Forensic science salary in Australia: where it sits on the pay index
Forensic science salary in Australia explained using the national salary index. See industry benchmarks, award coverage, and how pay compares to the national line.
Forensic science salaries likely fall between the Health care index (97.8) and the Professional, scientific and technical index (114.7), but precise figures depend on role, employer, and award.
What is a forensic science salary?
A forensic science salary is the pay earned by professionals who apply scientific methods to criminal investigations. In Australia, forensic scientists work in government laboratories, police forensics units, private labs, and universities. Because the role spans both science and health, there is no single award or pay figure that covers everyone. Instead, you need to look at industry benchmarks, award coverage, and the national salary index to understand where this pay sits.
Where does forensic science pay sit on the Australian salary index?
The Australian salary index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings – $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Every gross salary can be compared to that line. For example, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, which annualises to $52,255 – an index of 48.2.
Forensic science roles are typically professional and require tertiary qualifications. The ABS Employee Earnings survey (August 2025) shows that the occupation group "Professionals" had median weekly earnings of $1,900, which annualises to about $98,800 – an index of 91.2. However, that includes all professionals, from teachers to engineers. A more relevant benchmark is the industry in which forensic scientists work.
Most forensic scientists are employed in the Professional, scientific and technical services industry, which has a salary index of 114.7 according to the on-site reference. That means the typical full-time worker in that industry earns about 14.7% above the national line – roughly $124,000 per year. Others work in Health care and social assistance, which has an index of 97.8 – slightly below the national line. The difference reflects the mix of roles: forensic pathologists and senior lab managers are at the higher end, while technicians and assistants may be lower.
Because precise data for "forensic scientist" is not published by the ABS or Fair Work bodies, the best estimate is that a forensic science salary falls between index 98 and 115, with most experienced professionals likely above 100.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Forensic scientists are often covered by modern awards. The two most likely are:
- Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 – covers health professionals including scientists in pathology and forensic labs.
- Professional Employees Award 2020 – covers scientific and technical professionals in private industry.
The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides minimum rates for these awards. However, specific classifications for "forensic scientist" are not always listed. The 2026 Annual Wage Review increased all award minimum rates by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Additionally, the Health Professionals award saw further increases from 1 October 2026 due to a gender-based undervaluation review, which raised rates for health professional employees.
Many forensic scientists are employed by state governments under enterprise agreements that pay well above award rates. For example, a forensic chemist in a state police lab might earn $90,000 to $120,000 depending on experience. The pay guides on this site can help you compare award minima to actual market rates.
Super and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your gross salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if you earn $100,000, your employer must contribute $12,000 to super.
For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) are:
- Nil on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $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. A forensic scientist earning $110,000 would have a take-home pay of roughly $82,000 after tax and Medicare (ignoring HELP or other deductions).
State variations
Forensic science jobs are concentrated in capital cities, especially where state police or health departments have major labs. The salary index varies by state: ACT is highest at 109.9, followed by WA at 106.9, while Tasmania is lowest at 88.6. A forensic scientist in Canberra (ACT) might earn more than one in Hobart, but that reflects the overall labour market, not the role itself. For more detail, see the states page.
How to use the index for your own pay
If you are a forensic scientist or hiring one, you can calculate your index: divide your annual gross salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, $95,000 gives an index of 87.7 – below the national line. $130,000 gives 120.0 – well above. This helps you see where you stand relative to the average full-time worker. The how the index works page explains the calculation in more detail.
Summary
Forensic science salary in Australia is not a single number, but the available industry and occupation data suggest it sits around or above the national average. Using the salary index, you can benchmark any offer against the national line of 100. For the most current award rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman's PACT tool or the Fair Work Commission's database. Remember that actual pay depends on your employer, qualifications, and location.
Questions people ask
What is the average salary for a forensic scientist in Australia?
There is no single published average for forensic scientists. Based on industry benchmarks, a forensic scientist working in the Professional, scientific and technical services sector would have median weekly earnings around $1,897 (index 114.7), while those in health care might be closer to $1,300 per week (index 97.8). Actual salaries vary by experience, employer, and location. Government forensic scientists often earn more under enterprise agreements.
What award covers forensic scientists in Australia?
Forensic scientists may be covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (if working in a health or pathology lab) or the Professional Employees Award 2020 (if in a scientific role). Some are covered by state public sector awards or enterprise agreements. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database lists minimum rates for these awards, but specific classification for 'forensic scientist' is not always listed separately.
How does the salary index help understand forensic science pay?
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For example, if a forensic scientist earns $120,000, their index is 111. This shows they are 11% above the average full-time adult ordinary-time earner. Industry indices (e.g., Professional services at 114.7) give a benchmark for what typical workers in related fields earn.