What does a laboratory assistant do at a hospital? – Tasks and work environment
A hospital laboratory assistant mainly supports laboratory staff and medical analysts in their daily routines. Tasks include preparing and labeling samples, assisting with basic analyses, handling materials and instruments, and ensuring the laboratory environment remains clean and safe. The role often involves contact with healthcare personnel and patients, especially when receiving samples or performing simple blood tests. The work environment emphasizes precision, hygiene requirements, and safety, as working with biological materials demands strict routines and protective equipment.
Salary development over time
The profession of hospital laboratory assistant has shown stable and positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, which increased to 29 400 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 30 200 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 11% over the period. This salary development reflects an increased focus on work environment and competence in laboratory operations, as well as a general trend toward higher wages in healthcare and social care professions. The demand for service staff in laboratories has also contributed to upward salary pressure, especially in the municipal sector where the highest salaries are found.
Laboratory assistant at a hospital salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK (female, government sector, less than 9 years of education)
- Highest salary: 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
- Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
- Women earn: 30 400 SEK (102% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 29 800 SEK
- Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences is unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a hospital laboratory assistant, a long academic education is usually not required, but a high school diploma with a focus on science or healthcare and social care is often a prerequisite. Practical experience from laboratory environments or similar workplaces is highly valued, and some employers may require specific courses or internal training. The educational path is flexible and also allows for career changes from other areas within healthcare and service.
- High school education: Science or healthcare and social care programs (3 years)
- Internship or traineeship: Often included during education or as an introduction at the workplace
- Certifications/courses: Internal courses in laboratory techniques and safety may be offered
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry is advantageous
- Tips: Experience in healthcare or service work is an advantage when applying
A hospital laboratory assistant often gains insight into several specialized medical areas and can develop broad knowledge of diagnostics and analysis methods. The daily variation and collaboration with different professional groups make the profession both social and educational.
Common benefits and compensations
Hospital laboratory assistants are often covered by collective agreements, which include access to occupational pension, insurance, wellness allowances, and extra vacation days. Shift premiums and overtime pay may apply for work during inconvenient hours, and some employers offer opportunities for professional development and further training.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a hospital laboratory assistant is relatively low, partly because the profession requires specific practical skills and a good understanding of laboratory environments. At the same time, challenges include physically monotonous tasks and high demands for accuracy, which can lead to strain injuries or stress. The profession is also affected by technological changes and digitalization, as some tasks are automated. Despite this, demand remains stable due to the important support role laboratory assistants play in healthcare. Limited career paths and modest salary development can be challenging for those seeking long-term growth in the profession.
Tips for those who want to become a hospital laboratory assistant
To succeed as a hospital laboratory assistant, it is important to be precise and organized, as handling samples requires accuracy and responsibility. Being service-oriented and having good teamwork skills facilitates daily work with colleagues and patients. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable qualities because tasks can vary daily. An interest in technology and laboratory work makes it easier to quickly learn new methods and routines. Showing initiative and willingness to further educate yourself can open doors to more qualified roles within laboratory operations. Good communication skills help ensure efficient workflow and a safe working environment. Finally, being resilient under stress is an advantage, especially during busy periods.
Key facts about hospital laboratory assistants
- Education level: High school diploma with a focus on science or healthcare
- Work environment: Hospital laboratory with high hygiene standards
- Work schedule: Mostly daytime, but shifts may occur
- Demand: 375 job openings within the occupational group
- Gender distribution: Women have slightly higher average salaries than men
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience as a hospital laboratory assistant, opportunities for further education and specialization open up, for example to biomedical analyst or laboratory technician. The employment agency's forecasts for the occupational group "other healthcare and social care personnel" show stable demand, although no exact assessment can be given for laboratory assistants due to limited data. Advancement opportunities mainly exist within larger laboratories or by taking on more administrative or quality-focused tasks. Technological development and increased automation may change the profession over time, but laboratory assistants are expected to remain an essential part of healthcare support staff.
Common questions about hospital laboratory assistants
- What does a hospital laboratory assistant earn?
- The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 181 SEK.
- Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn 102% of what men do within the profession.
- What education is required to become a laboratory assistant?
- High school education in science or healthcare and social care is recommended.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- There are 375 job openings, and demand is considered stable.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a hospital laboratory assistant?
- Highest salary is 41,700 SEK and lowest is 26,500 SEK.
- What benefits can one receive?
- Occupational pension, insurance, wellness allowance, and overtime pay are common benefits.
- Is shift work necessary?
- In some cases, shift work may occur, but daytime work is most common.
