Science Technicians

Science technicians support scientific research, testing, and analysis across laboratories, field sites, and production facilities by preparing samples, operating analytical equipment, maintaining apparatus, and recording data. They work under the direction of scientists or senior technicians in diverse fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, environmental science, or materials testing. Their work ensures experiments run smoothly, results are accurate, and safety protocols are followed.

Prepare samples and specimens for analysis using standard laboratory procedures and chemical reagents. Operate and calibrate scientific instruments such as spectrophotometers, chromatographs, microscopes, or mass spectrometers. Conduct routine tests and measurements following documented standard operating procedures and quality control protocols. Record, collate, and verify experimental data using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or spreadsheet software. Maintain, clean, and sterilise laboratory equipment and glassware to ensure continued accuracy and prevent contamination. Prepare media, solutions, and reagents to specified concentrations and purity standards. Assist with field sampling activities including collection, labelling, and transport of environmental or biological samples. Monitor equipment performance and alert supervisors to malfunctions or recalibration requirements.

The standard entry pathway requires a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree (ABS skill level 2). 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.

Most roles max out at mid-level technician without moving into scientist, supervisor, or management roles (which need degrees you may not have). The work is repetitive and detail-focused, so if you need variety and autonomy, you'll feel trapped. Shift work and weekend rosters are common in production labs and hospitals.

In practice, most jobs concentrate in capital cities where universities, government labs, and pharmaceutical/biotech companies operate. Some regional positions exist in mining labs, agricultural research, and water testing, but they're scarcer. Remote work is rare in this field.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 3114, 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
• Cartographycore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Health Terminology Literacycore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Electronic Document Management
• Incident Reporting
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Process Documentation
• Process Improvement Identification
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Risk Identification
• Verbal Communication

• 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