You could always try looking up a lab technician rate. There are a few recruitment sites that have estimated pay rates for roles.

Agencies do earn alot of money, and many recruitment consultants operate on commission too so they need to pay them, but still it's big business and lots of start-ups have been happening who are willing to drop their dacks for a deal, just depends who you go through. Cutting out the agency can earn you so much more money. John has had an almost 20% pay increase overnight, in doing his own company. No commissions Sadly they can charge what they want, but if they told you the rate at the interview, thats what they should be paying you. They must have made a mistake in the interview... or are being dodgy. What did the contract you signed say?