What are the main factors that influence a Laboratory Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Laboratory Operator?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Laboratory Operator roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

How does experience change A Laboratory Operator's salary?

A Laboratory Operator's salary grows with experience: starting around $52,168 for beginners, reaching about $55,496 at mid-level, and approach $55,875 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Laboratory Operator?

Laboratory Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Laboratory Operator roles are District of Columbia $64,980, California $64,734, Massachusetts $63,871. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Laboratory Operator roles make?

Salaries for Laboratory Operator level roles vary by specialization: Laboratory Director: $171,695; Laboratory Manager: $120,714; Laboratory Supervisor: $83,883; Laboratory Technician: $73,949; Laboratory Specialist: $69,232.

Laboratory Operator Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Laboratory Operator make in New Mexico? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Operator in New Mexico is $54,357 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $64,794
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,925 to $59,820
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,979

10% $43,979

50% (Median) $54,357

90% $64,794

Laboratory Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$59,820	$4,985	$1,150	$29
Average	$54,357	$4,530	$1,045	$26
25th Percentile	$48,925	$4,077	$941	$24

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Clinical Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

Ochsner Health System – GRETNA, LA

Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

Ochsner Health System – MARRERO, LA

Clinical Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

Ochsner Health System – SLIDELL, LA

Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

Ochsner Health System – HARVEY, LA

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Operator Salaries

A Laboratory Operator'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 Laboratory Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Laboratory Operator'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): $52,168
Early Career (1-2 years): $53,371
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $55,496
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $55,723
Expert (over 8 years): $55,875

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Entry Level Laboratory Operator	less than 1 year	$52,168
Early Career Level Laboratory Operator	1-2 years	$53,371
Mid-Level Level Laboratory Operator	2-4 years	$55,496
Senior-Level Level Laboratory Operator	5-8 years	$55,723
Expert Level Laboratory Operator	over 8 years	$55,875

How Do Laboratory Operator 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 Laboratory Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $64,980.
California: $64,734.
Massachusetts: $63,871.

District of Columbia $64,980 California $64,734 Massachusetts $63,871 Washington $63,636 New Jersey $63,613 Alaska $63,531 Connecticut $62,721 New York $62,392

Hawaii $61,341 Rhode Island $60,848 Maryland $60,514 Minnesota $60,056 Colorado $59,880 Illinois $59,821 Oregon $59,598 Delaware $59,434

New Hampshire $59,331 Virginia $59,100 Pennsylvania $58,425 Nevada $58,084 North Dakota $57,973 Michigan $57,797 Wisconsin $57,732 Vermont $57,603

Texas $57,245 Maine $57,221 Arizona $57,186 Ohio $57,145 Georgia $56,605 Indiana $56,335 Wyoming $56,282 Utah $56,200

Iowa $56,165 Kansas $55,883 Louisiana $55,801 North Carolina $55,772 Missouri $55,760 Florida $55,531 Montana $55,408 Nebraska $55,291

Kentucky $55,226 South Carolina $54,991 Tennessee $54,845 Idaho $54,786 New Mexico $54,357 Oklahoma $54,264 Alabama $53,917 South Dakota $53,336

Arkansas $53,019 West Virginia $52,849 Mississippi $52,339

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Operator

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:

