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Lab Biologist Salary in California

How much does a Lab Biologist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Biologist in California is $63,297 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Lab Biologist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,194
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,889 to $69,525
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,965
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Lab Biologist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Lab Biologist Salaries

A Lab Biologist'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Lab Biologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lab Biologist'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $60,154
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $60,574
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $62,432
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $64,854
  • Expert (over 8 years): $65,027
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Lab Biologist less than 1 year $60,154
Early Career Level Lab Biologist 1-2 years $60,574
Mid-Level Level Lab Biologist 2-4 years $62,432
Senior-Level Level Lab Biologist 5-8 years $64,854
Expert Level Lab Biologist over 8 years $65,027

How Do Lab Biologist Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Biologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $63,538.
  • California: $63,297.
  • Massachusetts: $62,454.

Top Paying Cities for Lab Biologist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $63,406
  • West Hollywood: $63,360
  • Dodgertown: $63,406

Lab Biologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lab Biologist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Biotechnology, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Lab Biologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lab Biologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Lab Biologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $72,792 $35.0 15%

Lab Biologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lab Biologist'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$57,889
Average $63,297/year
$69,525
$4,824
Average $5,275/month
$5,794
$1,113
Average $1,217/week
$1,337
$28
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $69,525 $5,794 $1,337 $33
Average $63,297 $5,275 $1,217 $30
25th Percentile $57,889 $4,824 $1,113 $28

Find Your Next Lab Biologist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lab Biologist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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