Laboratory Technician Salary / Wage
Salary and wage information for laboratory technicians is compiled regularly by analysis of Australian jobs advertised in major publications. Salaries are annual unless otherwise stated.
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations Codes (ANZSCO) for science technicians are: 311411 for chemistry technicians, 311412 for earth science technicians, 311413 for life science technicians, 311414 for school laboratory technicians and 311499 for other science technicians.
Job titles and exact tasks vary in this work and examples of some occupation titles are laboratory technician, lab technician, chemical laboratory analyst, soil science technical officer and chemical process analyst.
Apart from school laboratory technicians, these occupations are currently on the Australian Combined Skilled Occupation List, (Short-term Skilled Occupation List, STSOL).
The average Australian weekly full-time ordinary earnings across all occupations in mid-2018 were $1,586, giving an annual income of approximately $82,472. This was 2.6% higher than in mid-2017.*
Data supplied from Indeed over the past 36 months, based on over 60 salaries, estimated that the average salary for a laboratory technician was $55,380 per annum in Australia.
Laboratory Technician Salaries / Wages in 2018
| Job Title | Salary / Wage $ | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Technician – Chemistry | 50,000 – 60,000 | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Laboratory Technician – Chemistry | 50,000 – 55,000 | Wagga Wagga, New South Wales |
| Laboratory Technician | 50,000 – 65,000 | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Production Technician | $25 – $32 per hour | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Laboratory Technician | 78,000 -88,000 | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Laboratory Technician | 55,000 – 65,000 | Brisbane, Queensland |
| Medical Laboratory Technician | 58,000 – 78,000 | Queensland |
| Laboratory Technician / Sample Preparer | $25 – $30 per hour | Devonport, Tasmania |
| Laboratory Technician | 42,000 -60,000 | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Laboratory Technician | $25 – $30 per hour | Perth, Western Australia |
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*Source:ABS
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Kath Hampson says
September 13, 2018 at 11:53 amThe pay rate as a school lab technician is a disgrace. Sue is correct – I have an honours degree in Science and 25 years experience a scientist and I get paid less than the school receptionist. Ian responsible for all science WH&S. I get no supervision from anyone, I advise and “teach” the teachers how to do practicals and experiments.
Also, I am only paid term time – so 40 weeks a year so end up getting paid approx $30,000 a year.
Lance Davis says
October 3, 2018 at 11:53 amHi Kath,
I’m curious when and what area of Australia you were a school lab technician in those circumstances. I’m also curious what size the school was. I’ve just been fired for not turning my work in on time while having the responsibility of a full teaching load and being the only lab technician for years 7-12 chemistry, biology, physics for the past 6 years. Any information you could provide would be helpful for me to seek legal advice so it doesn’t happen to the person after me.
Thank you,
Lance =)
Sue says
September 14, 2017 at 9:51 amTry working in a school lab – you get paid at the same rate as a Groundsman and less than a Receptionist, while providing technical support and advice to teachers who have little to no science training.
spillyspal says
March 3, 2017 at 2:56 pmI was just offered a laboratory technician job at $41,000 pa. I have a Bachelor degree in applied science and 7 years laboratory experience. I am in Brisbane and even as a chemist you cannot get $52,000 pa
Leanne Lehmuskoski says
January 3, 2017 at 8:52 amI worked as a TA with qualification in phlebotomy and clinical coding (Medical Admin, specimen reception for 6 years, ICPMR and didn’t even get To $25 with Higher Grade duties, I then studied Diploma in Laboratory 18 months but couldn’t complete because 1. Govt change this course to Non exemption cannot afford fees 2. Advancing in the files to TO traineeship at 46 with RPA Tissue Pathology/Diagnostic Oncology 2years I received lest than a child working at a fast foods store $15.00. It seems as though Australians get offended when an employee ask for what their worth as a citizen