HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Medical Lab Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$114,896/yr
Typical range: $100,468 – $144,575
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Medical Lab Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Medical Lab Scientist Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $84,364 | $7,030 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,647 | $8,637 | +23% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $114,896 | $9,575 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $127,269 | $10,606 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $154,266 | $12,856 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $177,405 | $14,784 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $183,190 | $15,266 | +117% |
Current Salary
$114,896
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $55/hr
Next Level Target
$127,269
Senior · 6
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Medical Lab Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Medical Lab Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $115K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Medical Lab Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $115K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $55/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Medical Lab Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Medical Lab Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $145K–$170K/yr.