Astronomer salary in Australia: what you need to know about pay rates and minimums

Understanding the astronomer salary landscape

When researching an astronomer salary in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from what you might actually earn. Astronomers are classified under ANZSCO 234914 (Physicists including Astronomers), a specialised occupation with only about 1,500 workers nationally according to Jobs and Skills Australia . This small workforce means the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median salary for this specific role – the data is simply too sparse for a reliable figure.

Instead, your pay will depend on your employer, your qualifications, and the applicable industrial instrument. Here’s how to work out which pay floor applies and what you can expect.

The legal minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. If you are a casual employee, you receive a 25% loading, bringing the rate to $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement.

However, not every worker must receive the full adult rate. Award‑free juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates may be paid less. For example, a 16‑year‑old award‑free junior can be paid $12.51 per hour (47.3% of the adult rate). Always check your specific circumstances.

Award coverage and higher rates

Most astronomers will be covered by a modern award. The most likely awards are the Professional Employees Award 2020 or the Science and Technology Award 2020, depending on your employer and duties. These awards set minimum classification rates that are generally higher than the national minimum wage. For example, a graduate scientist under the Professional Employees Award may have a minimum rate above $30 per hour.

To find the exact award and classification that applies to you, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool . Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement that overrides the award, but it cannot provide less than the award minimum.

Remember: the national minimum wage is a backstop. If your award or agreement sets a lower rate (e.g., an introductory rate), the national minimum still applies as a floor. From 1 July 2026, the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot be less than $26.44 per hour, and introductory rates limited to the first six months cannot be less than $25.74 per hour.

What the data shows

Because the ABS does not publish a median for astronomers, we rely on broader data. The occupation group "Physicists (including Astronomers)" has a median age of 41, a female share of 26%, and 87% work full‑time, averaging 41 hours per week . The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) does provide a median for the 4‑digit group "Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals" (ANZSCO 2349), but not for the 6‑digit astronomer code. If you are negotiating, you can look at the average full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings across all occupations, which was $2,083.70 per week in May 2026 (ABS). That figure includes managers and senior professionals, so it is a rough guide only.

Negotiating your salary

Without a published median, your best strategy is to research advertised roles, check the relevant award classification, and consider your experience and qualifications. Universities, government research agencies (like CSIRO), and private observatories may have different pay scales. Always factor in superannuation: from 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings. This is an employer payment, not deducted from your salary.

For more detailed pay comparisons, see our Rate tables and Guides. If you are unsure which minimum wage applies, start with our Which minimum wage applies.