In March 2025, RSG Health Services conducted a LinkedIn poll to medical laboratory professionals to determine whether they received a pay increase in the past year. We received 479 responses, and below are the results of this poll with a few comments.
Laboratory Pay Increase, Poll Results
- 17% reported a 1%-2% pay increase
- 20% reported no pay increase
- 56% reported an increase of 3%-5%
- 4% reported an increase of more than 5%
- 3% (other) Some reported receiving bonuses or lump-sum payments instead of traditional raises
Laboratory Pay Raises and Market Trends
Most respondents reported a 3%-5% increase, reflecting the industry standard for annual merit raises. One lab professional mentioned that their employer provided two separate 3% raises—one tied to a scheduled increase, and another as a merit raise.
Some lab professionals received market adjustments that significantly increased their pay. One reported a $6 per hour raise after their organization performed a regional salary survey and made system wide adjustments. Another received a 4% increase along with an 8% market wage adjustment, resulting in a 12% total increase.
Others, however, received no raise at all. Some had reached their institution’s pay ceiling, making them ineligible for further increases outside of lump-sum payments. One professional in this situation received a 3% one-time bonus instead of a raise, but noted frustration that leadership received multi-million-dollar bonuses.
Laboratory Bonuses and Alternative Pay Adjustments
Some respondents benefited from clinical ladder bonuses, with one receiving an additional 10% bonus through their employer’s program. Others mentioned merit-based raises averaging 2%-3%, with an added market adjustment of up to a few extra dollars per hour.
Laboratory Travel & Contract Work Career Shifts
For those frustrated with stagnant wages, travel work has become an attractive alternative. One professional left their permanent role and now earns over $60 per hour as a traveler. Beyond the pay, they noted that they no longer deal with office politics or drama, which added to their job satisfaction. RSG Health Services has noticed a slow down in the travel sector for laboratory professionals, with many deciding to return to a permanent job due to several factors, especially the rising cost of temporary housing. Some cited that even though the pay is higher, increases in temporary housing, meals and incidentals, and the cost of healthcare have largely eaten away much of their take home pay.
Laboratory Compensation and the Disparities in Pay
While some hospitals proactively increased wages, others provided minimal or no raises. Some facilities raised wages by $4 per hour to stay competitive, while others offered only 1% increases, leading to frustration. One professional questioned whether PRN employees ever receive raises, as policies vary by hospital. Another shared that despite a 5% increase, their reference lab still pays $1 less per hour than local hospitals.
The responses revealed widespread differences in how lab professionals are compensated. Some benefited from salary adjustments, bonuses, and multiple raises, while others saw little to no change. Those who switched to travel work or facilities with better wage adjustments seem to benefit the most financially.
RSG Health Services remains committed to helping lab professionals navigate career opportunities that align with their financial and professional goals. The data from this survey highlights the need for fair compensation, market adjustments, and better transparency in pay structures across the industry.
