Biologist salary: awards versus the national minimum wage

Biologist salary: awards versus the national minimum wage

If you are looking for a straightforward "biologist salary" figure in Australia, you will find that public data is surprisingly quiet. Jobs and Skills Australia, the government’s labour market agency, does not publish median weekly earnings for the occupation Biologists (ANZSCO 234511). The reason is statistical: the sample size is too small to produce a reliable estimate. That does not mean biologists are poorly paid – it means we need to look at other clues, especially the role of awards and the national minimum wage.

What the data tells us

According to the 2021 Census, biologists work an average of 44 hours per week when employed full-time, and 76% work full-time hours. The median age is 38, and 47% are women. The main industries employing biologists are Education and Training, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, and Public Administration and Safety. These industry benchmarks give us a starting point.

On the Salary Index, the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry sits at 114.7 – that is 14.7% above the national line of 100. Annualised, that industry benchmark is about $124,300. Education and Training is at 105.5 (around $114,300). Public Administration and Safety is not separately listed but is likely near the national average. These are industry-level averages, not occupation-specific, but they suggest that many biologists earn above the all-industries median.

Awards set the floor

For biologists employed in the private sector, the most relevant modern award is likely the Professional Employees Award 2020. This award covers professional scientists, including biologists, and sets minimum wages for different classification levels. Unfortunately, the specific rates for each classification are not summarised in the search results, but they are higher than the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award, which list the minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates.

If a biologist is not covered by any award (for example, a senior manager or a contractor), the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week, annualised to $52,255. That gives a Salary Index of 48.2 – less than half the national line. In practice, very few professional biologists would be paid at this level; award rates and market forces push pay much higher.

The national minimum wage as a reference

The national minimum wage is the legal minimum for employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. It rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026 (the on-site reference notes that award minima also rose by 4.75% from that date). For a biologist just starting out, or working in a role without award coverage, this is the absolute floor. But for most biologists, the relevant minimum will be the award rate for their classification.

Salary Index context

The Salary Index compares gross yearly earnings to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark. Index 100 equals $2,083.70 per week, annualised $108,352. Men’s average weekly earnings are $2,181 (index 104.7), women’s $1,934.50 (index 92.8). The national minimum wage index is 48.2. Industry indices show wide variation: Mining at 154.7, Retail trade at 75.9. For biologists, the Professional/Scientific industry index of 114.7 is a useful proxy, but remember it includes all roles in that industry, not just biologists.

State differences

Where you work also matters. The states page shows that the ACT has the highest index at 109.9 (annualised $119,090), followed by Western Australia at 106.9 ($115,825). Tasmania is lowest at 88.6 ($96,008). Biologists in Canberra (many in public service or research) may earn more than those in Hobart. However, cost of living also varies.

Superannuation and tax

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a biologist earning $100,000 would have an additional $12,000 paid into super. Tax for residents in 2026–27 is progressive: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay for a biologist on $100,000 would be roughly $75,000 after tax and Medicare, ignoring HELP or other deductions.

Why no median?

Jobs and Skills Australia explains that median weekly earnings are not produced for 6-digit ANZSCO occupations like Biologists because the survey sample is too small. That is common for niche professions. The best available data is from the Census (hours worked, industry, demographics) and from industry benchmarks. If you are negotiating a salary, use the award rate as a floor and the industry index as a guide.

How to find your rate

If you are employed under the Professional Employees Award, check the classification that matches your role and experience. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can calculate your minimum pay. For enterprise agreements, your employer must provide a copy. For independent contractors, the rate is negotiated.

Summary

A precise "biologist salary" figure is not publicly available, but the combination of award minimums, industry benchmarks, and the national minimum wage gives a clear picture. Most biologists earn well above the national minimum wage, likely in the range of $80,000 to $130,000 depending on experience, sector, and location. The industries page shows that Professional/Scientific roles typically pay above the national line. Use the how the index works page to understand how we calculate these benchmarks.

For more on pay guides and award rates, visit the pay guides section. And if you are comparing roles across states, the states page has the latest indices.