HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Medical Lab Scientist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$130,097/yr
Typical range: $121,924 – $143,676
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Medical Lab Scientist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Medical Lab Scientist Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $71,147 | $5,929 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $87,409 | $7,284 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $96,895 | $8,075 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $107,330 | $8,944 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $130,097 | $10,841 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $149,611 | $12,468 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $154,490 | $12,874 | +117% |
Current Salary
$130,097
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$149,611
Principal · 14
+$20Kpotential 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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Medical Lab Scientists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $130K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $130K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $63/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Medical Lab Scientist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Medical Lab Scientist in Washington DC, DC earns $122K–$144K/yr.