How to become a Medical Laboratory Technician
Also called: Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technical Officer
Performs routine medical laboratory tests, and operates diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists.
Main tasks
- Prepares and stains slides and tissue sections to study the cells of blood for histological examination
- Performs diagnostic tests on tissues and fluids, and analyses the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
- Tests for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
- Operates and maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability of test results
- Records and analyses test results, and reports findings to medical professionals
- Assists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by providing accurate and timely laboratory test results
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); Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Management (MSL60122); Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30122); Certificate III in Pathology Assistance (HLT37415); Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $80,028 a year
- About 41,900 people work in this job group now, and about 49,200 are projected by 2035. (+17.4%)
- 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 Technician?
Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques; Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
How much does a Medical Laboratory Technician earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $80,028 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Medical Laboratory Technician a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 41,900 to about 49,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Medical Laboratory Technician?
Not always. 50% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques; Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
Will AI change the work of a Medical Laboratory Technician?
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