Position
Salary

How much does a Laboratory Scientist make?

The average salary for a Laboratory Scientist is $66,994 per year in the US.

Becoming a Laboratory Scientist offers promising opportunities in various industries. These professionals conduct tests and analyses that are crucial for research, quality control, and diagnosis. The average yearly salary for Laboratory Scientists is $66,994, making it a stable career choice for many.


Salary ranges can vary based on experience, location, and the specific field of specialization. Entry-level Laboratory Scientists earn around $35,627, while those with more experience can earn up to $133,450. Most Laboratory Scientists fall in the middle of this range, with salaries between $53,413 and $115,664 per year. This range reflects the broad skills and expertise required in this profession.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Laboratory Scientist?

Baltimore, MD, offers top salaries for laboratory scientists, with an average of $86,847. This city attracts talent due to its strong healthcare and research sectors. Job seekers looking for higher pay can find excellent opportunities there. Lansing, MI, and Lexington, KY, also rank high, with average salaries around $73,121 and $66,823. These cities provide a good balance of cost of living and salary, making them attractive for scientists seeking stable careers. Denver, CO, and Albuquerque, NM, offer competitive salaries too, with averages around $51,794 and $62,667. These locations present good career growth prospects in scientific fields.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Laboratory Scientist jobs, highlighting Baltimore, MD with the highest at $86,847 and Fargo, ND with the lowest at $47,518.
  1. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $86,847
    In Baltimore, professionals thrive in labs focused on research and medical breakthroughs. Johns Hopkins University offers exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. The city’s vibrant culture enhances work-life balance.
    Find Laboratory Scientist jobs in Baltimore, MD


  2. Lansing, MI
    Average Salary: $73,121
    Lansing provides a stable environment for scientists working with state-run labs. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and lower living costs, making it ideal for those starting their career.
    Find Laboratory Scientist jobs in Lansing, MI


  3. Lexington, KY
    Average Salary: $66,823
    Lexington’s research labs are known for their focus on agriculture and food science. The University of Kentucky offers numerous opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
    Find Laboratory Scientist jobs in Lexington, KY


  4. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $62,667
    Albuquerque scientists enjoy a unique environment with a mix of private and government labs. The Sandia National Laboratories offer cutting-edge projects. The outdoor lifestyle complements a busy work schedule.
    Find Laboratory Scientist jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  5. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $52,672
    Nashville has a growing number of labs focused on biotechnology and healthcare. The city's friendly nature and strong community make it a great place to build a career.
    Find Laboratory Scientist jobs in Nashville, TN


  6. Jackson, MS
    Average Salary: $52,532
    Jackson offers a welcoming environment with a focus on public health and environmental science. The city’s lower cost of living makes it an attractive option for many.
    Find Laboratory Scientist jobs in Jackson, MS


  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $51,794
    Denver is known for its tech-forward labs and startups. The city's outdoor activities and vibrant arts scene provide a great work-life balance for scientists.
    Find Laboratory Scientist jobs in Denver, CO


  8. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $47,518
    Fargo offers a close-knit community with a range of lab opportunities in agriculture and food safety. The city's affordable living costs and welcoming atmosphere make it an appealing choice.
    Find Laboratory Scientist jobs in Fargo, ND

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

Laboratory scientists can find lucrative positions at the State of Michigan and the University of Kentucky. The State of Michigan offers an average salary of $73,176. This compensation makes it a strong choice for those in the field. The University of Kentucky also provides a solid average salary of $66,713 for laboratory scientists. Both institutions present excellent opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding careers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Laboratory Scientist jobs, highlighting State of Michigan with the highest at $73,176 and University of Kentucky with the lowest at $66,713.
  1. State of Michigan
    Average Salary: $73,176
    The State of Michigan offers Laboratory Scientist jobs in various locations. These roles focus on conducting scientific research and analysis. Opportunities exist in Lansing, Detroit, and other areas across the state. Employees work in state-of-the-art labs, contributing to public health and safety.


  2. University of Kentucky
    Average Salary: $66,713
    The University of Kentucky provides Laboratory Scientist positions primarily in Lexington. This role involves research and teaching duties. Scientists work in well-equipped labs on campus, advancing scientific knowledge. The university offers a vibrant academic environment with numerous career growth opportunities.

How to earn more as a Laboratory Scientist?

Laboratory scientists have many opportunities to increase their earnings. Building a successful career in this field involves a mix of education, experience, and strategic career moves. Staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies in the lab can lead to higher-paying positions. Networking with other professionals in the industry can open doors to better job opportunities.

Here are some ways laboratory scientists can earn more:

  1. Earn advanced degrees. Having a master's or doctorate degree often leads to higher salary opportunities.
  2. Gain specialized certifications. Certifications in areas like microbiology, chemistry, or medical laboratory science can make a scientist more valuable.
  3. Increase experience. More years of experience usually lead to higher pay. Working in different types of labs can also improve skills.
  4. Seek leadership roles. Managers and supervisors often earn more than entry-level scientists. Taking on these roles can increase earnings.
  5. Move to a higher-paying industry. Some industries, like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, often offer higher salaries compared to academic or government labs.

Currently 60 Laboratory Scientist job openings, nationwide.

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

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