Laboratory technician salary: yearly, weekly and hourly pay compared to the national average

Laboratory technician salary in Australia

If you are looking for a laboratory technician salary, the most reliable public source is the minimum pay rate set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers most laboratory technicians in private and public laboratories. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a separate average for this occupation, so the award minimums provide a useful baseline. Actual earnings depend on qualifications, experience, location and the type of laboratory (e.g., pathology, research, industrial).

Award minimum rates for laboratory technicians

The Fair Work pay guide for the Support Services classification (which includes laboratory technicians) lists weekly and hourly rates for eight levels. Laboratory technicians are typically classified at Level 4 or Level 5, depending on duties and qualifications. From 1 October 2026, the minimum weekly rates are:

Level 4: $1,119.10 per week ($29.45 per hour)
Level 5: $1,157.20 per week ($30.45 per hour)

These rates apply to full-time employees working 38 hours per week. Annualised, that is about $58,193 (Level 4) or $60,174 (Level 5) before tax. The award also includes penalty rates for shiftwork, weekends and public holidays, which can increase take-home pay.

How that compares to the national average

The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). That is nearly double the award minimum for a laboratory technician. Even the national full-time median of about $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025) is well above the award rates. This gap reflects that the national average includes many higher-paid professionals, while laboratory technician work is often in the health and scientific support sector where award rates are lower.

State-by-state context

Full-time average weekly ordinary-time earnings vary by state. For example, the Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at $2,290.20 per week ($119,090 per year), while Tasmania has the lowest at $1,846.30 per week ($96,008 per year). A laboratory technician in Tasmania on the award minimum would earn about 60% of the state average, whereas in the ACT the gap would be larger. States and territories provides a full breakdown.

Converting your salary to weekly and hourly figures

The on-site tool accepts a yearly salary before tax and shows the equivalent weekly amount (based on 52 weeks) and hourly amount (based on a 38-hour week). For a laboratory technician on the Level 5 award rate of $60,174 per year, the weekly figure would be about $1,157 and the hourly rate $30.45. If you earn above the award, you can place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average.

Minimum wage and award increases

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 per year on 38 hours). The award minimums for laboratory technicians are above that, reflecting the skilled nature of the work. Award rates rose by 4.75% in the 2026 Annual Wage Review, as noted by the Fair Work Commission.

Tax on a laboratory technician salary

For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are progressive. A laboratory technician earning $60,000 would fall into the 30% marginal bracket (from $45,001 to $135,000). The tax on $60,000 is approximately $8,467, plus the 2% Medicare levy ($1,200), leaving about $50,333 after tax and levy. The ATO provides a tax calculator for precise figures.

Where to find more information

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help you calculate your exact pay under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings release (next due November 2026) will update the national averages.
How the figures are set explains the sources behind the salary index.

Summary

While there is no official average salary for laboratory technicians, the award minimums provide a clear starting point. Most laboratory technicians earn between $58,000 and $65,000 per year, with experienced or senior technicians earning more. Comparing your salary to the national full-time average of $108,352 shows how your pay sits relative to the broader workforce.

Questions

What is the typical salary for a laboratory technician in Australia?

There is no single published average for laboratory technicians from the ABS. However, the Fair Work pay guide for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum weekly rates for laboratory technician classifications. At Level 4 the weekly minimum is $1,119.10 ($29.45 per hour) and at Level 5 it is $1,157.20 ($30.45 per hour). On a 38-hour week that gives annual minimums of roughly $58,200 to $60,200 before tax. Actual salaries vary by experience, location and employer.

How does a laboratory technician salary compare to the national full-time average?

The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year) according to ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. The minimum award rates for laboratory technicians are about half that. Even experienced technicians may earn above the award but typically below the national average, which is lifted by higher-paid professions. The full-time median (all occupations) is about $90,532 per year, so a laboratory technician on award rates would be below that median.

What tax would a laboratory technician pay on a typical salary?

For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, 37% from $135,001 to $190,000, and 45% above that. A laboratory technician earning $60,000 would pay about $8,467 in tax plus the 2% Medicare levy ($1,200), leaving about $50,333 after tax and levy. The ATO provides a tax calculator for precise figures.