How much does a Laboratory Operator make in New York? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Operator in New York is $62,393 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $74,333
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,153 to $68,643
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,471

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): $59,882
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $61,265
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $63,695
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $63,956
  • Expert (over 8 years): $64,129
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Laboratory Operator less than 1 year $59,882
Early Career Level Laboratory Operator 1-2 years $61,265
Mid-Level Level Laboratory Operator 2-4 years $63,695
Senior-Level Level Laboratory Operator 5-8 years $63,956
Expert Level Laboratory Operator over 8 years $64,129

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:

  • Holtsville: $64,395
  • Brentwood: $64,287
  • Brightwaters: $63,714

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 $87,350 $42.0 40%
Financial Services $81,111 $39.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $81,111 $39.0 30%
Biotechnology $74,872 $36.0 20%
Healthcare $74,872 $36.0 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$56,153
Average $62,393/year
$68,643
$4,679
Average $5,199/month
$5,720
$1,080
Average $1,200/week
$1,320
$27
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,643 $5,720 $1,320 $33
Average $62,393 $5,199 $1,200 $30
25th Percentile $56,153 $4,679 $1,080 $27

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.

  • HCA Healthcare | CYPRESS GARDENS, FL

    HCA Healthcare | CYPRESS GARDENS, FL

    HCA Healthcare invites applications for the position of Laboratory Director, pivotal in overseeing the operations and administration of laboratory services... more

    2 Days Ago

  • HCA Healthcare | KISSIMMEE, FL

    HCA Healthcare | KISSIMMEE, FL

    HCA Healthcare invites applications for the position of Laboratory Director, pivotal in overseeing the operations and administration of laboratory services... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | LIHUE, HI

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP | LIHUE, HI

    Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP is seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead daily operations in our full-service clinical diagnostic lab. This role overse... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Sonora Quest Laboratories | PHOENIX, AZ

    Sonora Quest Laboratories | PHOENIX, AZ

    Sonora Quest Laboratories seeks a Laboratory Supervisor to lead daily operations within our Laboratory Services department. In this Healthcare & Medical Se... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Hartford Healthcare | DURHAM, CT

    Hartford Healthcare | DURHAM, CT

    Hartford Healthcare seeks a Cardiac Laboratory professional to support adult cardiac diagnostic testing in a fast-paced hospital setting. In this role, you... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Piedmont Healthcare | PAYNE, GA

    Piedmont Healthcare | PAYNE, GA

    Piedmont Healthcare is seeking a Director of Laboratory to lead comprehensive clinical lab operations within our non-profit healthcare system. This role ov... more

    3 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst