How to become a Plastics Technician

Programs, adjusts, repairs, maintains and troubleshoots machines which manufacture plastic products.

Main tasks

• Programs production machinery, using knowledge of polymers, additives and other materials
• Inspects, calibrates and regulates machines, and conducts ongoing basic quality control tests
• Troubleshoots, repairs and adjusts machines which manufacture plastic products
• Prepares production and maintenance schedules to minimise downtime and maximise productivity
• Recommends technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality or performance
• Completes routine quality checks on the product, such as dimensional checks, hardness, clarity of colour and appearances
• Coordinates production and workflow processes, and keeps records of operational or production data

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate IV in Polymer Technology. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Polymer Technology (PMB40121); Diploma of Polymer Technology (PMB50121); Certificate III in Polymer Processing (PMB30121); Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology (MSA30208)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $105,872 a year
• About 24,900 people work in this job group now, and about 28,300 are projected by 2035. (+13.9%)
• 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 Plastics Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate IV in Polymer Technology; Diploma of Polymer Technology; Certificate IV in Polymer Technology.

How much does a Plastics Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $105,872 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Plastics Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 24,900 to about 28,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Plastics Technician?

Usually not. Only 10% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Polymer Technology; Diploma of Polymer Technology; Certificate IV in Polymer Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Plastics 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