Occupation
Laboratory technician
Laboratory technicians run the tests and keep the laboratory working: preparing samples, operating equipment, and recording results against defined procedures. The role is procedural by design, because reliability of the method is the point. It is one of the most common ways into scientific work without a research degree.
Also known as: Lab technician · Lab assistant · Science technician
Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
What the work involves
- Receive, label, and prepare samples so they can be traced back to their source
- Run routine tests following standard operating procedures
- Calibrate, clean, and carry out basic maintenance on laboratory instruments
- Enter results into laboratory information systems and flag anomalies to a supervisor
- Manage stock of reagents and consumables and dispose of waste to protocol
- Support scientists by setting up experiments and preparing solutions
How people commonly enter
- A college diploma or certificate in laboratory technology or applied science
- An entry-level trainee or assistant post with structured on-the-job training
- A science degree used to enter technician work before specialising further
- Vocational qualifications in laboratory skills taken while working in a support role
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Typical work context
Lab or workshop · Predictable routine · Team based · Quiet focus · Shift work
Related interests
Realistic (hands-on) · Investigative (analytical) · Conventional (organizing)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
- Attention and concentration
- Error detection
- Data checking and clerical accuracy
- Technical reasoning
- Safety judgment
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Natural sciences and research.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: laboratory technician · International
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- UK National Careers Service — Laboratory technician · United Kingdom
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Life, physical, and social science occupations · United States
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Natural sciences and research in Canada, not a figure for Laboratory technician. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Natural sciences and research family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: education pathways
Some roles in Natural sciences and research may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)