A medical lab technician’s salary in Canada ranges from around $42,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $82,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $55,000 per annum.
NOTE: The information here relates to medical laboratory technicians, NOT Medical Laboratory Technologists. A Technologist is a higher-level role that involves more complex work. It may also involve the supervision of technicians. Please see our post on medical laboratory technologists for more information on this occupation.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Medical Lab Technician's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 33101) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 19.98 | 26.00 | 40.00 |
| Alberta | 23.47 | 28.35 | 47.00 |
| British Columbia | 22.00 | 25.31 | 38.53 |
| Manitoba | 14.30 | 24.30 | 30.00 |
| New Brunswick | 20.00 | 23.00 | 37.00 |
| Newfoundland | 25.00 | 29.00 | 44.00 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 21.00 | 23.50 | 34.34 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 18.00 | 26.44 | 35.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | 20.23 | N/A | 29.74 |
| Quebec | 19.98 | 31.65 | 36.31 |
| Saskatchewan | 22.00 | 33.00 | 38.46 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Canada?
The highest medical lab technician’s salary in Canada is found in Saskatchewan, where mid-range salaries are almost 30% above the national average.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest medical lab technician’s salary in Canada is found in New Brunswick, followed by Nova Scotia, where mid-range salaries are around 10% lower than Canada’s average.
However, the cost of living in the Maritimes is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries here should be viewed in this context.
Are Medical Laboratory Technicians In Demand In Canada?
The prospects for medical lab technicians in Canada are rated as “good” in most provinces, and some areas have seen staff shortages in recent years.
The best prospects over the next three years (according to government projections) are likely to be in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Job openings for most health-related occupations will likely increase in Canada for the foreseeable future, including medical laboratory technicians. This is mainly due to Canada’s aging population.
A medical lab technician’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a medical lab technician’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Medical Laboratory Technician In Canada?
The current NOC code for medical lab technicians in Canada is 33101 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3212). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Medical laboratory aide
- Medical laboratory assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Phlebotomy aide
- Blood bank technician
- Renal technician
Can Immigrant Medical Lab Technicians Work In Canada?
The medical laboratory technician occupation is not regulated; technically, you do not need to be certified. However, as a new immigrant, it will help your job prospects if you get your overseas qualifications assessed and seek certification.
This should be done through the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). The CSMLS will assess your qualifications, language ability, and work experience for equivalency with Canadian standards. If approved, you will be invited to sit the certification exam.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Ontario?
A medical lab technician’s salary in Ontario ranges from $37,800 to $73,500 annually. The mid-range salary is $55,524, which is slightly higher than the national mid-range salary of $54,600.
Ontario’s highest medical lab technician salary is in the Kingston–Pembroke region, closely followed by the Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula. Medical lab technicians’ salaries in Toronto are slightly lower than provincial averages.
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What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a medical lab technician in Ontario is $37,800. This is slightly lower than the national starting salary of $41,958.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range medical lab technician’s salary in Toronto is $53,781, lower than provincial and national averages. Also, it’s important to note that while this salary is competitive, Toronto’s living cost is high, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, medical lab technicians may enjoy a higher standard of living outside Toronto.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range medical lab technician’s salary in Ottawa is $55,524. Compared to Toronto, Ottawa offers a similar salary but lower property costs, which could mean a higher standard of living for medical lab technicians.
Are Medical Lab Technicians In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, medical lab technicians are in high demand in Ontario. The job prospects here are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The field is expected to face a labour shortage from 2022 to 2031, with more job openings than job seekers.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Alberta?
A medical lab technician’s salary in Alberta ranges from $49,287 to $98,700. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $59,535, which is higher than the national mid-range salary of $54,600.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a medical lab technician in Alberta is $49,287, significantly higher than the national salary of $41,958. This suggests that Alberta is a particularly attractive province for those starting their careers as medical lab technicians.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range medical lab technician’s salary in Calgary is $59,661. Given that the cost of living in Calgary is lower than most other major cities in Canada, medical lab technicians may enjoy a higher standard of living here.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Edmonton?
A mid-range medical lab technician’s salary in Edmonton is $59,535. With the cost of living and especially property prices being low in Edmonton, medical lab technicians may find their salary goes further here compared to other major cities.
Are Medical Lab Technicians In Demand In Alberta?
As in Ontario, Alberta also has a strong demand for medical lab technicians. The job prospects here are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. This is typical of the health sector across Canada as demand grows to support a growing and aging population. The sector is also still struggling to deal with backlogs from COVID.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In BC?
A medical lab technician’s salary in BC ranges from $46,200 to $80,913. The mid-range salary in BC is $53,151, which is slightly lower than the national mid-range salary of $54,600.
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What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a medical lab technician in BC is $46,200. This is slightly higher than the national starting salary of $41,958, indicating that BC offers competitive starting salaries for medical lab technicians.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range medical lab technician’s salary in Vancouver is $51,975. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living in Vancouver is high, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, medical lab technicians may enjoy a higher standard of living outside Vancouver.
What Is A Medical Lab Technician’s Salary In Victoria?
A mid-range medical lab technician’s salary in Victoria is $50,936. Compared to Vancouver, Victoria offers a slightly lower salary but significantly lower property costs, which could mean a higher standard of living for medical lab technicians.
Are Medical Lab Technicians In Demand In BC?
The demand for medical lab technicians is strong in BC. The job prospects here are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. This is typical of the health sector across Canada as demand grows to support a growing and aging population.
Where To Find More Information About Medical Lab Technician Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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