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Career guide · Lab technician, T Level route

How to become a lab technician

A laboratory technician runs tests and experiments in hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical firms and food companies. A Level 3 laboratory technician apprenticeship or the Science T Level are the most direct routes.

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Young lab technician pipetting a sample in a laboratory

How do I become a lab technician?

Start with a Level 3 laboratory technician apprenticeship or the two-year Science T Level, which includes a 45-day placement. Employers usually ask for GCSEs at grade 4 in maths, English and science. Technicians can progress to scientist degree apprenticeships. The National Careers Service lists pay of about £24,000 rising to £31,000.

Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.

What does a lab technician do?

  • Prepare samples, solutions and equipment
  • Carry out tests and record results accurately
  • Follow strict health, safety and quality procedures
  • Keep the lab clean, calibrated and stocked

Pay

Typical salary: £24,000 as a starter, rising to £31,000 with experience.

Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, earn at least £8.00 an hour from April 2026. Many employers pay more.

Sources: National Careers Service, gov.uk minimum wage rates. See also how much apprentices are paid.

What you need to get in

  • Usually GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths, English and science
  • A levels, a T Level or a Level 3 science course for higher apprenticeships
  • Careful, methodical working

Routes in

Level 3 laboratory technician apprenticeship

Around two years in an industry, education or NHS lab.

T Level in Science

Two years of study with a 45-day placement in a real lab; a direct route into technician roles.

Level 5 or degree apprenticeship

Laboratory scientist and healthcare science apprenticeships lead to scientist roles.

School or college lab technician

Supporting science teaching is a good entry-level job to build experience.

How to become a lab technician, step by step

  1. 1

    Get your science GCSEs

    Grade 4 or above in science, maths and English opens most doors.

  2. 2

    Choose T Level or apprenticeship

    The Science T Level suits you if you want more study first; an apprenticeship if you want to earn now.

  3. 3

    Search sector by sector

    Look at pharmaceutical, food, water, NHS pathology and university labs on Shine and Find an apprenticeship.

  4. 4

    Show you are careful

    In applications, give examples of following instructions precisely and recording results.

  5. 5

    Progress to scientist

    Many technicians go on to a laboratory scientist degree apprenticeship.

Skills employers look for

  • Accuracy
  • Following procedures
  • Science and maths
  • Recording data clearly

Not sure you have them yet? Read our guide to transferable skills, or prepare for an interview.

Related guides

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to be a lab technician?
Usually GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths, English and science. Some roles also ask for A levels, a T Level or a Level 3 science qualification.
How much does a lab technician earn?
The National Careers Service lists about £24,000 for starters rising to £31,000 with experience.
Is there a Science T Level?
Yes. The Science T Level lasts two years and includes a 45-day industry placement, often in a laboratory.
Can I become a lab technician without a degree?
Yes. Laboratory technician apprenticeships and the Science T Level both lead to technician roles without a degree.
Where do lab technicians work?
In hospitals, universities, schools, pharmaceutical and chemical companies, food manufacturers, water companies and forensic labs.

Last reviewed 23 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.

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Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.