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How much does a Laboratory Assistant make?

The average salary for a Laboratory Assistant is $44,700 per year in the US.

A Laboratory Assistant works in a lab, helping scientists and researchers with their experiments. The pay for this job varies. Most Laboratory Assistants earn between $30,000 and $71,000 a year. The average yearly salary for a Laboratory Assistant is around $44,700. This means many Laboratory Assistants make close to this amount each year.

Factors like location, experience, and the type of lab can affect a Laboratory Assistant's salary. Some states and cities pay more than others. Experienced Laboratory Assistants can earn more than those just starting. Working in certain types of labs, like those in big cities or tech companies, can also mean higher pay.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Laboratory Assistant?

San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Rosa in California offer the highest salaries for laboratory assistants. With average salaries of over $68,000, these cities provide competitive pay. Job seekers can find strong opportunities and rewarding careers in these locations. Lab assistants in Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, New York, also enjoy good compensation. Their average salaries range from $55,000 to $61,000. These cities present another avenue for those looking to secure a stable position.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Laboratory Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $71,008 and Charlotte, NC with the lowest at $52,179.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $71,008
    In San Francisco, you will find a bustling tech industry with many research opportunities. Companies like Genentech and Biogen offer exciting prospects. The city's vibrant culture provides a dynamic environment for growth.
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  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $70,684
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, where innovation thrives. Here, you can work with tech giants such as Apple and Intel. The city offers a perfect blend of professional opportunities and a lively community.
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  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $68,720
    Santa Rosa offers a quieter pace with a strong focus on healthcare and agriculture. You can work with companies like Sutter Health and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. The city is known for its beautiful landscapes and community spirit.
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  4. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $60,948
    Rochester is a hub for medical research and technology. Eastman Kodak and Bausch + Lomb provide great opportunities. The city’s rich history and educational institutions make it a great place to work and learn.
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  5. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $57,909
    Buffalo offers a mix of research and industry jobs. Companies like General Electric and Blue Cross Blue Shield are prominent. The city’s affordable living costs and cultural attractions make it a desirable location.
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  6. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $55,168
    Syracuse boasts a strong presence of healthcare and education sectors. You can work with organizations like St. Joseph's Health. The city offers a welcoming community and a rich array of activities.
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  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $53,369
    Los Angeles is a city of entertainment and innovation. Working here offers chances with companies like Amgen and Boeing. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse culture provide a rich professional environment.
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  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $53,108
    Seattle is known for its tech and aerospace industries. Companies like Boeing and Amazon offer exciting roles. The city’s natural beauty and forward-thinking community make it an attractive place to work.
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  9. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $52,609
    Bakersfield offers a mix of oil and gas industries with research opportunities. Working here can involve roles with Chevron and other energy companies. The city’s warm climate and community values add to the experience.
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  10. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $52,179
    Charlotte is a growing financial hub with a strong presence in healthcare. Companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy offer diverse opportunities. The city’s rapid growth and vibrant culture make it a promising place to work.
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What are the best companies a Laboratory Assistant can work for?

Looking for a Laboratory Assistant job? Sutter Health stands out with an average salary of $70,692. Kaiser Permanente and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital also offer strong compensation packages. These companies value skilled laboratory assistants and offer competitive pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Laboratory Assistant jobs, highlighting Sutter Health with the highest at $70,692 and Emanate Health with the lowest at $50,849.
  1. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $70,692
    Sutter Health offers a rewarding career path for Laboratory Assistants. They operate across Northern California. Their facilities provide comprehensive healthcare services. You will work in well-equipped labs and contribute to patient care.


  2. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $65,907
    At Kaiser Permanente, Laboratory Assistants play a key role in patient care. The company runs health care facilities in several states. You will work in modern labs and assist with a variety of lab tests. Kaiser Permanente values teamwork and quality care.


  3. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
    Average Salary: $64,582
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is a top employer for Laboratory Assistants. It is located in New York City. The hospital offers a dynamic work environment. You will handle a variety of lab procedures and support patient care. They value experience and professional growth.


  4. Keck Medicine of USC
    Average Salary: $60,427
    Keck Medicine of USC provides exciting opportunities for Laboratory Assistants. Based in Los Angeles, the facility is part of a renowned academic medical center. You will work in state-of-the-art labs. The company focuses on research and patient care. It is a great place for those who want to grow their skills.


  5. University of Southern California
    Average Salary: $59,460
    The University of Southern California offers Laboratory Assistant positions. It is located in Los Angeles. This role combines research and patient care. You will work alongside experts in the field. The university supports continuous learning and professional development.


  6. Olympic Medical Center
    Average Salary: $56,021
    Olympic Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in Washington. They offer competitive salaries for Laboratory Assistants. You will work in a community hospital setting. The center emphasizes quality care and teamwork. It is a great place for those who want a stable work environment.


  7. PIH Health
    Average Salary: $54,884
    PIH Health provides rewarding opportunities for Laboratory Assistants. Based in Southern California, they offer a supportive work environment. You will assist with various lab tests and contribute to patient care. The company values teamwork and professional growth.


  8. NYU Langone Health
    Average Salary: $52,968
    NYU Langone Health offers excellent career opportunities for Laboratory Assistants. Located in New York City, it is a top academic medical center. You will work in cutting-edge labs. The company focuses on research and high-quality patient care. It is an ideal place for those who want to make a difference.


  9. Skagit Regional Health
    Average Salary: $52,316
    Skagit Regional Health provides a supportive environment for Laboratory Assistants. Based in Washington, the company offers a range of healthcare services. You will work in modern labs and contribute to patient care. The organization values teamwork and continuous learning.


  10. Emanate Health
    Average Salary: $50,849
    Emanate Health offers promising opportunities for Laboratory Assistants. Located in Southern California, they focus on patient-centered care. You will work in a supportive environment. The company values teamwork and professional development.

How to earn more as a Laboratory Assistant?

Laboratory assistants play a key role in scientific research and healthcare. To increase earning potential in this field, consider these strategies. Increasing skills can lead to better job offers and higher pay.

Gaining additional certifications can enhance a laboratory assistant's resume. For example, obtaining a certification in phlebotomy or medical lab technology can open doors to higher-paying positions. Specializing in high-demand areas, such as microbiology or molecular biology, can also lead to better opportunities. Networking with professionals in the field can provide insights into lucrative job openings.

Taking on extra responsibilities at work can lead to higher pay. Volunteering to assist with complex tasks or taking on a leadership role in projects can catch the attention of employers. This proactive approach can result in raises or promotions. Attending workshops and conferences to stay updated on the latest lab technologies and techniques can make a significant difference.

Seeking roles in higher-paying industries can also boost earnings. Consider positions in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or research institutions. These sectors often offer higher salaries compared to traditional laboratory settings.

  1. Certifications: Obtain certifications in specialized areas like phlebotomy or medical lab technology.
  2. Specialization: Focus on high-demand areas such as microbiology or molecular biology.
  3. Networking: Connect with professionals in the field to learn about lucrative job openings.
  4. Extra Responsibilities: Volunteer to take on complex tasks or leadership roles at work.
  5. Professional Development: Attend workshops and conferences to stay updated on new lab technologies and techniques.

Currently 726 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.
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Laboratory Assistant
726 Job Openings