Laboratory Technician

A Laboratory Technician performs a specialist role at a medical or research laboratory. You might use specialist equipment or carry out a range of testing and research procedures. Laboratory Technicians may be involved in research projects or provide assistance during regular laboratory work. You could be employed by a large organisation such as a hospital or by a specialist research facility.

Laboratory Technicians must have excellent attention to detail and strong observational abilities. It’s important that you can communicate well and work as part of a team. Laboratory Technicians must be safety-focused and able to follow correct procedures during their work. You should be able to work to a deadline and perform your tasks with great accuracy.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $75,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a laboratory technician?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
MSL40122

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
On Campus
7 months
$650 - $5,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Technician Medical Laboratory Technician Clinical Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Analyst Forensic Science Technician Food Technologist
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Technician Medical Laboratory Technician Clinical Laboratory Technician Laboratory Analyst Forensic Science Technician Food Technologist + 3 more
MSL30122

Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
On Campus
4 months
$0 - $4,680
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Laboratory Assistant
Clinical Laboratory Technician
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Laboratory Assistant Clinical Laboratory Technician + 1 more
52896WA

Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering (Materials Testing)
Online
24 months
$15,421
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CAD Operator Civil Engineering Technician Laboratory Technician
Draftsperson Structural Designer Structural Modeller
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CAD Operator Civil Engineering Technician Laboratory Technician Draftsperson Structural Designer Structural Modeller + 3 more
MSL50122

Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 48 months
$0 - $28,934
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Forensic Science Technician
Laboratory Analyst Laboratory Assistant Medical Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD) Clinical Laboratory Technician Science Technician
+ 8 more
FBP40421

Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology
Blended, On Campus
12 - 18 months
$0 - $15,229
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Production Manager Food Production Supervisor Food Safety Officer
Food Tester Food Scientist Food Technologist Laboratory Technician
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Production Manager Food Production Supervisor Food Safety Officer Food Tester Food Scientist Food Technologist Laboratory Technician + 4 more
MSL20122

Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
5 days
$0 - $3,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Laboratory Assistant
Field Assistant Production Assistant Food Tester
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Laboratory Assistant Field Assistant Production Assistant Food Tester + 3 more
MSA30208

Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology
Blended, Online
6 - 24 months
$0 - $6,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CAD Operator Production Technician Pharmaceutical Production Worker
Laboratory Technician Polymer Technician Manufacturing Technician Development Engineer Civil Design Engineer Plant Operator
+ 6 more
NWP30222

Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (Wastewater Treatment)
Traineeship
24 months
$10,276
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Wastewater Plant Operator Assistant Wastewater Plant Operator Environmental Technician
Laboratory Technician Compliance Officer Environmental Health Officer Service Technician
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Wastewater Plant Operator Assistant Wastewater Plant Operator Environmental Technician Laboratory Technician Compliance Officer Environmental Health Officer Service Technician + 4 more
MSM30318

Certificate III in Manufactured Mineral Products
On Campus, Traineeship
24 months
$6,350 - $7,050
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Production Worker Plant Operator Production Operator
Process Technician Production Technician Laboratory Technician
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Production Worker Plant Operator Production Operator Process Technician Production Technician Laboratory Technician + 3 more

Undergraduate Certificate in Science
Blended, On Campus, Online
6 months
$0 - $4,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Research Assistant Environmental Technician Laboratory Technician
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Research Assistant Environmental Technician Laboratory Technician
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Medical Laboratory Technician

A Medical Laboratory Technician performs tests on bodily fluids and tissues to assist in diagnosing medical conditions while maintaining patient confidentiality.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Pathology Assistant

A Pathology Assistant prepares and tests samples in medical labs, working independently or in teams, ensuring accurate results using specialist equipment.

Avg yearly income $54,912
Skill level Beginner

Pathology Collector

A Pathology Collector collects and labels bodily specimens from patients, ensuring accurate paperwork and specimen handling for lab testing.

Avg yearly income $72,020
Skill level Beginner

Phlebotomist

A Phlebotomist collects blood samples, prepares them for testing, and must possess excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail.

Avg yearly income $66,976
Skill level Beginner

Laboratory Attendant

A Laboratory Attendant performs various tasks in medical or research labs, assisting staff, collecting samples, and preparing reports while ensuring safety and accuracy.

Avg yearly income $60,320
Skill level Beginner

Laboratory Supervisor

A Laboratory Supervisor manages lab operations, ensures procedures are followed, meets targets, and oversees staff while maintaining safety and accuracy.

Avg yearly income $111,800
Skill level Advanced

Senior Technical Officer

A Senior Technical Officer coordinates lab research, ensures safety and correct procedures, leads staff, and presents accurate testing results.

Avg yearly income $111,800
Skill level Advanced

Cardiac Technologist

A Cardiac Technologist operates imaging equipment, performs stress tests, analyses ECGs, and supports cardiologists, ensuring patient care.

Avg yearly income $74,880
Skill level Advanced

Biomedical Technician

Biomedical Technicians ensure the safe and efficient operation of medical equipment in healthcare settings by performing maintenance, repairs, and technical support.

Avg yearly income $62,764
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much does a Laboratory Technician earn?

In Australia, a full time Laboratory Technician generally earns $1,450 per week ($75,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Laboratory Technician?

This industry has experienced stable employment numbers over the last five years. There are currently 6,200 people working in this sector in Australia and many of them specialise as a Laboratory Technician. Laboratory Technicians usually work in larger towns and cities where laboratory facilities are located.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Laboratory Technician?

If you’re planning a career as a Laboratory Technician, consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement. You could also study a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills or a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques. A Diploma of Laboratory Technology would also be suitable.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

A Beginner's Guide to Laboratory Technician Training in Australia

7th February 2025

What can you do with a Certificate III in Pathology Collection?

4th November 2021

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

15th September 2022

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