What is the minimum wage for a biologist in Australia?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week) as of 1 July 2026. However, most biologists are covered by a modern award such as the Professional Employees Award 2020, which sets higher minimum rates depending on classification and experience. Always check the applicable award or enterprise agreement, as it may require a higher rate than the national minimum.

How does the biologist salary compare to the national average?

According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for Life Scientists (which includes biologists) is $1,544, while the median for all occupations is $1,852. Biologists earn below the all-occupations median. The median hourly rate for Life Scientists is $41, compared to $47 for all occupations.

Do biologists get superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is a separate payment and is not deducted from the advertised salary. For example, if a biologist earns $1,544 per week, the employer must also contribute an additional $185.28 into a super fund.

Biologist salary in Australia: which pay floor applies and what people mix up

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but the median biologist salary (Life Scientists) is around $41 per hour, according to ABS data.

Biologist salary: separating the legal minimum from survey averages

When searching for a "biologist salary" in Australia, you will encounter several different figures: the national minimum wage, award rates, and survey medians. Understanding which pay floor applies to you—and what people often mix up—is essential for both employees and employers.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage and award rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. This is the absolute floor for award-free and agreement-free employees in the national system. However, most biologists are covered by a modern award—typically the Professional Employees Award 2020. This award contains classification levels (e.g., Level 1 to Level 5) with minimum rates higher than the national minimum. For example, a graduate biologist at Level 1 may have a minimum rate above $26.44. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rates, but the Fair Work Commission sets them.

It is important to note that not every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Junior employees, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates may be paid less. For award-free juniors, percentages of the adult rate apply (e.g., a 17-year-old gets 57.8% of $26.44, or $15.29 per hour). Always check the specific award or agreement.

Survey averages: what the data shows

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia provide median earnings for Life Scientists (ANZSCO 2345), which includes biologists, biochemists, botanists, and others. According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for Life Scientists is $1,544, and the median hourly earnings is $41. This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. It reflects the midpoint of what full-time non-managerial employees earn. Note that 65% of Life Scientists are female, and the median age is 41 years. These figures are a guide only and do not account for experience, location, or employer size.

Award rates vs negotiated salaries

A modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher rate than the national minimum. Many biologists in the professional, scientific, and technical services sector are covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020. The award contains classification levels with specific minimum rates. For example, a Biologist Level 2 may have a minimum rate of $30 per hour (hypothetical—check the actual award). An enterprise agreement negotiated between an employer and employees may provide even higher pay. If you are covered by an award or agreement, that document determines your minimum entitlements, not the national minimum wage.

Superannuation: an employer payment on top

When discussing a biologist salary, remember that superannuation is an additional employer contribution. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a biologist earning the median $1,544 per week, the employer must also pay $185.28 into a super fund. This is not deducted from the salary; it is paid on top. The Australian Taxation Office oversees super compliance.

Common mix-ups

People often confuse the national minimum wage with the median biologist salary. The national minimum is a legal floor; the median is a statistical average. Another mix-up is assuming that all biologists are covered by the same award. In reality, some work in education and training (covered by the Educational Services (Post-Secondary) Award) or in health care (covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award). Always verify which award applies to your specific role and industry.

How to find the right rate

Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate minimum pay rates under your award. For award-free employees, the national minimum wage applies. For enterprise agreements, check the Fair Work Commission's agreement database. For survey comparisons, refer to ABS and Jobs and Skills Australia data.

For more details, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and our Rate tables for current figures.

Summary

Legal minimum: $26.44/h or $1,004.90/week (national minimum) or higher award rate.
Survey median: $41/h or $1,544/week for Life Scientists.
Super: 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.
Key distinction: The national minimum is a floor; the median is an average. Always check the applicable award or agreement for your exact minimum.

For further reading, visit our Guides and How the figures work pages.