Data Scientist Salary in Australia: Gross Pay, Super and Tax in 2026

What a Data Scientist Salary Looks Like in Australia

A data scientist salary in Australia typically falls between $100,000 and $175,000 a year, according to the ANZSCO occupation classification for 224115 Data Scientist. That range is a broad indicator — actual pay varies by experience, industry, location, and the employer’s size. Data scientists apply advanced statistics, machine learning, and programming to solve complex problems, and the demand for these skills is very high.

To put that pay into perspective, the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark (index 100) is $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 annualised, based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026. A data scientist earning $130,000 a year would have a salary index of 120 — 20% above the national line. Someone at the top of the range, say $170,000, would be at index 157.

Gross Pay and Where It Sits on the Index

The salary index is a simple way to compare any pay figure against the average full-time worker. You take the yearly gross salary, divide it by $108,352, and multiply by 100. For example:

• $100,000 → index 92.3 (below the national line)
• $120,000 → index 110.8
• $150,000 → index 138.5
• $175,000 → index 161.5

The ANZSCO range starts at $100,000, which is just below the national line, but most data scientist roles sit above it. The Australian Bureau of Statistics Employee Earnings survey for August 2025 reported median weekly earnings for Professionals at $1,900 ($98,800 annualised) and for Managers at $2,072 ($107,744). Data scientists are classified as Professionals, but their specialist skills push pay higher than the professional median.

Super Guarantee on a Data Scientist Salary

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. That means on a $130,000 salary, your employer must pay $15,600 into your super fund each year. Super is paid on top of your gross salary — it’s not deducted from it. The super contributions are taxed at 15% inside the fund, which is usually lower than your marginal tax rate.

If you earn $170,000, the super contribution would be $20,400 a year (12% of $170,000). The maximum contribution base only matters if your salary exceeds $270,830, which is rare for data scientists. Super is a key part of your total remuneration package.

Tax on a Data Scientist Salary

Resident income tax rates for 2026–27 are:

• Nil on the first $18,200
• 15% on $18,201 to $45,000
• 30% on $45,001 to $135,000
• 37% on $135,001 to $190,000
• 45% above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy on taxable income.

For a data scientist earning $130,000:

• Tax on first $18,200: $0
• Tax on $18,201–$45,000: $4,020 (15% of $26,800)
• Tax on $45,001–$130,000: $25,500 (30% of $85,000)
• Total tax before Medicare: $29,520
• Medicare levy: $2,600 (2% of $130,000)
• Total tax and Medicare: $32,120
• Take-home pay: $97,880 a year, or about $8,157 a month.

If you earn $170,000, the 37% bracket applies to $35,000 ($135,001–$170,000), adding $12,950 in tax. Total tax and Medicare would be around $49,570, leaving a take-home of $120,430.

These estimates assume you claim the tax-free threshold and ignore HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, the Medicare levy surcharge, and the Medicare levy reduction. Your actual tax may differ.

How Data Scientist Pay Compares by State and Industry

The salary index varies by state. For example, the ACT has an index of 109.9 (annualised $119,090), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). A data scientist in Canberra might earn closer to the top of the range, while one in Hobart might be nearer the bottom. Industry also matters: mining has an index of 154.7, professional services 114.7, and retail trade 75.9. Data scientists in mining or financial services often earn more than those in education or health.

No Modern Award for Data Scientists

Data scientists are not covered by a specific modern award. Most are employed under individual contracts or enterprise agreements. That means there is no minimum award rate for the role, but the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) still applies. In practice, data scientist salaries are well above that floor.

For more context on how pay compares across roles, see the Salary Index home page. You can also explore how the index works or check pay by state.

Bottom Line

A data scientist salary in Australia is strong — typically between $100,000 and $175,000 gross, with most roles above the national line. Super adds 12% on top, and tax takes a slice depending on your bracket. The salary index helps you see exactly where your pay sits against the average full-time worker.