Medical laboratory scientist salary in Nigeria by roles and experience
If you are considering a career as a medical laboratory scientist in Nigeria, you may be curious about the salary prospects in this field. The average monthly salary for a medical lab scientist ranges from ₦101,000 to ₦240,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Explore the salary breakdown by career level.

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How much do they pay a medical lab scientist in Nigeria? According to Payscale and Glassdoor, the average monthly salary for a medical lab scientist ranges from ₦101,000 to ₦240,000. The annual Medical Laboratory Science salary is approximately ₦1,288,935. Below is an overview of the medical laboratory science salary in Nigeria.
Experience level | Years of experience | Average annual compensation (₦) | Average monthly compensation (₦) |
Early career | 1–4 years | ₦1,230,227 | ₦102,519 |
Mid-career | 5–9 years | ₦1,460,000 | ₦121,667 |
Experienced | 10–19 years | ₦2,550,000 | ₦212,500 |
Medical laboratory scientists (MLS), also known as medical technologists or clinical laboratory scientists, apply specialised technical skills in conducting a variety of tests on patient samples in an attempt to detect the absence or presence of several diseases. Key duties of professionals in the field include the following:

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To work as a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist in Nigeria, you must meet certain academic and professional requirements. Below are the key educational qualifications needed:
- A one-year compulsory internship at a recognised medical laboratory is required.
- You must pass the MLSCN exam and register with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria to get licensed.
A medical laboratory scientist analyses a variety of biological specimens. They are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians.
Yes, medical laboratory scientists (MLS) are in high demand in Nigeria due to their essential role in healthcare diagnostics and disease management.

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Becoming a medical laboratory scientist (MLS) in Nigeria typically takes four to five years of undergraduate education, followed by additional training. To become a fully licensed MLS in Nigeria can take 6 to 7 years, including education, training, and certification.
The highest-paid medical laboratory scientist in Nigeria may earn up to ₦4,000,000 per year, which equates to roughly ₦333,000 per month.
Entry-level medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria can generally expect between ₦120,000 and ₦150,000 monthly in government roles.
Medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria are paid according to their role, experience level, and workplace. While entry-level roles offer modest pay, more experienced professionals can earn significantly more, especially in specialised or senior positions.
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