anzsco.com.au
ANZSCO 234517Skill level 1Version 5Updated 2026-04-26

Microbiologist

A Microbiologist studies microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, applying this knowledge to food safety, medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and environmental management in Australia.

Indicative salary range
$70,000 - $130,000 (2025 indicative)

Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.

Labour market demand

Consistent demand in pathology, food safety testing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotechnology.

Occupation list membership

Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.

  • MLTSSLMedium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List

    Occupations eligible for permanent visas including Subclass 189 and 190.

Assessing authority

The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.

Visa pathways

Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.

State nominations

States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.

CodeState / TerritoryDetails
VICVictoriaView nomination →
WAWestern AustraliaView nomination →
SASouth AustraliaView nomination →

Key duties

  • Conduct microbiological testing and identification of microorganisms
  • Develop and validate microbiological methods
  • Manage laboratory quality systems and biosafety protocols
  • Conduct research on microbial ecology, pathogenesis, or applications

Skills required

  • Microbiological culture, isolation, and identification techniques
  • PCR, sequencing, and molecular microbiology methods
  • Biosafety and containment procedures (PC2/PC3)
  • GMP and quality assurance in industrial microbiology

Typical qualifications pathway

Bachelor's degree in microbiology or medical science. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.

Visa & occupation list information

Listed on MLTSSL, enabling subclasses 189, 190, 485, and 491 For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.

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Occupation record last reviewed by editorial team: