Laboratory assistant, medical laboratory

What does a laboratory assistant in a healthcare laboratory do? – Tasks and work environment

A laboratory assistant in a healthcare laboratory plays a central role in daily operations at clinical labs, supporting biomedical analysts and other laboratory staff. Tasks include sample collection, sample handling, preparation of analysis materials, and recording samples in data systems. It often also involves cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment and ordering consumables. The work environment emphasizes precision and high hygiene standards, with tasks performed both independently and in teams. Usually, work is during daytime hours, but shift work can occur, especially at larger hospital laboratories.

Salary development over time

The salary for laboratory assistants in healthcare laboratories has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,200 SEK per month, rising to 39 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 41 200 SEK in 2024. This represents an overall increase of approximately 11% during the period. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for laboratory personnel, especially during and after the pandemic, as well as efforts by employers in both public and private sectors to retain and attract skilled staff. The salary increase also reflects the growing need for advanced laboratory technology and higher demands for quality and safety in healthcare.

Laboratory assistant in healthcare laboratory salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,600 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 57,300 SEK/month (female, private sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 248 SEK
• Women earn: 40 900 SEK (97% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 42 300 SEK
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary between regions, but detailed statistics are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a laboratory assistant in a healthcare laboratory, a high school diploma with a science or healthcare focus is usually required, complemented by practical training or specialized courses in laboratory techniques. Further education and certifications can improve employment prospects, especially at larger or more specialized laboratories. Employers often value accuracy, responsibility, and the ability to work systematically.

• High school diploma: Science program or Care and Welfare program (3 years)
• Specialized courses: Laboratory techniques, microbiology, sample handling
• Work placement: Often required or highly recommended
• Certifications: Opportunities for validation via employers or industry organizations
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry

Common benefits and compensations

Laboratory assistants in healthcare laboratories are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, vacation pay, and sick pay. Subsidized wellness activities, professional development, and sometimes access to company health services are common. Some employers offer shift allowances for inconvenient working hours and opportunities for further training within the organization.

Competition and challenges

The job market for laboratory assistants in healthcare laboratories is characterized by high demand, providing good opportunities for employment, especially in metropolitan regions and larger hospitals. At the same time, competition for the most attractive positions exists, where experience and specialized skills are often decisive. Technological changes and digitalization increase demands for ongoing education and flexibility. Workload can be high, particularly during periods of large sample volumes or staff shortages. The ability to handle monotonous tasks and maintain accuracy under stress is crucial for success in the role.

Tips for those aspiring to become a laboratory assistant in a healthcare laboratory

To succeed as a laboratory assistant in a healthcare laboratory, it is important to be precise and organized, as sample handling requires accuracy and order. Resilience to stress is an advantage – workload can change quickly, and unexpected situations may arise that require quick decisions. Demonstrating responsibility and reliability is appreciated by colleagues and employers, especially in following routines and safety procedures. A genuine interest in science and technology facilitates learning new methods and instruments. Developing good teamwork skills is also beneficial, as work often occurs in teams and requires clear communication. Finally, an open attitude towards further training and new tasks increases opportunities for development and variety within the profession.

Key facts about laboratory assistants in healthcare laboratories

• Education level: High school diploma with a science or healthcare focus
• Work schedule: Daytime, but shift work may occur
• Demand: Very high, especially in the public sector
• Gender distribution: Mostly women, but salary differences remain
• Special skills: Sample collection and laboratory techniques

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a laboratory assistant in a healthcare laboratory, there are opportunities to develop into more qualified roles such as laboratory technologist, further education as a biomedical analyst, or supervisory positions. Specializing in a particular analysis area, such as microbiology or clinical chemistry, is also common. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast, the labor market is expected to remain strong with substantial opportunities for employment and steady demand over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties exist, meaning employers may be open to further training of existing staff. Currently, approximately 375 job openings are available within the biomedical analyst group, including laboratory assistants.

Frequently asked questions about laboratory assistants in healthcare laboratories

• What does a laboratory assistant in a healthcare laboratory earn?
  - The average salary is 41 200 SEK per month, with variations between 28,600 and 57,300 SEK depending on experience, sector, and education.
• What education is required to become a laboratory assistant?
  - Usually, a high school diploma with a science or healthcare focus, along with practical training or specialized courses in laboratory techniques.
• What is the work environment like for laboratory assistants?
  - The work environment is often clinical and demands high standards of hygiene, accuracy, and safety, with tasks performed both independently and in teams.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
• Is it easy to find a job as a laboratory assistant?
  - Yes, job opportunities are considered very good nationwide, especially in the public sector.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
  - It is common to advance to laboratory technologist, further education as a biomedical analyst, or specialize within various laboratory fields.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Accuracy, teamwork skills, stress resilience, and an interest in science are particularly important.