How much does a lab technician make?
a year · about $30 an hour
A typical lab technician in the United States makes $62,930 a year, about $30 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They test blood, urine, or tissue samples using microscopes and automated analyzers. Then they check for unusual results, record findings for doctors, and may work nights or weekends in hospitals.
Did you know? Some lab specialists examine cells on slides under a microscope to spot changes that may signal the start of cancer.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $38,910 and $100,990How do you become one?
Study biology, chemistry, and math in high school, then get an associate degree for technician work or usually a bachelor's in lab science for technologist work, with clinical practice. Some states require a license, and certification exams are available.
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, certification or a state-required license, the employer and location, and whether someone handles specialized or more complex tests. Hospital jobs may include night, weekend, or holiday shifts, and some workplaces offer extra pay for those hours.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($97,280), lowest in New Mexico ($47,360).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Kids' questions
In Japan, a lab technician averages $32,133. Lab technician salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $38,910 | $62,930 | $100,990 | about 333,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $97,280 | about 16,000 |
| Oregon | $83,010 | about 3,000 |
| New Hampshire | $81,020 | about 800 |
| Massachusetts | $79,120 | about 11,000 |
| District of Columbia | $76,560 | about 960 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.ascp.org/boc/explore-credentials/view-all-credentials/MLS
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY