How to become a Biotechnologist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, genetics and characteristics of living organisms and isolated biological molecules to improve or develop new products and processes in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, food production and medicine.
Main tasks
- Studies, analyses and manipulates genes to develop new drugs
- Analyses and models large datasets of molecular and genomic sequences to identify patterns
- Researches, develops and creates new products in biotechnology
- Identifies and improves industrial use of genetic attributes of cells and organisms
- Uses computational methods to develop new, or improve existing, software tools and algorithms used in the analysis of large datasets of biological data
- Researches, develops and improves biodegradable materials
- Genetically modifies crops to improve pest resistance and increase productivity
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness (AMP80115); Graduate Diploma of Agribusiness (AMP80215); Certificate III in Animal Technology (ACM30219); Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology (FBP40421); Diploma of Food Science and Technology (FBP50121); Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $80,288 a year
- About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 12,600 are projected by 2035. (+19.8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Biotechnologist?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness; Graduate Diploma of Agribusiness.
How much does a Biotechnologist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $80,288 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Biotechnologist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 12,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Biotechnologist?
Usually. 98% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Biotechnologist?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04