Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Medical Laboratory Technologist is a healthcare professional who performs complex tests and procedures on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work with various types of laboratory equipment and analyze a wide range of biological specimens.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: Unknown
Annual job openings: 22 600
Direct AI exposure: 14% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 32% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Medical Laboratory Technologists. According to the wage tables, average income is $81K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $52K per year | $69K per year | $81K per year | $92K per year | $102K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $16K above the national average. | ||||
Medical Laboratory Technologists primarily work in hospital and private laboratories, clinics, and research facilities. They often work in clean, well-lit, and sterile environments. Their work can include regular hours but may also require weekends, evenings, or on-call shifts, especially in hospitals that operate around the clock.
Medical Laboratory Technologists are critical members of the healthcare team, providing vital information that influences patient care and treatment decisions. They perform a variety of laboratory tests, from routine blood counts to more complex analyses for diseases like cancer or diabetes. These professionals must be skilled in using advanced laboratory equipment and technology, including microscopes, automated analyzers, and cell counters.
Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in this role, as the results of laboratory tests directly affect patient diagnosis and treatment. Medical Laboratory Technologists must adhere to strict safety and quality standards to ensure the reliability of test results. They must also keep detailed records and sometimes assist in interpreting and reporting findings to physicians.
The work requires a strong foundation in sciences like biology and chemistry, as well as specialized knowledge in areas like microbiology and hematology. Technologists need to be able to work independently but also collaborate effectively with laboratory colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
In Canada, becoming a Medical Laboratory Technologist typically involves completing an accredited Medical Laboratory Technology program, offered at the college or university level. These programs include extensive supervised clinical training. Graduates must pass the national certification examination administered by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and may also need to register with a provincial regulatory body to practise.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
