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

There is no single minimum wage for data scientists. Most are covered by a modern award (such as the Professional Employees Award) or an enterprise agreement, which set higher rates than the national minimum. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour for award-free adults, but a data scientist’s award or agreement will almost always require a higher rate.

How do I find my award rate as a data scientist?

Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or check the coverage clause of awards like the Professional Employees Award 2020. Your job classification (e.g., Level 1, Level 2) determines your minimum pay. If you are not covered by an award, the national minimum wage applies, but this is rare for data scientists.

Does superannuation count towards my minimum wage?

No. Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. Your minimum wage or award rate must be paid in cash, and super is an additional employer contribution.

Data Scientist Salary Australia: How Your Pay Compares to the Legal Minimum

The legal minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but data scientist salaries are typically much higher and set by award or agreement.

Data Scientist Salary Australia: Know Your Pay Floor

If you are searching for a data scientist salary australia, you are likely looking for a benchmark to negotiate or check your current pay. This guide helps you separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. The key is understanding which pay floor applies to you and how your hourly or weekly rate compares.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. This is the absolute floor for adult employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. However, most data scientists are covered by a modern award, such as the Professional Employees Award 2020 or the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020, depending on their duties and industry. Award rates are higher than the national minimum and vary by classification level.

From 1 July 2026, modern award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates (for the first six months) must be at least $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. If you are a junior (under 21), an apprentice, or a trainee, different percentages apply. For award‑free juniors, the rates range from $9.73 per hour (under 16) to $25.84 per hour (age 20).

How a Data Scientist Salary Compares to the Average

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. This figure covers all occupations, not just data scientists. A data scientist’s salary is often above this average due to specialised skills and demand. However, the ABS average is not a legal requirement – it is a statistical benchmark. Your actual pay may be set by an enterprise agreement, a contract, or an individual negotiation, as long as it meets the minimum award or national minimum wage.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For example, if your award rate is $40 per hour, your employer must pay an additional $4.80 per hour into your super fund. Super does not count toward meeting the minimum wage or award rate – it is extra.

Practical Check: Compare Your Hourly Rate

To see how your pay stacks up, start with your hourly rate. If you are covered by an award, find your classification and the corresponding minimum hourly rate using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. If you are award‑free, the national minimum of $26.44 per hour is your floor. Then compare your actual rate to that floor. Most data scientists earn well above $26.44 per hour. If your rate is close to the minimum, check whether your award classification is correct or whether you are entitled to a higher rate under an enterprise agreement.

When an Award or Agreement Sets a Higher Rate

A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum. For example, the Professional Employees Award has classification levels that typically start around $30–$35 per hour for a graduate and increase with experience. If your employer is covered by an award, they must pay at least the award rate for your classification. An enterprise agreement may set even higher rates. Always check your employment documents or ask your employer which award or agreement applies.

Need More Help?

Which minimum wage applies – a guide to determine your coverage.
Rate tables – current minimum rates for common awards and the national minimum.

Important Notes

The national minimum wage and award rates apply to national‑system employees. Most private‑sector workers are in the national system, but some state public sector and local government employees in Western Australia may be covered by state awards. The figures in this guide are based on the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review 2026 and the Fair Work Ombudsman’s publications. They are not a pay determination or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

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