December 1, 2025 | British Columbia

If you are curious about how much does a medical laboratory assistant make in Canada, you are not alone. This career has become one of the most popular entry points into healthcare because it offers strong wages, short training time, and reliable job stability. Medical laboratory assistants, often called MLAs, are the people who keep diagnostic testing running smoothly. They collect samples, prepare equipment, manage patient information, and support medical technologists so that doctors can make accurate decisions. 
 

Here is the thing. Behind every diagnosis is the data. Behind that data is an MLA. And because healthcare depends on fast and accurate results, employers across Canada are investing in trained MLAs more than ever. If you are exploring this career path or creating information for prospective students, let us break down exactly how much a medical laboratory assistant makes, province by province, and why wages are rising. 

The National Picture: How Much Does a Medical Laboratory Assistant Make in Canada 

To understand how much a medical laboratory assistant makes overall, it helps to look at the national numbers first. According to updated wage data from November 2025, MLAs across Canada earn: 

 

• Low wage: 19.18 dollars per hour 
• Median wage: 27.00 dollars per hour 
• High wage: 36.11 dollars per hour 

That means the typical MLA earns somewhere in the mid 20s per hour, with many making upwards of 30 dollars per hour, especially in hospitals, public health labs and northern regions. For a career that you can train for in under one year, this earning potential is strong. Because diagnostic testing is essential in every province and territory, MLAs enjoy consistent pay, clear wage growth, and solid employment opportunities. 
 

Wages by Province 

Now let’s get into what everyone wants to know. How much does a medical laboratory assistant make in each region? Pay varies depending on cost of living, demand, unionization, and local healthcare needs. Here is a provincial breakdown using the most recent data available. 

How much does a medical laboratory assistant make in BC? 

British Columbia is one of the strongest provinces for MLA wages. Here is what the numbers look like: 
 

• Low wage: 20.50 dollars per hour 
• Median wage: 28.00 dollars per hour 
• High wage: 31.00 dollars per hour 
• Some areas, including the Northeast and North Coast, reach between 38.50 and 38.69 dollars per hour 
   

MLAs in BC work in hospitals, clinics, private labs, and public health facilities. Over 3500 MLAs are currently employed in the province and roughly half of them work full time. With the ongoing healthcare demand and a steady need for testing services, BC wages remain competitive year-round. 

How much does a medical laboratory assistant make in Ontario? 

Ontario shows some of the widest wage variations in the country. Wage ranges include: 
 

• Low wage: 17.62 dollars per hour 
• Median wage: 26.25 dollars per hour 
• High wage: 36.00 dollars per hour 
   

Specific regions show even higher peaks. The Hamilton Niagara area reaches up to 46.00 dollars per hour, which is among the highest MLA wages in Canada. Major cities like Toronto and Ottawa stay within the mid 20s to mid 30s depending on experience and workplace. Because Ontario has the largest healthcare system in the country, wages shift based on hospital demand, expanded testing and employer requirements. 

How much does a medical laboratory assistant make in Alberta? 

Alberta is known for offering strong wages for healthcare workers, and MLAs are no exception. Here is the breakdown: 
 

• Low wage: 23.72 dollars per hour 
• Median wage: 28.62 dollars per hour 
• High wage: 35.54 dollars per hour 
   

Some Alberta regions take wages even higher. Edmonton and Wood Buffalo Cold Lake reach up to 40.00 dollars per hour. Alberta continues to grow its diagnostic and public health services, and that steady demand helps keep MLA wages high across the province. 

How much does a medical laboratory assistant make in other regions 

Here are quick highlights from the remaining provinces. 
 

Quebec 
 

• Median wage: 29.02 dollars per hour 
• High wage: 37.03 dollars per hour 
• Some areas like Mauricie go above 40.00 dollars per hour. 
   

Newfoundland and Labrador 
 

• Median wage: 26.50 dollars per hour 
   

Prince Edward Island 
 

• Median wage: 28.00 dollars per hour 
   

Nova Scotia 
 

• Median wage: 25.00 dollars per hour 
   

New Brunswick 
 

• Median wage: 25.20 dollars per hour 
   

Manitoba 
 

• Median wage: 26.00 dollars per hour 
   

Saskatchewan 
 

• Median wage: 25.75 dollars per hour 
   

Even the regions with lower medians stay within the mid 20s range, which shows how stable MLA compensation is across Canada. 

Why Medical Laboratory Assistant Wages Are Strong and Growing 

If you look at how much a medical laboratory assistant makes today compared to even a few years ago, the increase is clear. Several factors are pushing wages steadily upward across the country. 
 

Growing demand for diagnostic testing 

Canada’s aging population, higher rates of chronic illness and expanded testing services mean labs are busier than ever. 

Increased reliance on rapid results 

Hospitals and clinics depend on fast turnaround times, and MLAs are part of every step that makes that possible. 

Shortage of trained professionals 

Many provinces face staffing shortages, especially in northern or rural regions, which raise wages to attract workers. 

Expansion of public and private testing facilities 

More labs mean more hiring, which naturally increases earning potential for qualified MLAs. 
 

This is one of the reasons why MLA programs, including accelerated diplomas that take less than a year, have become a popular choice for people looking to enter healthcare quickly. 

What Affects Your Pay as an MLA 

Your wage is shaped by several factors beyond your province. Here are the key things that influence how much you will earn. 

Experience 

Like most healthcare roles, wages rise steadily with experience. Senior MLAs, lead collection staff and lab assistants with specialized skills often earn closer to the high range. 

Workplace setting 

MLAs earn more in hospitals, public health labs, and diagnostic centres that handle high volumes. Smaller clinics and private labs typically pay slightly less. 

Certification 

In British Columbia for example, graduates of approved programs such as CDI College’s Medical Laboratory Assistant Diploma can apply for MLA certification through the BC Society of Laboratory Science. Certification can help you qualify for higher paying positions. 

Shift work 

Evenings, nights and weekends often come with higher hourly wages. 

Region specific demand 

Northern areas and fast-growing cities sometimes raise wages to attract qualified applicants. 

The Road to Earning These Wages: What MLA Training Looks Like 

Understanding how much a medical laboratory assistant makes is only half of the story. The other half is how to become one. The good news is that MLA training is one of the fastest paths to a healthcare career. A typical MLA program, like the 36-week Medical Laboratory Assistant Program at CDI College, includes both classroom instruction and hands-on lab practice. Students learn: 

• Medical terminology 
• Anatomy and physiology 
• Infection control 
• Laboratory safety 
• Clinical chemistry 
• Phlebotomy 
• Microbiology 
• Quality assurance 
• Laboratory mathematics 
• Computer lab systems 
   

The highlight for many students is the six-week practicum. This real-world placement lets you work in a functioning laboratory, collect samples, handle equipment, and support daily operations just like a working MLA. This experience not only builds confidence but also helps graduates stand out when applying for jobs. Graduates from approved MLA programs are eligible in some provinces to pursue professional certification which can further increase job opportunities and wage potential. 

Final Thoughts 

So how much does a medical laboratory assistant make in Canada? The answer is encouraging. Across the country, most MLAs earn between 25 and 30 dollars per hour, with many regions offering wages in the mid 30s or even low 40s per hour. When you combine strong pay, stable demand and short training time, this career becomes an appealing pathway for anyone looking to work in healthcare without committing to a long degree. 

Medical laboratory assistants play an essential role in patient care, and the wages reflect the value they bring to every hospital, clinic and lab across Canada. With the right training and a clear plan, you can step into a rewarding career with strong earning potential in less than a year.