Laboratory Team Lead information
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$14.49 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.58 - $16.24
36% of jobs
The median wage is $18.08 / hr.
$16.24 - $21.90
43% of jobs
$21.90 - $27.56
10% of jobs
$27.56 - $33.22
4% of jobs
$33.22 - $38.88
1% of jobs
$38.88 - $44.54
1% of jobs
$44.54 - $50.20
0% of jobs
$50.20 - $55.86
0% of jobs
$55.86 - $61.52
4% of jobs
$61.52 - $67.18
0% of jobs
$67.18 - $72.84
1% of jobs
How much do laboratory team lead jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory team lead in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Laboratory Team Leads are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory and managing a team of technicians or scientists. They coordinate workflow, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and often assist with training and mentoring staff. Laboratory Team Leads also help troubleshoot technical issues, maintain equipment, and may contribute to process improvement initiatives. Their leadership ensures that laboratory tasks are completed accurately and efficiently, supporting the broader goals of research, diagnostics, or product development.
To thrive as a Laboratory Team Lead, you need a solid background in laboratory science, quality control, and supervisory experience, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), safety protocols, and certifications such as ASCP or similar are typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively manage teams and resolve challenges. These skills ensure accurate results, regulatory compliance, and smooth daily operations in a laboratory environment.
A Laboratory Team Lead plays a crucial role in mentoring and developing laboratory staff by providing regular feedback, facilitating training opportunities, and encouraging skill advancement. They often identify areas where team members can grow, such as mastering new technologies or improving lab protocols, and help coordinate relevant workshops or cross-training sessions. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, the Team Lead ensures that both individual and team capabilities are enhanced, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and career progression for lab personnel.
A laboratory team lead typically earns a competitive salary that reflects their leadership responsibilities, technical expertise, and experience in the field. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and level of education, but they generally offer above-average compensation compared to entry-level laboratory roles.
A laboratory team lead oversees daily lab operations, manages staff, ensures safety protocols are followed, and maintains quality standards. They coordinate experiments, review data, and may be involved in training team members, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques and relevant certifications.
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What states have the most Laboratory Team Lead jobs?
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