How much does a Laboratory Operator make in Washington? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Laboratory Operator in Washington is $63,636 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,854
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,277 to $70,032
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,486

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): $61,073
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $62,481
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $64,969
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $65,235
  • Expert (over 8 years): $65,413
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Laboratory Operator less than 1 year $61,073
Early Career Level Laboratory Operator 1-2 years $62,481
Mid-Level Level Laboratory Operator 2-4 years $64,969
Senior-Level Level Laboratory Operator 5-8 years $65,235
Expert Level Laboratory Operator over 8 years $65,413

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:

  • Auburn: $63,558
  • Federal Way: $63,531
  • Bellevue: $64,836

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 $89,091 $43.0 40%
Financial Services $82,727 $40.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $82,727 $40.0 30%
Biotechnology $76,363 $37.0 20%
Healthcare $76,363 $37.0 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 August 01, 2026
$57,277
Average $63,636/year
$70,032
$4,773
Average $5,303/month
$5,836
$1,101
Average $1,224/week
$1,347
$28
Average $31/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $70,032 $5,836 $1,347 $34
Average $63,636 $5,303 $1,224 $31
25th Percentile $57,277 $4,773 $1,101 $28

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.

  • Essentia Health | JAMESTOWN, ND

    Essentia Health | JAMESTOWN, ND

    Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist to perform accurate, timely diagnostic testing that supports high-quality, patient-... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Essentia Health | VALLEY CITY, ND

    Essentia Health | VALLEY CITY, ND

    Essentia Health seeks a Medical Laboratory Assistant – Phlebotomy to support accurate, timely diagnostic testing. In this role, you will perform venipunctu... more

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  • Essentia Health | NORTH RIVER, ND

    Essentia Health | NORTH RIVER, ND

    Essentia Health seeks a Medical Laboratory Assistant – Phlebotomy to support accurate, timely diagnostic testing. In this role, you will perform venipunctu... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Essentia Health | NORTH RIVER, ND

    Essentia Health | NORTH RIVER, ND

    Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist to perform accurate, timely diagnostic testing that supports high-quality, patient-... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Sonora Quest Laboratories | PHOENIX, AZ

    Sonora Quest Laboratories | PHOENIX, AZ

    Sonora Quest Laboratories seeks a detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Technician to join our Laboratory Services team in Healthcare & Medical Services. In t... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Sonora Quest Laboratories | PHOENIX, AZ

    Sonora Quest Laboratories | PHOENIX, AZ

    Sonora Quest Laboratories, a leader in diagnostic healthcare in Arizona, is seeking a dedicated Medical Lab Scientist I to join our dynamic team. This role... more

    1 Day Ago

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