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Lab Helper Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Prepare additional study and lab materials for learners. * Evaluate student progress and ... Aptitude for mentoring and coaching others, with a willingness to spend quality time to help ...

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Lab Helper information

See Alberta salary details

$11

$14

$22

How much do lab helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab helper in Alberta is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lab Helper vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab HelperLab Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory support, assisting with basic tasksPerforming tests, analyzing samples, operating lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, educational institutions, healthcare facilitiesMedical labs, research institutions, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and support tasksCompared for technical responsibilities and qualifications

The main difference between a Lab Helper and a Lab Technician lies in their qualifications and responsibilities. Lab Helpers typically assist with basic tasks and require minimal formal education, while Lab Technicians perform more complex testing and usually hold relevant certifications or degrees. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings, but Lab Technicians have a higher level of technical responsibility.

What does a lab helper do?

A lab helper assists scientists and technicians by preparing materials, setting up equipment, cleaning work areas, and supporting experiments. They often handle tasks such as labeling samples, maintaining lab supplies, and following safety protocols to ensure smooth laboratory operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Helper, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, with basic laboratory knowledge and attention to detail. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the laboratory runs efficiently, maintains safety standards, and supports scientific staff effectively.

What are lab helpers?

Lab helpers are support staff who assist scientists, researchers, or lab technicians in maintaining the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include preparing materials, cleaning equipment, organizing supplies, and sometimes helping with experiments under supervision. Lab helpers play a crucial role in ensuring the lab runs smoothly and safely by keeping the workspace organized and adhering to safety protocols. While they generally do not design experiments, their work is essential for efficient and accurate scientific research.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Lab helpers or assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require post-secondary education or coursework in science. Basic skills in laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment are important. Certifications in safety or specific techniques can be advantageous but are not always required.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries can also vary based on whether the role is part-time or full-time and the industry sector.

What is the highest salary for a lab assistant?

The highest salary for a lab helper or lab assistant can vary depending on experience, location, and industry, but it typically ranges up to $50,000 to $60,000 annually for those with advanced skills or working in specialized laboratories. Senior or supervisory roles may offer higher compensation, especially in research or clinical settings.

What does a typical day look like for a Lab Helper and how do they support the overall workflow of the laboratory?

A typical day for a Lab Helper involves preparing and organizing lab equipment, cleaning glassware, restocking supplies, and assisting with basic experimental setups. Lab Helpers play a crucial role in maintaining a clean, efficient lab environment, allowing scientists and technicians to focus on more complex tasks. They frequently collaborate with laboratory staff to ensure that all materials are available and that safety protocols are followed. This support helps the team meet deadlines and maintain high standards of accuracy and safety in their work.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Alberta? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Alberta are:
What cities in Alberta are hiring for Lab Helper jobs? Cities in Alberta with the most Lab Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Helper job openings in Alberta as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,166 per year, or $15 per hour.
Department Supervisor

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Element Materials Technology rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a Department Supervisor in the Food and Microbiology lab. This lab plays a leading role in testing and assuring a safe food supply in the Western Canada market. The Department Supervisor is a key member of the department's safety team and provides awareness around safety first. You will be relied upon heavily by other colleagues such as technicians, peers, management and other positions. In this role you will be working along side the technicians to support and guide staff in timely completion of daily work.

Responsibilities
  • Manage initiatives for the department set forth and in conjunction with location safety strategy
  • Under the direction of the General Manager and in cooperation with Senior Technician, assist in the efficient operation and growth of the assigned department
  • Provide professional and timely customer service to both internal and external customers
  • Ensure customer satisfaction through daily interaction with technicians and execution of operational jobs.
  • Provide direct supervision of lab technical staff
  • Provide status updates, quote assistance and other internal and external customer service responsibilities as needed
  • Participate and contribute in supervisory responsibilities to include hiring decisions, performance management input, decisions and execution, and approval of overtime and time cards
  • Team work schedule development and updates as required
  • Understand the customer needs in order to translate and deliver desired customer results
  • Adhere to, support and follow all Element safety guidelines
  • Project management, employee development, discipline, other transactional duties associated with this role
  • Inventory review and management to ensure critical supplies are maintained in stock
  • The position is a working supervisor that will be able to fill in where required due to staffing shortages or sample volume surges
Skills / Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in a technical field and college level courses completed or a minimum of 3 years' experience in a supervisory role in an industry similar or related to the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry with a diploma in the field of Microbiology
  • Food microbiology specific experience in a commercial lab testing food for target pathogens using molecular and cultural techniques; quantitative analysis of typical indicator parameters
  • Working knowledge of laboratory safety
  • Strong computer skills and basic mathematical skills with the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra
  • Ability to lift <50 lbs. often and > 50 lbs. on occasion and stand on feet for long periods of time
  • Ability to work primarily alone and make independent decisions during the course of the work day
  • Ability to communicate and demonstrate the importance of meeting all applicable requirements of assigned department
  • Interpersonal skills essential to relate to and coach a diverse multicultural and multigenerational team
  • Proven ability to read, understand and interpret program or test requirements and have ability to analyze and translate into finished testing or report data
  • Excellent communication skills and telephone etiquett
  • Proficient skill in word processing and spreadsheet software
  • High impact of experience on the business at the local commercial, technical and operational level
  • Proven and recognized ability to provide accurate and timely status reports to internal and external customers
  • Ability to track multiple testing jobs / programs from start to finish and assist with contract review of job status daily, including follow-up emails and phone calls daily to and from internal and external customers

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Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER

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