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Lab Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Director

Ruston, LA ยท On-site

$85K - $111K/yr

Oversees a wide variety of administrative, fiscal, and technical activities to ensure the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory and compliance with corporate policies. Responsible for the ...

IRL Lab Director (SBB req'd)

Winston, GA ยท On-site

$93K - $122K/yr

New IRL Lab Director (SBB req'd) opening in the state of GA! Shift: Many different shift options available. Inquire for specifics. REQUIREMENTS: * ASCP (or equivalent) required * Background in ...

Laboratory Director in Hawaii

Honolulu, HI ยท On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Lab Director Oahu, Hawaii An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Lab Director in Oahu, Hawaii. Join a respected healthcare team and lead laboratory operations while enjoying ...

Outpatient Lab Director

Bayonne, NJ

$107K - $140K/yr

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints ...

Lab Technician

Buffalo, NY ยท On-site

$47K - $55K/yr

This is an on-site/full-time/direct hire position Salary range depending on experience: $47k-$55k Mission: The mission of the Lab Technician is to support our Lab Director & Lab Analysts in the areas ...

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Lab Director information

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$45K

$126.1K

$186K

How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab director in the United States is $126,086.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Director, you typically need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, extensive laboratory experience, and strong management skills. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance protocols like CLIA or CAP, and quality assurance tools is crucial. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective lab operations, regulatory adherence, and a high standard of scientific integrity and safety.

What is the difference between lab manager and lab director?

A lab director oversees the entire laboratory, setting strategic goals, ensuring compliance, and managing budgets, often holding advanced degrees and leadership experience. A lab manager handles daily operations, supervises staff, and ensures procedures are followed, typically focusing on operational efficiency and technical tasks. The director has a broader, more strategic role, while the manager focuses on day-to-day management.

What does a lab director do?

A lab director oversees the operations, management, and safety of a laboratory, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standards. They coordinate research activities, supervise staff, and may be involved in budgeting, equipment maintenance, and reporting. Strong leadership, scientific expertise, and knowledge of laboratory protocols are essential for this role.

How much does a lab director make in the US?

A lab director in the US typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. They often hold advanced degrees and certifications, and may oversee laboratory operations, staff, and compliance with safety standards.

What are some common challenges a Lab Director faces when managing a multidisciplinary team?

Lab Directors often oversee teams composed of scientists, technicians, and administrative staff from diverse backgrounds. A key challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration across these disciplines, especially when balancing research priorities with regulatory compliance and resource allocation. Building a culture of transparency and continuous improvement helps address these challenges, as does providing ongoing professional development to team members. Proactively managing conflicts and aligning the team's goals with the lab's overall mission are also crucial responsibilities.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

The highest paying job in a laboratory is often a Laboratory Director or Chief Scientific Officer, who oversees operations, manages staff, and ensures compliance with regulations. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and organization size.
More about Lab Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Lab Director jobs? Cities with the most Lab Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs? The most popular types of Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Lab Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Lab Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lab Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,086 per year, or $60.6 per hour.
Lab Director

$85K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Oversees a wide variety of administrative, fiscal, and technical activities to ensure the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory and compliance with corporate policies. Responsible for the quality control program, quality assurance, and the point of care testing programs within the clinical laboratory. Plans, organizes, directs,controls, and evaluates the work of the clinical laboratory and co-ordinating it with other areas of the hospital.

Responsible for all personnel including hiring, dicipline, staff development, evaluation, payroll. Acts as technical supervisor for clinical laboratory functions off site and owned by the hospital. Assures the laboratory meets all regulatory requirements (CAP, AABB, JCAHO, CLIA, etc.) Population: Evaluates all results for appropriateness based on diagnosis, condition, age, sex, and previous test results

The Laboratory provides services to all hospital departments based on physician orders for testing.