Laboratory Attendant

A Laboratory Attendant carries out various duties at a medical or research laboratory. You may provide general assistance to other laboratory staff or perform tests and research tasks. Laboratory Attendants might collect samples, dispose of laboratory waste and prepare reports on testing results. Laboratory Attendants may work in a specialist laboratory facility or in the testing department of a hospital or other large organisation.

Laboratory Attendants must be able to follow correct procedures and have excellent attention to detail. It’s important that you can perform your work accurately and have good time management. Laboratory Attendants should understand the importance of safety and be able to follow instructions well.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $60,320
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a laboratory attendant?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
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 Food Tester
Phlebotomist Pharmaceutical Production Worker Analytical Chemist Medical Chemist
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Food Tester Phlebotomist Pharmaceutical Production Worker Analytical Chemist Medical Chemist + 4 more
MSL40122

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
On Campus
7 months
$650 - $5,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Forensic Science Technician
Medical Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD) Laboratory Supervisor Senior Technical Officer Analytical Chemist Forensic Anthropologist Medical Chemist Clinical Researcher Pathologist Medical Physicist Clinical Laboratory Technician Science Technician Laboratory Analyst
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HLT37415

Certificate III in Pathology Assistance
On Campus
3 months
$0 - $5,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pathology Assistant Laboratory Attendant Phlebotomist
Pathologist
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pathology Assistant Laboratory Attendant Phlebotomist Pathologist + 1 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 Scientist Laboratory Analyst Laboratory Assistant Medical Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector Alcohol and Drug Tester (AOD) Laboratory Supervisor Senior Technical Officer Plant Scientist Ecotoxicologist Fisheries Scientist Biotechnology Engineer Forensic Chemist Medical Technologist Clinical Research Associate Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Medical Physicist Genetic Counsellor Clinical Laboratory Technician Science Technician Hospital Scientist Molecular Biologist
+ 23 more
MSL20122

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

Common questions

How much does a Laboratory Attendant earn?

In Australia, a full time Laboratory Attendant generally earns $1,160 per week ($60,320 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 Attendant?

The number of people employed in this sector has remained stable in recent years. There are currently 6,200 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Laboratory Attendant. Laboratory Attendants 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 Attendant?

If a career as a Laboratory Attendant interests you, 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 appropriate.

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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)

Certificate III in Pathology Collection: Everything You Need to Know

10th February 2025)

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

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