Astronomer Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences

Astronomer Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences

When researching an astronomer salary in Australia, you quickly find that precise figures are scarce. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for this occupation due to small sample sizes. However, by using the Salary Index – where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (May 2026) – we can compare state and industry benchmarks to understand where astronomers might sit.

What the Data Shows

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there were about 1,500 employed physicists (including astronomers) at the 2021 Census. The median weekly earnings for this group are listed as 'N/A' in the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, meaning the figure is either not available or statistically unreliable. This is common for small professions. What we do know:

• 87% work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week.
• The median age is 41, and only 26% are women.
• Top industries: Health Care and Social Assistance, Education and Training, and Public Administration and Safety.

State Differences in Astronomer Pay

State indices from the states show how overall earnings vary across Australia. For example, the Australian Capital Territory has an index of 109.9 ($119,090 annualised), while Tasmania is 88.9 ($96,008). Astronomers are concentrated in:

• New South Wales: 30.7%
• Victoria: 26.0%
• Queensland: 13.4%
• South Australia: 12.7%
• Western Australia: 5.6%
• Australian Capital Territory: 5.6%

These states have indices above or near the national line: NSW 101.2 ($109,658), VIC 98.0 ($106,137), QLD 97.9 ($106,064), SA 94.6 ($102,450), WA 106.9 ($115,825). Astronomers in WA may benefit from that state's higher index, while those in SA may see slightly lower typical earnings. However, actual astronomer salaries depend on the employer – a university in SA might pay differently than a government agency in the ACT.

Industry Benchmarks

Astronomers work in industries with different index values. The industries page shows:

• Professional, scientific and technical services: index 114.7 (annualised $124,300)
• Education and training: index 105.5 ($114,300)
• Health care and social assistance: index 97.8 ($106,000)

If an astronomer is employed by a university (Education), their pay might align with that industry's index. Those in private research (Professional, scientific) could earn more. The national minimum wage index is 48.2 ($52,255), so astronomers are well above that floor.

Using the Salary Index for Astronomer Salary

The Salary Index helps compare any pay figure to the national line. For example, if an astronomer earns $120,000 per year, their index would be (120,000 / 108,352) × 100 = 110.8. This is above the national average and similar to the Professional, scientific industry index. Without a published median, you can use industry and state benchmarks as a guide.

Awards and Minimums

Astronomers are typically covered by professional awards or enterprise agreements. The pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman list minimum rates for various awards, but there is no specific 'Astronomer Award'. Most astronomers are likely classified under the Professional Employees Award or similar, which sets minimum salaries for degree-qualified scientists. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week), but professional scientists earn significantly more. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, and tax rates for 2026-27 apply.

Conclusion

While an exact astronomer salary figure is not publicly available, you can estimate using state and industry indices. Astronomers are concentrated in states with above-average indices and work in industries that pay well above the national minimum. For a more precise figure, check job advertisements or enterprise agreements at institutions like universities or CSIRO. The topics page has more on how to interpret salary data.

Remember that the index is a benchmark, not a quote for a specific job. Actual salaries vary with experience, qualifications, and location. Use the state and industry indices as starting points to understand where astronomer pay sits against the national line.