How to become an Earth Science Technician

Collects and tests earth and water samples, records observations, and analyses data in support of Geologists, Geophysicists and other earth scientists.

Main tasks

• Assists in the collection, preparation, testing and analysis of rock, soil and water samples
• Calibrates and maintains testing equipment used by earth scientists
• Assists Geologists, Geophysicists and other earth scientists in the analysis of data
• Supports earth scientists in practical field operations by planning field work, arranging access to sites, and ensuring supplies and equipment are available for field surveys
• Conducts surveys on field sites and other areas of interest
• Collects, records and analyses weather conditions information

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS40222); Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122); Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS50222); Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122); Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Management (MSL60122); Diploma of Water Industry Operations (NWP50118); Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30122); Certificate III in Mining Exploration (RII30520)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $93,288 a year
• About 22,400 people work in this job group now, and about 24,400 are projected by 2035. (+8.6%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Life Science Technician
• Chemical Technician
• Geospatial Technician
• Hydrographer
• School Laboratory Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Earth Science Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

How much does an Earth Science Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $93,288 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Earth Science Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 22,400 to about 24,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Earth Science Technician?

Not always. 28% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

Will AI change the work of an Earth Science 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
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04