Entomologist

An entomologist studies insects and their interactions with the environment, human health, agriculture, and ecosystems in Australian research institutions, government agencies, or consulting firms. They conduct field surveys, laboratory analyses, and experiments to identify species, understand behaviour, track population dynamics, and develop pest management or conservation strategies. They communicate findings through scientific publications, reports, and consultation with industry stakeholders such as farmers, local councils, or environmental agencies.

Collect insect specimens from field sites using nets, traps, and pitfall techniques, recording location, habitat, and environmental conditions. Identify insect species using morphological keys, taxonomic references, and comparison with museum collections. Conduct laboratory rearing and observation of insects to study life cycles, feeding behaviour, and developmental patterns. Design and execute controlled experiments to test hypotheses about insect ecology, physiology, or response to treatments. Analyse population data using statistical software to model insect abundance, distribution, and trends. Prepare specimens for preservation, curation, and archival storage in institutional collections. Assess insect pest outbreaks and recommend integrated pest management strategies compliant with Australian biosecurity regulations and organic farming standards. Conduct molecular analysis of insect samples using DNA extraction and sequencing to support species identification or population genetics studies.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need a science degree (usually honours or postgraduate) before you can start. Pay in research and government roles plateaus quickly: most positions are fixed-term contracts or entry-level, with limited promotion pathways. Funding cuts mean job security is shaky. Field work is seasonal and physically demanding, often in remote areas. If you're after stable income and steady progression, this isn't it.

Remote work is rare because field collection and lab work are hands-on. Regional positions exist but are fewer and often contract-based.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2345, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Process Documentation
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Reporting and Analytics
• Risk Identification
• Team Collaboration

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026