anzsco.com.au
ANZSCO 311413Skill level 3Version 5Updated 2026-04-26

Life Science Technician

A Life Science Technician supports biological and life science research by preparing specimens, maintaining cultures, and conducting experimental procedures in Australian universities and research institutes.

Indicative salary range
$55,000 - $88,000 (2025 indicative)

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

Labour market demand

Consistent demand in universities, biotech, pharmaceutical, and government research institutes.

Occupation list membership

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

  • STSOLShort-Term Skilled Occupation List

    Occupations eligible for shorter-term sponsored visas including Subclass 482 (short-term stream).

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
WAWestern AustraliaView nomination →
SASouth AustraliaView nomination →
TASTasmaniaView nomination →
ACTAustralian Capital TerritoryView nomination →

Key duties

  • Prepare culture media, reagents, and biological specimens for experiments
  • Maintain cell culture facilities and microbial culture collections
  • Operate laboratory equipment including centrifuges, PCR machines, and microscopes
  • Record experimental data and assist scientists with research and analysis procedures

Skills required

  • Cell culture, molecular biology, and microbiology laboratory techniques
  • Laboratory equipment operation and maintenance
  • Aseptic technique and biosafety level compliance
  • Research data recording and laboratory information management

Typical qualifications pathway

Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or Laboratory Technology. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.

Visa & occupation list information

Listed on CSOL, enabling subclasses 186, 482, and 494 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: