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Lab Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Regional Lab Director

Houston, TX

$101K - $132K/yr

Labcorp is seeking a Regional Lab Director to join our team in Houston, TX. Relocation Assistance Provided Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm SCOPE * 40,000-45,000 patients/day * 240 indirect ...

Lab Director

Ruston, LA · 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 · 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 ...

Outpatient Lab Director

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

$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 Director Specialty: Clinical Laboratory (Laboratory) Shift: 8 Hour Days Need Specifics: PERM POSITION -- Lab Director to work Mon-Fri 7A-3P or 8A-5P (needs to be flexible on hours) and rotating ...

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Outpatient Lab Director

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

$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 Director Specialty: Clinical Laboratory (Laboratory) Shift: 8 Hour Days Need Specifics: PERM POSITION -- Lab Director to work Mon-Fri 7A-3P or 8A-5P (needs to be flexible on hours) and rotating ...

Apply Early

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Lab Director information

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$45K

$126.1K

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How much do lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 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:
Regional Lab Director

$101K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Labcorp rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 1,107 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Labcorp is seeking a Regional Lab Director to join our team in Houston, TX.

Relocation Assistance Provided  

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm

SCOPE

  • 40,000-45,000 patients/day
  • 240 indirect reports

Job Responsibilities

PEOPLE

  • Develop a culture of continuous learning, leadership growth, and career progression
  • Strong people leadership skills with a focus on mentoring, accountability, and developing other leaders for growth and advancement
  • Managing performance, providing constructive feedback, and supporting career development
  • Responsible for the hiring and development of the laboratory leadership team
  • Participate in succession planning as well as development and promotion plans
  • Responsible for maintaining suitable staffing levels throughout the lab and satellite locations
  • Responsible for the hiring and development of the laboratory leadership team

CHANGE MANAGEMENT

  • Leading others successfully through change to get desired outcomes

FINANCE

  • Responsible for the development and execution of the laboratory structure and organization
  • Maintained continuous lab operations with integrity and validity for all laboratory activities

QUALITY

  • Oversee the personnel, service levels, budget, quality measures for the laboratory operation
  • Partnering with other strategic leaders to improve client experience including sales, phlebotomy, and logistics.
  • Maintain quality accuracy and ensure all quality monitors meet laboratory objectives
  • Ensure that prompt corrective action is taken for all lab audit findings or deficiencies noted
  • Consistent communication with Senior Leadership to ensure they are aware of relevant matters
  • Ensure that the laboratory passes all audits and maintains appropriate regulatory status
  • Enforce applicable policies and procedures throughout the entire laboratory operation

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 5 years or more of clinical laboratory experience within a leadership role

Preferred Qualifications

  • 1 year or more of experience in a high volume laboratory
  • 5 years or more of Technical Lab experience

Additional Job Standards

  • Experience leading teams through process improvements, restructuring, or business transformation initiatives
  •   Ability to inspire, motivate, and influence teams across functions and levels
  • Familiar with new laboratory instrumentation and equipment automation
  • Strong working knowledge of supply chain operations and expense control
  • Ability to communicate with a heavy customer focus when working with client leadership
  • Strong working knowledge of CLIA, CAP and relevant state regulations
  • Understanding of laboratory operations as well as policies and procedures
  • Proven success in training and developing both technical and non-technical employees
  • Ability to problem solve and provide solutions under minimal supervision
  • Proficient with Laboratory Information Systems and Microsoft Office
  • Strong communication skills; both written and verbal
  • Proven track record of identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and process improvement
  • High level of attention to detail with strong organizational skills


 

Benefits: Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(k), Paid Time Off (PTO) or Flexible Time Off (FTO), Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees are only eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. Employees who are regularly scheduled to work a 7 on/7 off schedule are eligible to receive all the foregoing benefits except PTO or FTO. For more detailed information, please click here. 

At Labcorp we have a passion in helping people live happy and healthy lives. Every day we provide vital information that helps our clients and patients understand their health. If you are passionate about helping  people and have a drive for service, then Labcorp could be a great next career step!

Labcorp is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Labcorp strives for inclusion and belonging in the workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We make employment decisions based on the needs of our business and the qualifications and merit of the individual. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), family or parental status, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, personal appearance, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Additionally, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law. 

We encourage all to apply

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