HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Medical Lab Scientist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$86,559/yr
Typical range: $98,329 – $115,871
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Medical Lab Scientist salary by experience level in Chicago
Medical Lab Scientist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $57,378 | $4,782 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $70,493 | $5,874 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $78,144 | $6,512 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $86,559 | $7,213 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $104,920 | $8,743 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $120,658 | $10,055 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $124,593 | $10,383 | +117% |
Current Salary
$86,559
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $42/hr
Next Level Target
$104,920
Staff · 10
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Medical Lab Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Medical Lab Scientists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $87K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Medical Lab Scientist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $87K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $42/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Medical Lab Scientist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Medical Lab Scientist in Chicago, IL earns $98K–$116K/yr.