How to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Also called: Hospital Scientist, Medical Scientific Officer, Medical Scientist
Performs, validates and interprets the results of medical laboratory tests designed to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease.
Main tasks
- Prepares blood, fluid and tissue samples for microscopic examination
- Performs a wide range of laboratory tests on patient samples, including blood, urine and tissue samples
- Analyses samples to study, diagnose and treat diseases
- Evaluates test results and communicates these to Medical Practitioners
- Establishes the steps and rules of laboratory medical testing
- Operates and maintains laboratory equipment
- Ensures laboratory quality assurance and safety standards are met
- Prepares scientific papers and reports
- Supervises and teaches other staff such as Medical Laboratory Technicians
- Develops new methods and applies the latest improvements in technology for laboratory testing
Ways in
- University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122); Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $106,912 a year
- About 32,300 people work in this job group now, and about 40,400 are projected by 2035. (+24.8%)
- 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 Medical Laboratory Scientist?
Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques; Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
How much does a Medical Laboratory Scientist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $106,912 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Medical Laboratory Scientist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 25% by 2035, from about 32,300 to about 40,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
Usually. 95% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
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