Astrophysicist salary: award rates and the national line

What is an astrophysicist salary in Australia?

An astrophysicist studies the physics of the universe — stars, galaxies, black holes, and cosmic phenomena. In Australia, most astrophysicists work in universities, research institutes, or government agencies like the CSIRO. Because the profession is small (about 1,500 physicists including astronomers, according to Jobs and Skills Australia), precise salary data is limited. The best public guide is the Higher Education Industry - Academic Staff - Award (MA000006), which sets minimum pay for academic astrophysicists.

This article explains where an astrophysicist salary sits against the national line — the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (index 100). We’ll compare award rates to the national minimum wage and show how the salary index works.

The award that covers most astrophysicists

Astrophysicists employed by universities are covered by the Higher Education Academic Staff Award. This award has salary levels from A (early career) to E (professor). The rates below apply from 1 July 2026, after a 4.75% increase.

Classification	Annual salary	Hourly rate	Index (vs $108,352)
Level A1	$68,991	$34.80	63.7
Level A5	$79,185	$39.95	73.1
Level B1	$89,382	$45.09	82.5
Level B6	$102,349	$51.63	94.5
Level C1	$104,940	$52.94	96.9
Level D1	$122,225	$61.66	112.8
Level E	$151,614	$76.48	139.9

A postdoctoral researcher (Level A) earns between $68,991 and $85,925. A lecturer (Level B) ranges from $89,382 to $102,349. Senior lecturers and associate professors (Level C) top out at $117,903, and professors (Level D/E) exceed the national line. These are minimums — many universities pay above award, especially for competitive research roles.

How the salary index works

The salary index compares any gross annual salary to the national benchmark. For example:

• National line = $108,352 (index 100)
• Level A1 = $68,991 ÷ $108,352 × 100 = 63.7
• Level E = $151,614 ÷ $108,352 × 100 = 139.9

An index below 100 means below average full-time earnings; above 100 means above average. The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2 ($52,255). So even a starting astrophysicist is well above the minimum.

Astrophysicist salary vs national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week. The lowest academic award rate (Level A1) is $34.80 per hour — 32% higher. A casual astrophysicist would get a 25% loading, making the hourly rate $43.50. That’s 65% above the minimum.

But the award is a floor. Many astrophysicists on grants or fellowships earn at Level A5 or higher. For instance, a DECRA fellow might be appointed at Level B, around $95,000. That’s still below the national line but above the median for all occupations ($83,300).

Where astrophysicists work and what they earn

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the top industries for physicists (including astronomers) are:

• Health Care and Social Assistance (30.7%)
• Education and Training (5.6%)
• Public Administration and Safety

Most astrophysicists in education are on the academic award. Those in government (e.g., CSIRO, Defence) may be covered by enterprise agreements that often pay more. The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry index is 114.7, suggesting that private-sector astrophysicists (e.g., in data science or defence) earn above the national line.

Caveats and realities

• No median earnings published: The ABS does not release median weekly earnings for physicists because the sample is too small. Award rates are the only public benchmark.
• Actual pay varies: Universities often pay above award for high-performing researchers. A Level C academic might earn $120,000–$130,000, not the award minimum of $104,940.
• Super and tax: Super guarantee is 12% from July 2026. For a $100,000 salary, that’s $12,000 extra. Income tax for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) is progressive: 30% on income between $45,000 and $135,000. A single astrophysicist on $100,000 would pay about $22,467 tax plus 2% Medicare, leaving ~$75,500 take-home.

Summary

The astrophysicist salary in Australia is not a single figure. For those on the academic award, it ranges from $68,991 (index 63.7) to $151,614 (index 139.9). Most early-career astrophysicists earn between 64 and 95 on the index — below the national line but well above the minimum wage. Senior academics and those in industry often exceed the national average. To see how your pay compares, use the Salary Index tool.

For more on award rates, see our pay guides page. State-by-state benchmarks are available on our states page.