How to become a Metallurgical or Materials Technician

Tests techniques, procedures and applications of equipment and materials as part of processing and refining, and/or research into metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials.

Main tasks

• Obtains, measures and prepares ore samples for testing
• Reviews and approves welding procedures
• Conducts metallurgical laboratory test work to troubleshoot performance and advise on how to improve manufacturing techniques
• Inspects, measures and assesses the quality and strength of welds to ensure they comply with standards and specifications
• Assists metallurgists and other professionals in the use of complex equipment for metal production

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122); Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122); Advanced Diploma of Engineering (MEM60122); Diploma of Applied Technologies (MEM50822); Diploma of Engineering - Advanced Trade (MEM50119); Diploma of Engineering - Materials (MEM50522); Diploma of Engineering - Prototyping (MEM50622); Diploma of Engineering - Technical (MEM50222)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $153,608 a year
• About 39,400 people work in this job group now, and about 44,000 are projected by 2035. (+11.7%)
• 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.

Related jobs

• Biomedical Technician
• Electronic Engineering Technician
• Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson
• Mechanical Engineering Technician
• Non-destructive Testing Technician
• Other Draftsperson

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Metallurgical or Materials Technician?

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

How much does a Metallurgical or Materials Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $153,608 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Metallurgical or Materials Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 39,400 to about 44,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Metallurgical or Materials Technician?

Usually not. Only 22% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques; Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Metallurgical or Materials 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