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Salary

How much does a Laboratory Assistant make?

The average salary for a Laboratory Assistant is $45,416 per year in the US.

Laboratory Assistants play a crucial role in scientific and medical research. They help scientists with various tasks in a lab. Most Laboratory Assistants earn a yearly salary between $28,434 and $77,950. The average yearly salary sits around $45,416. This range offers a good opportunity for those starting out and for experienced professionals.

The salary can depend on many factors. Experience, location, and the type of facility all make a difference. A new Laboratory Assistant might start on the lower end. As they gain experience, they can earn more. Working in a major city or at a large research facility can also lead to higher pay. This career offers good pay and opportunities for growth over time.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Laboratory Assistant?

Looking for a Laboratory Assistant position? San Jose, CA, tops the list with an average salary of $72,240. Following closely, Santa Rosa, CA, offers a competitive average salary of $66,591. San Francisco, CA, rounds out the top three highest-paying cities for Laboratory Assistants, with an average salary of $65,638. Further down the list, Sacramento, CA, and Modesto, CA, provide attractive average salaries of $65,633 and $64,283, respectively. Job seekers in these cities can expect good compensation. Los Angeles, CA, and Seattle, WA, also present promising opportunities with salaries of $56,372 and $56,136.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Laboratory Assistant jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $72,240 and Fresno, CA with the lowest at $54,830.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $72,240
    In San Jose, you'll find exciting opportunities in tech companies. Companies like Cisco and Intel often have roles that support lab operations. The dynamic environment offers growth and networking.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $66,591
    Santa Rosa boasts a mix of tech and healthcare sectors. Working here, you'll assist in research for companies like Medtronic and Bio-Rad. It’s a place where you can make a real impact.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $65,638
    San Francisco's biotech hub offers roles in innovative companies such as Genentech and Illumina. You’ll be part of cutting-edge research and development. The city’s vibrant culture enhances the work experience.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $65,633
    Sacramento offers a balance between tech and healthcare. Roles here support research for companies like Kaiser Permanente and biotech startups. It's a great place to build your career.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $64,283
    Modesto provides a mix of agricultural and biotech roles. Working here, you'll assist in testing and research for companies involved in food science. It’s a supportive community with good opportunities.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $56,372
    Los Angeles offers diverse opportunities in entertainment and biotech. Companies like Amgen and UCLA often have roles for lab assistants. The city's energy and opportunities can make your work exciting.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $56,136
    Seattle’s tech scene offers many lab roles. Companies such as Amazon and Boeing need lab assistants. The city's innovative environment provides many growth opportunities.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $55,888
    Stockton offers roles in agricultural and food science labs. Companies in this area value lab assistants for their research work. It’s a place where you can be part of meaningful projects.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Stockton, CA


  9. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $55,262
    Rochester has a strong presence in healthcare and biotech. Companies like Mayo Clinic and IBM offer roles that support lab operations. The city’s commitment to research provides excellent career prospects.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY


  10. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $54,830
    Fresno offers a mix of agricultural and healthcare roles. Companies here, including those in the food and biotech sectors, need lab assistants. It’s a place where you can gain valuable experience.
    Find Laboratory Assistant jobs in Fresno, CA

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

TridentCare offers the highest salary for Laboratory Assistant roles, providing an excellent opportunity for those seeking competitive compensation. Stanford Health Care and MarinHealth also provide strong salaries, making them attractive options for laboratory professionals. Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health follow closely, offering salaries that reflect the value they place on laboratory support staff.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Laboratory Assistant jobs, highlighting TridentCare with the highest at $314,074 and Sharp HealthCare with the lowest at $64,702.
  1. TridentCare
    Average Salary: $314,074
    TridentCare offers exciting Laboratory Assistant positions across multiple states. They focus on providing top-notch healthcare services. Their facilities are located in vibrant cities, offering a dynamic work environment.


  2. Talented Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $90,502
    Talented Medical Solutions provides Laboratory Assistant roles that support various medical facilities nationwide. They value their staff and offer growth opportunities. Positions are available in urban and suburban settings.


  3. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $80,167
    Stanford Health Care employs Laboratory Assistants in their prestigious institution. They focus on cutting-edge medical research and patient care. Locations include the San Francisco Bay Area, offering beautiful surroundings and advanced facilities.


  4. Arizona College of Nursing
    Average Salary: $80,000
    Arizona College of Nursing hires Laboratory Assistants to support their academic programs. They offer a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional development. Their campus is located in Phoenix, Arizona.


  5. MarinHealth
    Average Salary: $74,496
    MarinHealth provides Laboratory Assistant positions in Marin County, California. They emphasize patient-centered care and team collaboration. Their locations are in scenic areas with easy access to San Francisco.


  6. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $72,178
    Sutter Health offers Laboratory Assistant roles across Northern California. They focus on providing high-quality healthcare services. Positions are available in cities like Sacramento and San Francisco.


  7. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $69,502
    Kaiser Permanente employs Laboratory Assistants throughout California and beyond. They prioritize patient care and staff well-being. Locations include major cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego.


  8. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
    Average Salary: $66,382
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers Laboratory Assistant positions in New York City. They focus on innovation in medical care and research. The hospital provides a bustling work environment in Manhattan.


  9. Seattle Children's
    Average Salary: $66,133
    Seattle Children's provides Laboratory Assistant roles in Seattle, Washington. They emphasize pediatric care and family support. Their facility is located in a vibrant city with access to outdoor activities.


  10. Sharp HealthCare
    Average Salary: $64,702
    Sharp HealthCare employs Laboratory Assistants in San Diego, California. They focus on community health and patient satisfaction. Their locations offer beautiful coastal views and a welcoming atmosphere.

How to earn more as a Laboratory Assistant?

Becoming a Laboratory Assistant offers numerous opportunities for career growth and higher earnings. By focusing on a few key factors, one can increase their salary and improve job prospects. Starting with education, pursuing additional certifications in specialized areas such as microbiology or chemical analysis can set an individual apart from others. These certifications not only enhance skills but also demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Experience plays a crucial role in earning potential. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions helps build a robust resume. Networking within the industry also opens doors to higher-paying positions. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with colleagues can lead to job opportunities that are not advertised publicly. Employers value employees who actively seek to improve and expand their skill set, which often translates to higher salaries.

Additionally, moving into supervisory or managerial roles within the laboratory can significantly increase earnings. Leadership positions often come with higher pay and benefits. Gaining experience in project management or quality control can also lead to higher-paying jobs. Seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance on career advancement.

Taking on responsibilities beyond the standard job description can also boost income. Volunteering for extra duties or projects showcases initiative and reliability. This can lead to recognition and potential raises. Another effective strategy is relocating to areas with a higher cost of living, where salaries for Laboratory Assistants tend to be higher.

  1. Pursue additional certifications.
  2. Gain relevant experience through internships or entry-level roles.
  3. Network within the industry by attending conferences and joining organizations.
  4. Advance to supervisory or managerial positions.
  5. Take on extra responsibilities and volunteer for projects.

Currently 1,293 Laboratory Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Laboratory Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Laboratory Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Laboratory Assistant today.
Position
Overview
Laboratory Assistant
1,293 Job Openings