Paleontologist salary in Australia: state and industry differences
Understand paleontologist salary in Australia, including state and industry differences. Learn how awards, location, and sector affect pay for this specialised geology role.
Precise figures for paleontologist salary are not published by the ABS, but related geologist data and industry benchmarks suggest a wide range depending on employer and location.
What is a paleontologist salary?
A paleontologist salary in Australia is not a single figure. Paleontologists study fossils and ancient life, and they work in a range of settings: mining companies, oil and gas exploration, universities, museums, and government agencies. Because the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a separate median for paleontologists, we have to look at the broader occupation of geologists (ANZSCO 234411) and the industries they work in. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for geologists shows that median weekly earnings are not available, but it does give us clues about where paleontologists are employed and how their pay compares to the national line.
The Salary Index uses a simple benchmark: the national line is 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). If a paleontologist earns $150,000, their index would be about 138 – meaning they earn 38% above the national average. But because we lack a precise median, we have to rely on industry and state data to estimate where a paleontologist salary might sit.
State differences for paleontologists
Where you work as a paleontologist has a big impact on your pay. The states page on Salary Index shows the index for each state. Western Australia has an index of 106.9, meaning average earnings are about 7% above the national line. This matches the fact that over half of all geologists work in WA, according to the 2021 Census data from Jobs and Skills Australia. The mining industry there pays well, and many paleontologists in WA work for resource companies.
Queensland has an index of 97.9, slightly below the national line, but it still employs nearly 18% of geologists. New South Wales (index 101.2) and Victoria (index 98.0) have lower concentrations of geologists, and paleontologists there are more likely to work in universities or museums. South Australia (index 94.6) and Tasmania (index 88.6) have lower indices, partly because of a smaller mining sector. The Australian Capital Territory (index 109.9) is high, but few paleontologists work there – most are in federal agencies like Geoscience Australia.
For a paleontologist, the state index is a starting point, but the industry you work in matters even more.
Industry differences
The industries page shows that Mining has an index of 154.7 – more than 50% above the national line. A paleontologist working for a mining company, identifying fossil layers to guide drilling, could expect pay well above average. In contrast, the Education and training industry has an index of 105.5, which is close to the national line. Paleontologists in universities or museums often earn less than those in mining, but they may have more stable hours and research opportunities.
Professional, scientific and technical services (index 114.7) covers consulting firms and research organisations. A paleontologist working as a consultant for environmental impact assessments might earn around that level. The Health care and social assistance industry (index 97.8) is not typical for paleontologists, but some work in museum education or public programs.
Awards and minimum pay
Paleontologists are usually covered by a modern award, which sets minimum pay rates. The pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman include the Hydrocarbons Field Geologists Award and the Mining Industry Award. These awards have classification structures based on experience and qualifications. From 1 July 2026, award minimum rates increased by 4.75%. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for geologists are often higher. For example, a graduate geologist under the Mining Industry Award might start at around $30–$35 per hour, while a senior geologist could earn $50–$60 per hour or more.
It's important to note that awards are minimums. Many paleontologists are paid above award, especially in the mining sector. Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can set higher rates. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides the exact minimum rates for each classification, but for a paleontologist, the actual salary depends on negotiation and market demand.
How the Salary Index helps
The Salary Index converts gross yearly earnings into a simple number. If you know your annual salary, divide it by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, a paleontologist earning $120,000 has an index of 111 – about 11% above the national line. One earning $80,000 has an index of 74 – well below the national average. This helps you see where you sit, regardless of the industry or state.
Take-home pay considerations
Gross pay is not take-home pay. For a resident earning $120,000 in 2026–27, tax (including Medicare levy) would be about $30,000, leaving around $90,000. The super guarantee of 12% is paid on top, so the total employment cost is higher. But the index uses gross ordinary-time earnings, not total package.
Where to find more
If you want to explore how your paleontologist salary compares across different regions, check the topics page for more occupation-specific guides. You can also look at the industries page to see how mining and education compare. Remember that the index is a benchmark, not a quote for a specific job. Your actual salary may vary due to experience, employer, and location.
Questions people ask
What award covers a paleontologist in Australia?
It depends on the employer. Paleontologists working in oil and gas exploration are often covered by the Hydrocarbons Field Geologists Award. Those in mining operations may fall under the Mining Industry Award. Paleontologists employed by universities are typically covered by the Higher Education Industry – Academic Staff – Award. Each award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions. You can check the relevant pay guide on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
How does the state I work in affect my paleontologist salary?
State matters because of industry concentration and cost of living. Western Australia has the highest proportion of geologists (over 50%) and a state index of 106.9, meaning average earnings are about 7% above the national line. In contrast, Tasmania has an index of 88.6, about 11% below. Paleontologists in WA are more likely to work in mining, which has a high industry index of 154.7, while those in other states may work in lower-paying sectors like education or government.
Do paleontologists receive superannuation?
Yes, like all Australian employees, paleontologists are entitled to the superannuation guarantee. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This is paid on top of the salary. For example, if a paleontologist earns $100,000, the employer contributes an additional $12,000 to super. The super is not included in the salary index calculation, which uses gross ordinary-time earnings.