How to become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician

Assists Aquaculture Farmers and Fisheries Scientists in raising and managing aquatic stock by undertaking onshore and offshore technical fish husbandry tasks, sampling water, analysing data from ponds, pens and tanks, and identifying common diseases and pests. Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.

Main tasks

• Monitors and maintains water quality in aquaculture facilities, including the collection and analysis of water samples
• Identifies pathogenic microorganisms, fungi and other pests harmful to aquatic stock, and assists in devising methods of control
• Examines environmental and other factors that influence the growth, health and production of aquatic stock
• Monitors aquatic stock to gauge the effectiveness of feed formulae
• Assists in controlled breeding experiments to develop improved aquatic stock strains
• Conducts experiments and tests to improve aquaculture practices
• Provides technical support to Aquaculture Farmers and Fisheries Scientists
• Maintains and repairs equipment and infrastructure in aquaculture facilities

Ways in

• University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Aquaculture (SFI30119); Certificate III in Fishing Operations (SFI30219); Certificate IV in Aquaculture (SFI40119); Diploma of Aquaculture (SFI50119); Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance (SFI30419); Certificate II in Aquaculture (SFI20119); Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology (FBP40421); Diploma of Food Science and Technology (FBP50121)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $94,016 a year
• About 2,600 people work in this job group now, and about 2,900 are projected by 2035. (+8.7%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Agricultural and Agritech Technician
• Animal Husbandry Technician
• Biosecurity Officer
• Fisheries Officer
• Irrigation Designer
• Meat Inspector

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?

Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate III in Aquaculture; Certificate III in Fishing Operations.

How much does an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $94,016 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 2,600 to about 2,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?

Not always. 44% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate III in Aquaculture; Certificate III in Fishing Operations.

Will AI change the work of an Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04