Senior Controls Automation Engineer
Compass Tech International – Columbus, OH
How much does a Lab Automation Engineer make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Automation Engineer in the United States is $86,943 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Lab Automation Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Lab Automation Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $97,250 | $8,104 | $1,870 | $47 |
| Average | $86,943 | $7,245 | $1,672 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,010 | $6,668 | $1,539 | $38 |
A Lab Automation Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lab Automation Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Lab Automation Engineer | less than 1 year | $82,647 |
| Early Career Level Lab Automation Engineer | 1-2 years | $82,842 |
| Mid-Level Level Lab Automation Engineer | 2-4 years | $85,511 |
| Senior-Level Level Lab Automation Engineer | 5-8 years | $89,520 |
| Expert Level Lab Automation Engineer | over 8 years | $89,806 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lab Automation Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lab Automation Engineer professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Lab Automation Engineer with a Bachelor's is between $88,493 and $92,467.
| Typical Education for Lab Automation Engineer | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 0.3% |
| High School | 39.3% |
| Associate's Degree | 0.3% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 39.3% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 53.8% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 6.8% |
Understanding how a Lab Automation Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $97,250 | $8,104 | $1,870 | $47 |
| Average | $86,943 | $7,245 | $1,672 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,010 | $6,668 | $1,539 | $38 |
Salaries for a Lab Automation Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $89,593 in 2023 to around $87,526 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lab Automation Engineer salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $89,593 |
| 2024 | $88,550 |
| 2025 | $87,526 |
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Lab Automation Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: