HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Medical Lab Scientist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$123,941/yr
Typical range: $116,155 – $136,878
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Medical Lab Scientist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Medical Lab Scientist Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $67,780 | $5,648 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,273 | $6,939 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $92,310 | $7,693 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $102,251 | $8,521 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $123,941 | $10,328 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $142,532 | $11,878 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $147,180 | $12,265 | +117% |
Current Salary
$123,941
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $60/hr
Next Level Target
$142,532
Principal · 14
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Medical Lab Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Medical Lab Scientists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $124K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Medical Lab Scientist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $124K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $60/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Medical Lab Scientist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Medical Lab Scientist in Los Angeles, CA earns $116K–$137K/yr.