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ANZSCO 234511Updated 2026-01-29

Life Scientist (General)

National shortage level: Low

Snapshot

Median pay: AUD 99k
Weekly earnings: AUD 1910
Salary range: AUD 89k-AUD 109k
Job ads trend: Not listed
Time to hire: Varies
Visa pathways: Check eligibility

State distribution

31%
VIC
26.7%
QLD
15.3%
NSW

Education mix

67%
Post graduate
27.7%
bachelor degree
1.7%
year 12

Role overview

Biologists study the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms and the ways in which they interact with the environment in which they live.

What you do
  • Designs and conducts experiments, makes observations and measurements, researches information, analyses data, prepares or supervises the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presents findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervises the work of staff.
  • Studies the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination.
  • Investigates the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms.

Core skills

    Credentials & pathway

    • Recommended level: post graduate/ graduate diploma or graduate certificate (67%)

    Recent job ads

    No ads listed yet.

    Tasks

    • Designs and conducts experiments, makes observations and measurements, researches information, analyses data, prepares or supervises the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presents findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervises the work of staff.
    • Examines micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and use the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes.
    • Investigates the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms.

    Earnings

    Weekly median: AUD 1910
    Annual median: AUD 99k
    Range: AUD 89k-AUD 109k