How to become a Life Science Technician

Identifies, collects and tests living organisms, and conducts field and laboratory studies in support of Life Scientists, Medical Scientists or Environmental Scientists.

Main tasks

• Assists in the collection and identification of living organisms
• Assists in maintaining records of collected specimens
• Assists with experiments conducted on living organisms and analysis of data collected about them
• Provides technical services and support for scientists in several fields, including biology, agriculture and environmental science

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122); Diploma of Animal Technology (ACM50119); Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122); Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Management (MSL60122); Certificate III in Animal Technology (ACM30219); Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30122); Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS40222); Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology (FBP40421)

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

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

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Life Science Technician?

Ways in include: Science degrees; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques; Diploma of Animal Technology.

How much does a Life Science Technician earn in Australia?

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

Is a Life 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 a Life Science Technician?

Not always. 54% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Science degrees; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques; Diploma of Animal Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Life 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