Archaeologist salary in Australia: minimum wage, award rates, and what you take home

Archaeologist salary: what the official data shows

When you search for an archaeologist salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that there is no single published figure from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for median weekly earnings. The most recent Census data (2021) reports ‘N/A’ for median weekly earnings, likely because the occupation is small (about 750 people employed) and the sample size is too limited for a reliable median. What the ABS does tell us is that 69% of archaeologists work full‑time, with average full‑time hours of 41 per week. The median age is 37, and 58% are women.

Because the ABS figure is missing, we cannot give you a market average. Instead, this guide focuses on the legal minimum that applies and how to work out your own pay packet.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage and awards

Every employee in Australia is entitled to a minimum wage. For archaeologists not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (based on a 38‑hour ordinary week). Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

However, many archaeologists work in professional, scientific and technical services, or in public administration and safety (the two main industries according to the ABS). Those employers are likely to be covered by a modern award. The most relevant award is the Professional Employees Award 2020, which sets minimum rates for university‑qualified professionals. Under that award, a Level 1 employee (entry‑level professional) earns more than the national minimum – for example, the 2026‑27 rate after the 4.75% increase is approximately $28.50 per hour (exact figures depend on the classification level). Always check the award classification that matches your role and qualifications.

If you work under an enterprise agreement, the rates in that agreement must be at least as high as the relevant award or the national minimum, whichever is higher.

The weekly packet: tax, Medicare, and super on top

Understanding your take‑home pay means looking beyond the hourly rate. Here’s how the numbers stack up for an award‑free archaeologist on the national minimum wage.

Gross weekly pay (full‑time): $1,004.90 (38 hours × $26.44).

Superannuation: Your employer must pay 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings – that’s an extra $120.59 per week into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it’s an additional cost to the employer.

Tax and Medicare: For 2026‑27, the tax‑free threshold is $18,200. On $1,004.90 per week ($52,254.80 annually), your estimated tax (using the 16% marginal rate on income above $18,200, plus 2% Medicare) would be roughly $6,900 per year, or about $133 per week. This leaves a net weekly pay of around $872. The exact amount depends on your tax file number declaration and whether you claim the low‑income tax offset.

If you are award‑free and under 21: Junior rates apply. For example, a 20‑year‑old archaeologist would get 97.7% of the adult rate: $25.84 per hour ($982 per week). A 17‑year‑old would get 57.8%: $15.29 per hour ($581 per week). These rates are only for award‑free employees; if an award covers you, the award’s junior rates apply instead.

How to find your correct rate

Because the archaeologist salary depends on your specific employment situation, follow these steps:

1. Check if a modern award covers you. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Find My Award tool. If you work in a university, a consulting firm, or government, you are likely covered by the Professional Employees Award or a public sector award.
2. Look for an enterprise agreement. Your employer may have a registered agreement that sets higher rates.
3. If no award or agreement applies, the national minimum wage is your floor.

For more detail, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and the Rate tables for award‑free junior and casual rates.

What about the ABS average earnings?

The ABS publishes average weekly ordinary‑time earnings for full‑time adults across all occupations – $2,083.70 per week as of May 2026. That figure is much higher than the minimum because it includes senior professionals and managers. Archaeologists with several years of experience and a senior role may earn close to that average, but entry‑level or junior archaeologists will be closer to the award or minimum rate.

Key takeaways

• The archaeologist salary floor is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or higher if an award applies).
• No official median salary is available from the ABS due to the small workforce size.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top by the employer.
• Tax and Medicare reduce gross pay; use the ATO calculator for your personal situation.
• Always confirm your classification under the relevant award or agreement – it can make a significant difference to your pay.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.