Hire a Lab Director or Lab Manager in Massachusetts (Boston Area)
Massachusetts labs hiring a lab manager or director face the state's higher pay: BLS reports a May 2025 Massachusetts median of $134,360 for medical and health services managers. Before you hire, confirm your CLIA director requirements and the state's lab licensure rules. SLC can cover director and compliance oversight remotely, with the onsite visits CLIA requires.
Massachusetts pay benchmarks (BLS, May 2025)
Medical and health services managers: MA median: $134,360; MA mean: $161,150; U.S. median: $123,860
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians: MA median: $79,120; MA mean: $77,230; U.S. median: $62,930
Lab manager postings around Boston and Cambridge in 2026 cover a mix of clinical, research, and safety roles, with ranges often in the high five to low six figures.
Massachusetts requirements
Massachusetts licenses clinical laboratories separately from CLIA. Requirements depend on your lab type and test menu. See our Massachusetts CLIA and state license page and confirm current rules with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health before you finalize a hire.
Hiring checklist for Massachusetts labs
☐ Confirm CLIA certificate type and complexity.
☐ Confirm state lab licensure status and any director requirements.
☐ Decide which duties need daily onsite presence.
☐ Set pay against Massachusetts benchmarks.
☐ Plan director coverage during the vacancy.
Remote oversight for Massachusetts labs
Under 42 CFR 493.1407(c) (moderate complexity) and 493.1445(c) (high complexity), the laboratory director must be onsite at least once every 6 months, with at least 4 months between the two minimum visits, and must stay accessible to the lab for telephone or electronic consultation as needed. The director is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the lab, and stays responsible for every duty they delegate. One person may direct no more than five laboratories (§ 493.1407(d), § 493.1445(d)). Remote oversight does not replace the testing personnel, supervisors, or other people your lab's complexity and state require to be physically present.
SLC serves Massachusetts as part of its nationwide network. See lab consultant Massachusetts.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a lab manager make in Boston? BLS publishes state figures. Massachusetts medical and health services managers had a May 2025 median of $134,360. Boston-area pay varies by lab type.
Does Massachusetts require a state lab license? Massachusetts licenses clinical labs in addition to CLIA. Check our state license page and confirm with the Massachusetts DPH.
Can a remote director oversee a Massachusetts lab? CLIA allows a director who visits at least every 6 months and stays accessible. Massachusetts may have its own rules, so confirm them before you rely on that arrangement.
Does SLC have a Boston office? No. SLC is a nationwide network with no physical office. We work remotely and make onsite visits as required.
What does SLC charge? Plans from $500. Book a consultation to scope your lab.
Can SLC help while I recruit a manager? Yes. Director, technical consultant, and compliance oversight services can cover the gap.
Related SLC pages
Talk to SLC about your lab
Tell us what the role was supposed to cover and we'll map it to lab director, technical consultant, and compliance oversight services. Plans from $500.
Sources (verified 2026-10-26): 42 CFR 493.1407 (moderate complexity director) · 42 CFR 493.1445 (high complexity director) · CMS CLIA program
Sound Lab Consultants (SLC) is a nationwide laboratory consulting network with no physical office. Mailing address: PO Box 2135, Chandler, AZ 85244. Email: info@soundlabconsult.com.