How to Become A Life Scientist
A Life Scientist studies living organisms to understand how they work and how they affect the world around them. It is one of the most varied science careers in Australia. Specialisations include microbiology, marine biology, biochemistry and zoology.
Every day, Life Scientists run experiments, collect observations and analyse results. They write lab reports and scientific papers, and share findings at conferences. Some also lead lab teams and mentor junior scientists.
The work happens in labs, research centres and in the field. No two weeks look exactly alike. Life Scientists contribute to key research in healthcare, agriculture and environmental science.
If you love asking why and how about the living world, this career is built for you. With the right education and experience, you can work on problems that truly matter. Research into disease, biodiversity and food systems all need skilled Life Scientists.
Career Outlook for Life Scientist
Life Science is a well-established career field across Australia. According to Jobs and Skills Australia (2025), around 9,700 people are employed as Life Scientists nationally. The workforce is highly qualified: 54% hold a postgraduate qualification and 38% hold a bachelor degree (ABS Census, 2021). The median age is 41, and 65% of Life Scientists are women.
Most Life Scientists work full-time, with 76% in full-time roles averaging 42 hours per week. Median full-time weekly earnings are $1,544, or around $80,000 per year (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). Employment growth has been relatively flat, with a projected change of around -100 positions annually. This means the field is stable rather than rapidly expanding.
Victoria has the highest share of Life Scientists (29%), followed by New South Wales (22%) and Western Australia (13%). The three main sectors employing Life Scientists are professional and scientific services, healthcare and education. For those willing to specialise and pursue postgraduate study, the career offers long-term stability and meaningful work.
About the author
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
