How much does a Laboratory Supervisor make?
Laboratory Supervisors earn a solid income, with a yearly average salary of $82,364. This role involves overseeing the daily operations of a lab and ensuring that staff follow safety and quality standards. People in this job often have several years of experience in a laboratory setting. This experience helps them manage experiments, analyze results, and train new staff.
Salary ranges for Laboratory Supervisors can vary widely. Some earn as little as $36,560, while others may make as much as $160,000 per year. The highest earners usually have more experience or work in specialized fields. A list of common salaries includes:
- $36,560 for the lowest earners
- $47,782 for the 10th percentile
- $59,004 for the 25th percentile
- $70,225 for the median
- $81,447 for the 75th percentile
- $92,669 for the 90th percentile
- $115,113 for the 95th percentile
- $160,000 for the highest earners
What are the highest paying cities for a Laboratory Supervisor?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $127,348
San Diego offers a vibrant environment for those in supervisory roles within laboratories. With the presence of biotech giants like Illumina and companies like Biogen, one can leverage their expertise in cutting-edge research. The coastal setting provides a unique blend of professional opportunities and leisure.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $116,829
In Los Angeles, leading in the entertainment industry brings significant opportunities for lab supervisors. Major companies like Quest Diagnostics and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center offer diverse roles. The city's dynamic culture and diverse population add to its appeal.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $113,617
San Francisco stands out with its tech-driven economy. Supervisors can find roles in companies like Genentech and Illumina. The city's progressive culture and innovative spirit make it an exciting place to work.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $96,856
San Jose, often called the Silicon Valley, is home to numerous tech companies. Supervisors can find roles in firms like Agilent Technologies and Varian Medical Systems. The city's tech-centric atmosphere offers continuous growth and learning opportunities.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $96,031
Chicago offers a robust job market for lab supervisors. Companies like Abbott Laboratories and Baxter International provide stable career paths. The city's rich history and cultural diversity add to the professional experience.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $90,138
Houston's energy sector offers unique opportunities for lab supervisors. Companies like BP and Baker Hughes provide dynamic roles. The city's growth and diverse economy create a stimulating work environment.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $88,713
Las Vegas combines a fast-paced work environment with leisure opportunities. Supervisors can find roles in companies like MGM Resorts International. The city's unique blend of business and entertainment makes it an interesting place to work.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $87,938
Washington, D.C. offers a blend of government and private sector opportunities for lab supervisors. Companies like NIH and Leidos provide diverse roles. The city's political and research environment offers unique professional experiences.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $87,926
Phoenix's growing economy provides a variety of opportunities for lab supervisors. Companies like Honeywell and Boeing offer stable roles. The city's warm climate and expanding job market make it an attractive choice.
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Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $85,956
Fargo offers a quieter, family-friendly environment for lab supervisors. Companies like General Mills and Boeing provide solid career options. The city's affordability and community focus offer a balanced lifestyle.
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What are the best companies a Laboratory Supervisor can work for?

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Providence
Average Salary: $147,326
Providence offers rewarding Laboratory Supervisor positions. With locations across the western U.S., this company provides a wide range of healthcare services. They value teamwork and professional development.
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Northwell Health
Average Salary: $135,480
Northwell Health boasts competitive salaries for Laboratory Supervisors. This New York-based health system is known for its high-quality patient care. They offer growth opportunities and a collaborative work environment.
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Clinical Management Consultants
Average Salary: $126,065
Clinical Management Consultants provides excellent benefits for Laboratory Supervisors. They focus on healthcare consulting and staffing. Their supervisors often manage diverse teams across various settings.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $103,429
NYU Langone Health offers a fulfilling career path for Laboratory Supervisors. Based in New York City, they blend innovative research with exceptional patient care. They promote continuous learning and teamwork.
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Mount Sinai Health System
Average Salary: $101,753
Mount Sinai Health System offers competitive salaries for Laboratory Supervisors. With multiple locations in New York, this health system values excellence in patient care. They support career growth and teamwork.
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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $100,129
CommonSpirit Health offers good salaries for Laboratory Supervisors. This nationwide network provides diverse opportunities in patient care. They emphasize compassion and professional development.
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Exact Sciences
Average Salary: $97,971
Exact Sciences offers a dynamic role for Laboratory Supervisors. They focus on innovative diagnostic solutions. Based in Wisconsin, they support a culture of innovation and teamwork.
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LabCorp
Average Salary: $95,568
LabCorp provides opportunities for Laboratory Supervisors with a focus on research and testing. They operate nationwide, offering diverse career paths. They value collaboration and continuous learning.
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Essentia Health
Average Salary: $90,061
Essentia Health offers a supportive environment for Laboratory Supervisors. Located in the Midwest, they provide comprehensive healthcare services. They prioritize teamwork and professional growth.
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IDEXX Laboratories
Average Salary: $76,458
IDEXX Laboratories provides a role for Laboratory Supervisors focusing on veterinary diagnostics. They are based in Maine and offer opportunities for innovation. They value a collaborative and supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a Laboratory Supervisor?
A Laboratory Supervisor plays a key role in managing lab operations and ensuring efficiency. Earning more in this role requires a mix of skills, experience, and strategic moves. By focusing on certain factors, a Laboratory Supervisor can increase their chances of higher pay. Understanding these factors helps in making informed career decisions.
First, gaining more experience leads to higher earnings. Supervisors with several years of experience often command higher salaries. Second, obtaining advanced certifications or degrees can boost earning potential. Specializations in areas like biomedical science or environmental testing can make a candidate more valuable. Third, developing strong leadership and management skills sets a supervisor apart. Being able to manage a team effectively can lead to higher pay. Fourth, staying updated with the latest technology and lab equipment is crucial. Proficiency in new tools can improve performance and justify a higher salary. Lastly, networking within the industry can open doors to better-paying opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can create valuable connections.
To sum up, a Laboratory Supervisor can increase their earnings by:
- Gaining more experience
- Obtaining advanced certifications or degrees
- Developing strong leadership skills
- Staying updated with new technology and lab equipment
- Networking within the industry



