What is the minimum wage for a data scientist?

There is no specific minimum wage for a data scientist. The legal minimum is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for award-free employees from 1 July 2026. However, most data scientists are covered by a modern award (such as the Professional Employees Award 2020) or an enterprise agreement, which sets higher minimum rates. Junior employees, apprentices, or those on introductory rates may be paid less than the adult national minimum.

Does the Professional Employees Award 2020 cover data scientists?

The Professional Employees Award 2020 covers many professional roles including information technology and data science classifications. It sets minimum pay rates higher than the national minimum. You should check the award's classification definitions and use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to confirm coverage. If the award applies, the employer must pay at least the award rate, not the national minimum.

How does superannuation affect a data science salary?

Superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your salary, not part of your take-home pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, if your base salary is $100,000, your employer must pay an additional $12,000 into your super fund. The minimum wage figures quoted ($26.44 per hour) are before super; the employer must pay super on top.

Data Science Salary in Australia: Minimum Wage Floor and How It Compares

No single data science salary is set by law; the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the floor, but most data scientists are covered by an award or agreement that pays significantly more.

Understanding the Data Science Salary Landscape

When you search for a "data science salary" in Australia, you will find a wide range of figures from job ads, salary surveys, and recruitment sites. However, the legal foundation for any salary is the minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. This guide separates the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries, so you know which pay floor applies and how a rate compares.

The Legal Minimum Wage Floor

For employees not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. 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, making the minimum casual rate $33.05 per hour.

However, the national minimum is rarely the actual pay for a data scientist. Most data science roles fall under a modern award, such as the Professional Employees Award 2020, which covers professional information technology and data science classifications. Award rates are higher than the national minimum. For example, the Professional Employees Award has multiple classification levels with minimum salaries that can exceed $80,000 per year. You can check the correct award using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

Award Rates vs. Survey Averages

A "data science salary" quoted in a survey (e.g., from the Australian Bureau of Statistics or a recruitment firm) is an average or median of what employers actually pay. These figures are not legal minimums. They reflect market conditions, experience, and location. For instance, the ABS May 2026 report shows full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 across all occupations, but data scientists typically earn above this average.

Because we do not have a precise, publicly endorsed median for data scientists from the Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work Commission, ABS, or ATO, we cannot state a specific figure here. Always verify current market rates through reputable salary surveys or industry reports.

Negotiated Salaries and Enterprise Agreements

Many data scientists are employed under enterprise agreements or individual contracts. These can set pay above the award minimum. An enterprise agreement must pass the "better off overall test" compared to the relevant award. If you are covered by an agreement, your base pay rate cannot be less than the award rate. Negotiated salaries often include additional benefits like bonuses, shares, or flexible work arrangements.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

All salary figures discussed are before tax. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions. From 1 July 2026, the super rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, if your data science salary is $100,000, your employer pays an extra $12,000 into your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a compulsory benefit.

How to Find Your Correct Minimum

To determine which pay floor applies to your data science role:

Identify if you are covered by a modern award. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Which minimum wage applies guide.
Check the award's classification definitions and pay rates. The Professional Employees Award is a common starting point.
If you are award-free, the national minimum wage applies, but you can still negotiate a higher salary.
For junior employees (under 21), special percentage rates apply to the national minimum. See our Rate tables for details.

Remember: The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage; the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. If you are unsure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

Key Takeaways

The legal minimum for award-free adults is $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026).
Most data scientists are covered by an award with higher minimums.
Survey averages are not legal floors; they reflect market rates.
Super is an additional 12% paid by the employer.
Always check your specific award or agreement for the correct rate.

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