Careers in Science
From leading business roles to cutting-edge research, a Melbourne Science qualification establishes talents and skills enabling graduates to add significant value to any organisation. Together with a comprehensive understanding of current scientific issues, graduates emerge with high-functioning management and leadership skills. Melbourne Science graduates enjoy an excellent reputation and are widely recruited in Australia and across the globe, making the University of Melbourne the first choice for outstanding professionals.
The graduate programs offered by the School are versatile qualifications and well regarded by a range of employers. It's important to note that employers of our science graduates are not simply laboratory-based, they are also found in finance and property, legal services, mining, computing, education and the health sector. Your graduate science qualification can also be used as a stepping stone into conservation, publishing, construction or hospitality.
IT, banking, research and broadcasting services also recruit science graduates directly into their leadership and management training programs. We encourage our students to meet and connect with potential employers on a regular basis for networking and career possibilities.
Median salaries for University of Melbourne graduates have increased - figures for graduate students have increased consistently over the 2005-2008 period.
Average Australian scientific salary
The salaries listed below are average salaries as at 23rd March 2009 according to MyCareer.com.au - Scientific Salary Centre.
| Scientific area |
Average min. |
Average max. |
Average |
| Biotechnology |
$40,000 |
$160,000 |
$88,934 |
| Chemist |
$42,000 |
$120,000 |
$71,644 |
| Environmental Science |
$41,504 |
$200,000 |
$96,692 |
| Food Science |
$45,000 |
$150,000 |
$78,435 |
| Laboratory |
$36,716 |
$350,000 |
$68,295 |
| Other Scientific |
$35,562 |
$160,000 |
$82,811 |
| OA/QC |
$40,000 |
$100,000 |
$76,992 |
| Research & Development |
$39,191 |
$132,806 |
$69,272 |
| Scientist |
$45,000 |
$150,000 |
$76,630 |
| Technical |
$38,627 |
$185,000 |
$77,827 |