What is the minimum wage for a data analyst in Australia?

If a data analyst is not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. However, most data analysts are covered by a modern award (such as the Professional Employees Award) which sets higher minimum rates. Always check the applicable award or agreement for the correct minimum.

Are data analysts covered by an award?

Data analysts are often covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020 if they work in a professional, technical, or scientific role. Other awards may apply depending on the industry (e.g., Clerks Award for administrative data roles). Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to find the correct award.

How does the data analyst salary compare to the national average?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. A data analyst salary typically exceeds the national minimum but varies widely by experience, industry, and location. Negotiated salaries often include superannuation (12% on top) and may be higher than award rates.

Data Analyst Salary in Australia: Minimum Wage, Award Rates, and Average Pay

The legal minimum for a data analyst depends on the applicable award; if award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies, but most data analysts earn above this floor.

Understanding the Data Analyst Salary in Australia

When researching a data analyst salary in Australia, it is essential to distinguish between the legal minimum pay floor, award rates, survey averages, and what you can negotiate. Each serves a different purpose and applies to different circumstances.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

For employees not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage sets the absolute floor. From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set this at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. This is the minimum before tax; employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.

However, the national minimum wage is rarely the actual rate for a data analyst. Most data analysts are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that requires higher pay.

Award Coverage for Data Analysts

The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that awards set minimum wages for specific industries and occupations. Data analysts often fall under the Professional Employees Award 2020, which covers employees in professional, technical, or scientific roles. This award has classification levels with minimum rates above the national minimum. For example, a Level 1 professional employee may start at a rate higher than $26.44, and experienced analysts at higher levels earn significantly more.

If you work in a different industry, another award may apply. For instance, data analysts in clerical or administrative roles might be covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020. Always verify using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

Award Backstop and Introductory Rates

Even within awards, there is a backstop: the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. Some awards allow introductory rates for the first six months, but those cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week (from 1 July 2026). After the introductory period, the full award rate applies.

Survey Averages and Market Rates

The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes average weekly earnings. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. While not specific to data analysts, this gives a benchmark. Industry surveys and recruitment platforms often report data analyst salaries ranging from $65,000 to $100,000 per year for mid-level roles, with senior analysts earning more. These are market averages, not legal minima.

Negotiated Salaries and Superannuation

Your actual data analyst salary will depend on your skills, experience, location, and the employer. A negotiated salary can be above the award rate. Remember that superannuation (12% as of 2026-27) is paid on top of your salary, so a $80,000 package includes about $8,571 in super, leaving $71,429 in take-home pay before tax.

Casual Loading and Junior Rates

If you work as a casual data analyst, you are entitled to a 25% loading on the applicable minimum rate. For award-free juniors (under 21), percentages of the national minimum apply. For example, a 20-year-old award-free junior earns $25.84 per hour (97.7% of the adult rate), plus casual loading if applicable. However, if covered by an award, the award's junior rates take precedence.

How to Find Your Correct Minimum

To determine the exact pay floor for your data analyst role, start with the Which minimum wage applies guide. Then check the Rate tables for award classifications. The Guides section explains how to use the Fair Work Ombudsman's tools. For more on how we compile figures, see How the figures work.

Summary

The data analyst salary in Australia is not a single number. The legal minimum is set by the national minimum wage or an applicable award, but most data analysts earn above that. Use the resources on this site to understand your entitlements, and always factor in superannuation as an employer cost on top of your base pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

See the FAQs above for common queries about minimum wages, award coverage, and average comparisons.