Algodones: $54,936
Belen: $54,630
Bernalillo: $55,034

Algodones, NM $54,936

Belen, NM $54,630

Bernalillo, NM $55,034

Bluewater, NM $53,878

Bosque, NM $54,229

Casa Blanca, NM $54,352

Cedar Crest, NM $55,079

Cedarvale, NM $52,920

Cerrillos, NM $54,976

Claunch, NM $52,724

Coyote, NM $54,166

Cuba, NM $54,079

Cubero, NM $54,472

Edgewood, NM $54,833

Estancia, NM $54,180

Gallina, NM $53,883

Counselor, NM $53,916

Grants, NM $53,816

Milan, NM $54,032

Isleta, NM $55,128

Jarales, NM $54,578

Jemez Pueblo, NM $54,672

Jemez Springs, NM $54,504

Laguna, NM $54,738

La Jara, NM $54,019

La Joya, NM $53,894

Lindrith, NM $53,829

Los Lunas, NM $54,920

Mcintosh, NM $54,478

Pueblo Of Acoma, NM $54,115

Moriarty, NM $54,295

Mountainair, NM $53,709

Nageezi, NM $53,845

New Laguna, NM $54,446

Paguate, NM $54,482

Pena Blanca, NM $55,091

Peralta, NM $55,007

Placitas, NM $55,035

Ponderosa, NM $54,603

Prewitt, NM $53,862

Regina, NM $53,899

Sandia Park, NM $54,941

Corrales, NM $55,148

San Fidel, NM $54,152

San Rafael, NM $53,921

Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM $54,941

San Ysidro, NM $54,867

Stanley, NM $54,287

Tijeras, NM $54,948

Tome, NM $54,846

Torreon, NM $54,664

Veguita, NM $54,225

Willard, NM $53,612

Youngsville, NM $54,181

Bosque Farms, NM $55,108

Clines Corners, NM $53,959

Cochiti Pueblo, NM $54,983

Cochiti Lake, NM $55,055

Albuquerque, NM $55,179

Kirtland Afb, NM $55,179

Rio Rancho, NM $55,089

Gallup, NM $53,940

Brimhall, NM $53,787

Church Rock, NM $53,812

Continental Divide, NM $53,774

Crownpoint, NM $53,819

Fence Lake, NM $53,579

Fort Wingate, NM $53,793

Gamerco, NM $53,884

Mentmore, NM $53,801

Mexican Springs, NM $53,794

Ramah, NM $53,695

Rehoboth, NM $53,830

Thoreau, NM $53,833

Tohatchi, NM $53,783

Vanderwagen, NM $53,794

Zuni, NM $53,781

Navajo, NM $53,855

Jamestown, NM $53,721

Pinehill, NM $53,654

Sheep Springs, NM $53,842

Smith Lake, NM $54,042

Yatahey, NM $53,822

Farmington, NM $54,081

Aztec, NM $54,181

Blanco, NM $53,928

Bloomfield, NM $53,864

Flora Vista, NM $54,137

Fruitland, NM $53,798

Kirtland, NM $54,137

La Plata, NM $54,157

Navajo Dam, NM $54,133

Shiprock, NM $54,058

Waterflow, NM $54,030

Newcomb, NM $53,809

Sanostee, NM $53,843

Santa Fe, NM $55,461

Abiquiu, NM $53,944

Alcalde, NM $54,883

Amalia, NM $53,862

Arroyo Hondo, NM $53,786

Arroyo Seco, NM $53,848

Canjilon, NM $53,777

Canones, NM $54,267

Carson, NM $53,992

Cebolla, NM $53,809

Cerro, NM $53,825

Chama, NM $54,045

Chamisal, NM $54,738

Chimayo, NM $55,122

Cordova, NM $55,029

Costilla, NM $54,088

Taos Ski Valley, NM $53,677

Dixon, NM $54,686

Dulce, NM $54,043

El Prado, NM $53,896

El Rito, NM $54,143

Embudo, NM $54,404

Espanola, NM $55,055

Glorieta, NM $55,247

Hernandez, NM $54,544

Ilfeld, NM $54,737

La Madera, NM $54,048

Lamy, NM $55,037

Llano, NM $54,627

Los Alamos, NM $55,167

White Rock, NM $55,271

Medanales, NM $54,604

Ojo Caliente, NM $54,283

Los Ojos, NM $53,912

Pecos, NM $55,075

Penasco, NM $54,424

Petaca, NM $53,727

Questa, NM $53,882

Ranchos De Taos, NM $54,166

Red River, NM $53,728

Ribera, NM $54,073

Rowe, NM $54,789

San Cristobal, NM $53,726

San Jose, NM $54,654

Ohkay Owingeh, NM $54,921

Santa Cruz, NM $55,103

Serafina, NM $53,937

Taos, NM $53,864

Tererro, NM $55,251

Tesuque, NM $55,461

Tierra Amarilla, NM $53,864

Trampas, NM $54,379

Tres Piedras, NM $53,712

Truchas, NM $54,875

Vadito, NM $54,352

Valdez, NM $53,766

Vallecitos, NM $53,724

Velarde, NM $54,603

Villanueva, NM $53,969

Spaceport City, NM $52,869

Las Vegas, NM $53,511

Angel Fire, NM $53,669

Anton Chico, NM $53,418

