How to become a Laboratory Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the operations of a research, medical or production laboratory to ensure quality standards are met and health and safety standards comply with regulatory frameworks.

Main tasks

• Implements, manages and oversees protocols, and ensures health and safety standards in the laboratory comply with regulatory frameworks
• Maintains laboratory equipment and inventory levels
• Trains technicians on the proper use of equipment and safety procedures to follow in the laboratory
• Manages the daily operations of a laboratory, including the supervision of employees and schedule of activities
• Monitors and ensures all laboratory operations are performed according to specifications
• Reviews the studies, tests and analysis performed in the laboratory
• Plans, organises and coordinates the quality management processes within the laboratory

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Management (MSL60122)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $147,940 a year
• About 68,800 people work in this job group now, and about 82,900 are projected by 2035. (+20.4%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Laboratory Manager?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Management.

How much does a Laboratory Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $147,940 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Laboratory Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 68,800 to about 82,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Laboratory Manager?

Usually. 68% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Laboratory Manager?

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