How to become a Laboratory Worker

Laboratory workers assist scientists, engineers, technical officers and other laboratory staff by collecting and preparing samples, carrying out experiments, making measurements with scientific equipment, recording results and presenting them for critical analysis.

Personal requirements for a Laboratory Worker

Enjoy scientific activities
Able to produce accurate and detailed work
Good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
Able to work as part of a team

Education & Training for a Laboratory Worker

To become a laboratory worker you usually have to complete a traineeship in Laboratory Skills or Laboratory Techniques. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. For more details, see Section 2. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.You can also become a laboratory worker by completing a VET qualification in laboratory skills, laboratory techniques or laboratory technology. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Duties & Tasks of a Laboratory Worker

Laboratory workers:

Clean, maintain and set up equipment for use in experiments
Collect, classify and preserve specimens and samples
Water and observe plants, and feed and observe animals in laboratories
Perform diagnostic and other scientific tests on specimens (such as animal and plant tissues or food and water samples) in order to identify chemicals, minerals, cellular or other constituents, bacterial content and chemical contamination
Carry out experimental procedures and monitor processes
Inspect and test animals and plants for diseases
Perform routine mathematical calculations and prepare graphs
Use computers and computer-interfaced equipment
Carry out routine quality assurance checks on production line samples and materials.

Tasks

Participating in fabricating, installing and modifying equipment to ensure that critical standards are met
Presenting results in graphic and written form by preparing maps, charts, sketches, diagrams and reports
Performing routine mathematical calculations, and computations of measurements
Conducting field and laboratory experiments, tests and analyses
Preparing materials for experimentation such as freezing and slicing specimens and mixing chemicals
Checking, calibrating and maintaining test equipment
Collecting information and samples
Controlling the quality and quantity of laboratory supplies by testing samples and monitoring usage
Preparing experiments and demonstrations for science classes

Working conditions for a Laboratory Worker

Laboratory workers work in the field, on the process-production line and in the laboratory. They may work in a team or alone. Depending on the type of laboratory, they may handle dangerous or hazardous materials. Safety awareness and compliance with regulations is important. Protective clothing and equipment is usually provided.

Employment Opportunities for a Laboratory Worker

Laboratory workers usually work under the direction of scientists in fields such as dairy production, food preservation research, entomology, plant pathology, botany, seed production, agricultural chemistry, biochemistry, pathology, artificial insemination, wine production, minerals and chemical industries, science equipment manufacturing, plastics and occupational health.Laboratory workers are also employed in breweries, chemical manufacturers, food and beverage manufacturers, government agencies, hospitals, museums, textile manufacturers, schools, universities and a wide range of other industries.

Specializations

Senior Laboratory Technician/Technical Officer

A senior laboratory technician/technical officer undertakes duties similar to, but more complex than, those of laboratory workers. They generally have more responsibility and may supervise other staff.

Laboratory Worker

Average age
43
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
46% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,638
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
74%
Employment Size
20,200
Employment by state
ACT: 1.9%
NSW: 25.5%
NT: 1.1%
QLD: 19.3%
SA: 7.6%
TAS: 2.7%
VIC: 27.2%
WA: 14.6%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.2%
20-24: 8.6%
25-34: 24.8%
35-44: 21.3%
45-54: 23.5%
55-59: 10.3%
60-64: 7%
65 and Over: 3.4%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 18.4%
Bachelor degree: 31.6%
Certificate III/IV: 17.5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 11.1%
Year 10 and below: 5.7%
Year 11: 2.7%
Year 12: 13%