Buena Vista, NM $53,909

Chacon, NM $53,947

Cimarron, NM $53,585

Cleveland, NM $54,330

Eagle Nest, NM $53,626

Guadalupita, NM $53,864

Holman, NM $54,191

La Loma, NM $53,329

Maxwell, NM $53,603

Miami, NM $53,488

Mills, NM $53,298

Montezuma, NM $54,606

Mora, NM $54,406

Mosquero, NM $53,251

Ocate, NM $53,546

Ojo Feliz, NM $53,687

Rainsville, NM $53,922

Raton, NM $53,738

Rociada, NM $54,633

Roy, NM $53,309

Sapello, NM $54,159

Solano, NM $53,244

Springer, NM $53,464

Ute Park, NM $53,610

Valmora, NM $53,466

Wagon Mound, NM $53,405

Watrous, NM $53,484

Socorro, NM $53,360

Aragon, NM $53,522

Datil, NM $53,301

Lemitar, NM $53,609

Luna, NM $53,617

Magdalena, NM $53,305

Pie Town, NM $53,483

Polvadera, NM $53,738

Quemado, NM $53,594

Reserve, NM $53,498

San Acacia, NM $53,826

San Antonio, NM $53,065

Truth Or Consequences, NM $53,054

Arrey, NM $53,045

Caballo, NM $53,082

Derry, NM $52,812

Elephant Butte, NM $53,192

Garfield, NM $52,658

Hatch, NM $51,814

Monticello, NM $53,051

Rincon, NM $51,516

Salem, NM $52,494

Williamsburg, NM $53,121

Winston, NM $53,090

Las Cruces, NM $50,842

White Sands Missile Range, NM $51,009

Santa Teresa, NM $51,380

Playas, NM $53,299

Animas, NM $53,430

Anthony, NM $51,367

Arenas Valley, NM $53,336

Bayard, NM $53,286

Berino, NM $51,134

Buckhorn, NM $53,342

Santa Clara, NM $53,380

Chamberino, NM $51,188

Cliff, NM $53,280

Columbus, NM $53,137

Deming, NM $53,149

Dona Ana, NM $50,844

Fairacres, NM $50,996

Faywood, NM $53,124

Fort Bayard, NM $53,329

Gila, NM $53,201

Glenwood, NM $53,243

Hachita, NM $53,137

Hanover, NM $53,148

Hillsboro, NM $53,039

Hurley, NM $53,251

La Mesa, NM $51,814

Lordsburg, NM $53,260

Mesilla, NM $50,843

Mesilla Park, NM $50,848

Mesquite, NM $50,892

Mimbres, NM $53,190

Mule Creek, NM $53,334

Organ, NM $50,875

Pinos Altos, NM $53,279

Radium Springs, NM $50,864

Redrock, NM $53,143

Rodeo, NM $53,498

San Miguel, NM $50,873

Silver City, NM $53,279

Sunland Park, NM $51,106

Tyrone, NM $53,437

Vado, NM $50,912

Chaparral, NM $51,555

Clovis, NM $53,177

Cannon Afb, NM $53,060

Broadview, NM $53,022

Causey, NM $52,931

Crossroads, NM $52,806

Dora, NM $53,057

Elida, NM $52,837

Floyd, NM $52,965

Fort Sumner, NM $52,923

Grady, NM $53,073

House, NM $53,031

Kenna, NM $52,837

Lingo, NM $52,928

Melrose, NM $53,039

Milnesand, NM $52,816

Pep, NM $52,888

Portales, NM $53,082

Rogers, NM $52,903

Saint Vrain, NM $53,073

Taiban, NM $52,904

Texico, NM $53,094

Yeso, NM $52,712

Roswell, NM $52,773

Artesia, NM $52,878

Caprock, NM $52,771

Carlsbad, NM $52,913

Dexter, NM $52,811

Eunice, NM $52,960

Hagerman, NM $52,837

Hobbs, NM $53,037

Hope, NM $52,644

Jal, NM $52,897

Lake Arthur, NM $52,750

Lakewood, NM $52,829

Loco Hills, NM $52,926

Loving, NM $52,899

Lovington, NM $52,986

Mcdonald, NM $52,842

Malaga, NM $52,847

Maljamar, NM $52,796

Monument, NM $52,920

Tatum, NM $52,876

Whites City, NM $52,964

Carrizozo, NM $52,523

Alamogordo, NM $52,356

Alto, NM $52,531

Bent, NM $52,366

Capitan, NM $52,409

Cloudcroft, NM $52,360

Corona, NM $52,752

Encino, NM $53,175

Fort Stanton, NM $52,431

Glencoe, NM $52,394

High Rolls Mountain Park, NM $52,350

Holloman Air Force Base, NM $52,350

Hondo, NM $52,442

La Luz, NM $52,350

Lincoln, NM $52,289

Mayhill, NM $52,469

Mescalero, NM $52,374

Nogal, NM $52,599

Orogrande, NM $52,377

Picacho, NM $52,431

Pinon, NM $52,628

Ruidoso, NM $52,631

Ruidoso Downs, NM $52,559

Sacramento, NM $52,397

San Patricio, NM $52,459

Sunspot, NM $52,350

Timberon, NM $52,464

Tinnie, NM $52,400

Tularosa, NM $52,385

Vaughn, NM $52,961

Weed, NM $52,462

Tucumcari, NM $53,224

