Laboratory Manager
30AI EXPOSURE TODAY30
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST72%
NOT A FORECAST72%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £40,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
Skip to main content
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →
Laboratory Manager
Laboratory Managers play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of scientific laboratories, driving innovation and excellence in research and development. Their leadership not only impacts the success of projects but also contributes to advancements in healthcare, technology, and environmental sustainability across the globe.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is modest on our index (30), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Laboratory TechnicianIn this entry-level role, you will assist in laboratory experiments, prepare samples, and maintain equipment under the supervision of senior staff.£30,000 - £40,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCELaboratory SupervisorAs a supervisor, you will oversee daily operations, manage a team of technicians, and ensure compliance with safety standards.£45,000 - £60,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Laboratory ManagerIn this senior role, you will lead strategic initiatives, manage budgets, and drive research projects while ensuring the laboratory meets its goals.£70,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,500 median
🎓Human Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,500 median
🎓Biochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,000 median
🎓Biomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,500 median
All Biological Sciences courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · DegreeHuman Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · DegreeBiochemistryThe University of Leeds · DegreeBiochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeHuman BiologyQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeBiomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · Degree