Medical laboratory technologists
Occupation · NOC 2021 32120 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 32120
- TEER
- 2
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 12
- Median wage, Canada
- C$39.00 per hour
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 1,431
OC<CANMEDICAL<LABORATORY<TECHNOLOGISTS<<<<<< 321202<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<4
About this occupation
Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, blood banks, community and private clinics, research facilities and post-secondary educational institutions. Medical laboratory technologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Example job titles
- clinical genetics technologist
- cytogenetics technologist - medical laboratory
- histology technologist
- medical laboratory cytotechnologist
- medical laboratory technologist
- medical laboratory technologists supervisor
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Conduct and interpret chemical analyses of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal and other body fluids
- Study blood cells and other tissues to determine their relation to various physiological and pathological conditions
- Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics
- Perform and interpret blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
- Validate, document and report test results
- Establish procedures for the analysis of specimens and for medical laboratory experiments
- Conduct quality control assessment of testing techniques
- May supervise and train other medical laboratory technical staff, students and helpers
Employment requirements
- A two- or three-year college program in medical laboratory technology is required and a period of supervised practical training may be required.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
- Certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is usually required by employers.
- Combined laboratory and X-ray technicians require completion of a combined laboratory X-ray technology program.
- Some employers may require a university science degree for specialized medical laboratory technologists.
Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)
Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.
Approved positions by year
Data table
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
- Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre2
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal2
- Biogate Laboratories LTD2
- Saskatchewan Health Authority1
- Virica Biotech Inc.1
- Biovet Inc.1
- Virica Biotech1
- Bois de foyer Chaudière-Appalaches1
- EUROFINS ESSAIS ENVIRONNEMENTAUX CANADA1
Work permits
Work permit holders by year the permit took effect, mapped from NOC 2016 where the code has a single NOC 2021 successor (IRCC).
| Year | TFWP permits | IMP permits |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 0 | 5 |
All work permits by year
Data table
| 2015 | 5 |
Permanent residence
Admissions of permanent residents by intended occupation and Express Entry invitations by occupation (IRCC).
New permanent residents by year
Data table
| 2015 | 60 |
| 2022 | 120 |
| 2023 | 60 |
| 2024 | 205 |
| 2025 | 260 |
| 2026 | 135 |
- Federal Skilled Worker1,565
- Provincial Nominee Program410
- Canadian Experience Class145
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$25.13 | C$39.00 | C$49.00 |
| Alberta | C$25.00 | C$45.79 | C$50.00 |
| British Columbia | C$30.00 | C$41.00 | C$45.90 |
| Manitoba | C$36.00 | C$38.00 | C$41.00 |
| New Brunswick | C$30.50 | C$35.78 | C$44.95 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | C$32.00 | C$38.00 | C$42.10 |
| Nova Scotia | C$30.00 | C$35.00 | C$42.56 |
| Ontario | C$23.00 | C$42.00 | C$50.00 |
| Quebec | C$29.72 | C$35.00 | C$40.00 |
| Saskatchewan | C$32.00 | C$38.00 | C$44.90 |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 1,431
- Vacancies advertised
- 1,523
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$33.74
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