Amistad, NM $53,156

Bard, NM $53,070

Capulin, NM $53,671

Clayton, NM $53,259

Conchas Dam, NM $53,307

Cuervo, NM $53,050

Des Moines, NM $53,460

Folsom, NM $53,542

Garita, NM $53,205

Gladstone, NM $53,312

Grenville, NM $53,302

Logan, NM $53,222

Mcalister, NM $53,058

Nara Visa, NM $53,096

Newkirk, NM $53,155

Quay, NM $53,185

San Jon, NM $53,129

Santa Rosa, NM $53,185

Sedan, NM $53,204

Trementina, NM $53,202

Laboratory Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Laboratory Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Laboratory Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Laboratory Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Operator

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking	$76,100	$37.0	40%
Financial Services	$70,665	$34.0	30%
Pharmaceuticals	$70,665	$34.0	30%
Biotechnology	$65,229	$31.0	20%
Healthcare	$65,229	$31.0	20%

Laboratory Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Laboratory Operator'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.

$48,925

Average $54,357/year

$59,820

$4,077

Average $4,530/month

$4,985

$941

Average $1,045/week

$1,150

$24

Average $26/hour

$29

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$59,820	$4,985	$1,150	$29
Average	$54,357	$4,530	$1,045	$26
25th Percentile	$48,925	$4,077	$941	$24

Find Your Next Laboratory Operator Job

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

Ochsner Health System | BELLE CHASSE, LA

Clinical Medical Laboratory Scientist Medical Laboratory Technician

Ochsner Health System | BELLE CHASSE, LA

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.... more

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Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | WAILUKU, HI

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Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | WAILUKU, HI

Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist / Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Laboratory Services team. In this rol... more

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Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | WAKE ISLAND, HI

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Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Laboratory Services team. In this role,... more

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Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Laboratory Services team. In this role,... more

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Laboratory Operator Salary in New Mexico

Check out Laboratory Operator Job Openings in New Mexico

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Laboratory Operator Salaries?

How Do Laboratory Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Operator

Laboratory Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Operator

Laboratory Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Find Your Next Laboratory Operator Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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Laboratory Operator Salary in New Mexico

Check out Laboratory Operator Job Openings in New Mexico

Key Factors That Influence Laboratory Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Laboratory Operator Salaries?

How Do Laboratory Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Laboratory Operator

Laboratory Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Laboratory Operator

Laboratory Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Salaries of jobs related to Laboratory Operator

Find Your Next Laboratory Operator Job

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