory Assistant positions in Mankato, Minnesota. Assistants support academic research and teaching labs. The university is known for its strong academic programs and community engagement.
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Skagit Regional Health
Average Salary: $51,769
Skagit Regional Health provides Laboratory Assistant roles in Mount Vernon, Washington. Assistants work in a supportive environment, supporting various medical tests and procedures. The organization is committed to providing high-quality care to the community.
How to earn more as a Laboratory Assistant?
A Laboratory Assistant can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on specific areas, they can enhance their skills and value in the workplace. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can make a Laboratory Assistant more qualified and attractive to employers. Another way is to take on more responsibilities at work. This can show dedication and skill, often leading to promotions or raises.
Networking with other professionals in the field can also open up higher-paying job opportunities. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can help build connections. Another important factor is seeking out roles in higher-demand areas or industries. These often offer better pay. Finally, continuous learning and staying updated with the latest lab techniques and technologies can make a Laboratory Assistant more valuable. This can lead to higher earnings and career advancement.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Laboratory Assistant:
- Gain additional certifications.
- Take on more responsibilities at work.
- Network with other professionals in the field.
- Seek roles in higher-demand areas or industries.
- Continuously learn and update skills.