A medical lab technologist’s salary in Canada ranges from around $50,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $90,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $75,000 per annum.
NOTE: The information here relates to medical laboratory technologists, NOT Medical Laboratory Technicians. A Technologist is a higher-level role that will involve more complex work. It may also involve the supervision of technicians. Please see our post on medical laboratory technicians for more information on this occupation.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Medical Lab Technologist's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 32120) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 25.00 | 36.00 | 44.75 |
| Alberta | 27.00 | 44.00 | 46.83 |
| British Columbia | 22.00 | 35.00 | 40.00 |
| Manitoba | 30.26 | 36.20 | 42.04 |
| New Brunswick | 22.50 | 34.00 | 36.86 |
| Newfoundland | 31.00 | 37.00 | 44.88 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 26.92 | 34.43 | 43.30 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 26.00 | 40.38 | 47.46 |
| Prince Edward Island | 26.92 | 34.43 | 43.30 |
| Quebec | 23.15 | 30.22 | 36.00 |
| Saskatchewan | 23.00 | 36.99 | 39.83 |
| 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 Technologist’s Salary In Canada 2023?
The highest medical lab technologist’s salary in Canada is found in Alberta, where mid-range salaries are more than 20% above the national average.
Salaries in Alberta are typically higher than in other provinces in Canada. This applies across all job sectors, but the most significant differences are seen in occupations related to the oil and gas industry.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest medical lab technologist’s salary in Canada is found in Quebec, where mid-range salaries are around 15% lower than Canada’s average.
However, the cost of living in Quebec is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries here should be viewed in this context.
Are Medical Lab Technologists In Demand In Canada?
Unemployment for this job group is significantly lower than the national average, and there is currently a shortage of medical laboratory technologists. This situation is expected to continue for at least the next three years.
Job openings for most health-related occupations are likely to increase in Canada for the foreseeable future, and this includes medical laboratory technologists. This is mainly due to Canada’s aging population.
Government projections (carried out by EDC) for the years 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for medical lab technologists as 25,600 compared to 23,800 new job seekers who will fill these posts. This means that shortages are set to continue for the foreseeable future.
A medical lab technologist’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a medical lab technologist’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 Lab Technologist In Canada?
The current NOC code for medical lab technologists in Canada is 32120 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3211). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Cytogenetics technologist – medical laboratory
- Histology technologist
- Medical laboratory cytotechnologist
- Medical laboratory technologist
- Medical laboratory technologist – anatomical pathology
- Medical laboratory technologists supervisor
- Medical technologist – medical laboratory
Can Immigrant Medical Lab Technologists Work In Canada?
The medical laboratory technologist occupation is not one that is regulated, and 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 Technologist’s Salary In Ontario?
A medical lab technologist’s salary in Ontario ranges from $54,600 to $99,666 per annum. The mid-range salary for this profession in Ontario is $84,978, which is significantly higher than the mid-range salary across Canada, which stands at around $75,600.
The highest medical lab technologist’s salary in Ontario is in Ottawa, followed by the Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula region. A medical lab technologist’s salary in Toronto is generally in line with provincial averages.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a medical lab technologist in Ontario in 2023 is around $54,600. This is slightly higher than the average national starting salary in Canada, which is $52,500.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range medical lab technologist’s salary in Toronto is $84,000, in line with provincial averages. However, it’s important to note that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore you might find that your standard of living could be higher outside of Toronto.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range medical lab technologist’s salary in Ottawa is $92,400, some higher than in Toronto. Given that property costs in Ottawa are generally lower than in Toronto, you might find that your salary goes further in Ottawa compared to Toronto.
Are Medical Lab Technologists In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, medical lab technologists are very much in demand in Ontario, as they are across much of Canada. This is typical of the health sector in Ontario as demand grows to support a growing and aging population. The sector is also still struggling to deal with backlogs from the COVID pandemic.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Salary In Alberta?
A medical lab technologist’s salary in Alberta ranges from $56,700 to $98,343. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $92,400, which is significantly higher than the mid-range salary across Canada.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a medical lab technologist in Alberta is $56,700, which is significantly higher than the national starting salary in Canada, which is $52,500.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range medical lab technologist’s salary in Calgary is $92,400, which is considerably higher than national averages. In addition, Calgary has a lower cost of living compared to most other major cities in Canada, so you might find that your salary goes further here, allowing for a higher standard of living.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Salary In Edmonton?
A mid-range medical lab technologist’s salary in Edmonton is $92,400, in line with those in Calgary. However, Edmonton has a lower cost of living, especially when it comes to property prices, which could mean your salary stretches further here.
Are Medical Lab Technologists In Demand In Alberta?
Yes, medical lab technologists are very much in demand in Alberta. The job prospects in Alberta are rated “very good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024.
This is typical of the health sector in Alberta 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 Technologist’s Salary In BC?
A medical lab technologist’s salary in BC ranges from $46,200 to $84,000. The mid-range salary in BC is $73,500, which is slightly lower than mid-range salaries across Canada.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a medical lab technologist in BC is $46,200. This is somewhat lower than the national starting salary in Canada, which is $52,500.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range medical lab technologist’s salary in Vancouver is $74,760, close to provincial averages. However, Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, despite the higher salary, you might find that your standard of living could be higher outside of Vancouver.
What Is A Medical Lab Technologist’s Salary In Victoria?
A mid-range medical lab technologist’s salary in Victoria is $73,625, similar to that in Vancouver. However, property costs in Victoria are generally lower than in Vancouver, so your salary might go further in Victoria compared to Vancouver.
Are Medical Lab Technologists In Demand In BC?
Yes, medical lab technologists are in high demand in BC. The job prospects in BC are rated “very good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024.
This is typical of the health sector in BC as demand grows to support a growing and aging population. The sector is also still struggling to deal with backlogs from the COVID pandemic.
Where To Find More Information About Medical Lab Technologist 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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