The number of laboratory scientists in South Africa stood at 168 persons in 2023, showing a year-on-year growth of 1.2%. Over the last five years, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) averaged 1.49%, reflecting a steady but modest increase in this profession.
Analyzing the historical data since 2013, there has been a general upward trend in the number of laboratory scientists, with an initial high growth rate that gradually leveled off. Since 2020, the annual growth rate has remained around 1.5%, indicating a stable market for laboratory scientists in the country.
2013-2015: Higher growth phase with YoY variations between 0.69% and 2.76%.
2016-2019: Moderately stable growth with YoY variations between 1.34% and 1.92%.
2020-2023: Consistent growth with YoY variations hovering around 1.2% to 1.84%.
Looking ahead, the forecasted data suggest a continued increase reaching 179 laboratory scientists by 2028, with a projected 5-year CAGR of approximately 1.04%. Key trends to watch for include advancements in laboratory technology, increased demand for specialized healthcare services, and potential impacts of educational programs aimed at training more scientists. These factors could influence the growth trajectory and the demand for laboratory professionals in the coming years.
