How to become a Botanist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and ecology of plants.
Main tasks
- Studies and researches the life cycle of plants
- Identifies, classifies and records plant species
- Identifies and studies diseases and disorders of plants
- Studies, researches and assesses the effect of environmental factors on plant growth and distribution
- Manages botanical collections
- Monitors plant populations and their distribution
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30722); Certificate III in Production Horticulture (AHC30624); Certificate III in Protected Horticulture (AHC33722); Certificate IV in Horticulture (AHC40422); Certificate IV in Production Horticulture (AHC40324); Diploma of Horticulture Management (AHC50422)
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.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Botanist?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Certificate III in Horticulture; Certificate III in Production Horticulture.
How much does a Botanist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $80,288 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Botanist 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 Botanist?
Usually. 89% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Botanist?
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