Medical scientist salary: award minimums, averages, and what you can expect

Medical scientist salary: award rates, not a single figure

When people search for a "medical scientist salary", many expect a single number. In Australia, there is no single figure. Instead, the pay floor for a medical scientist is set by a modern award, and actual pay can be much higher. This guide explains the award minimum, how it compares with the national minimum wage, and what the Australian Bureau of Statistics says about average earnings.

The award minimum for medical scientists

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027) covers medical scientists in the health industry. Under this award, a Health Professional employee is classified by their Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For a medical scientist with a bachelor degree (AQF7), the minimum from 1 October 2026:

• 1st year: $34.44 per hour, $1,308.72 per week
• 2nd – 3rd year: $37.08 per hour, $1,409.00 per week
• 4th – 6th year: $41.19 per hour, $1,565.30 per week
• 7th year+: $44.46 per hour, $1,689.50 per week

Higher AQF levels (e.g., honours, graduate diploma) have higher rates. The award also sets rates for Level 2, 3, and 4 for senior roles. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, but a modern award can require a higher rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces the award.

How the medical scientist salary compares with the national minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week for an adult award-free employee. The award rate for a medical scientist is well above that. For a graduate, the award rate is 30% above the national minimum. This reflects the specialised qualifications and skills.

Survey averages and negotiated salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) average weekly earnings for all employees in May 2026: full-time adult ordinary-time earnings $2,083.70 per week for all employees. That is not specific to medical scientists. Many medical scientists earn above the award rate. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay superannuation contributions of 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is in addition to the base salary. For a medical scientist earning the award rate, the employer pays an extra 12% super.

Which pay floor applies

If you are a medical scientist, your pay is covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. Check the award classification. The award sets the minimum. Your employer may pay above the award. Use the Rate tables to see the award rates. Guides to understand how to use the award.

FAQs

What is the minimum wage for a medical scientist in Australia? The minimum wage for a medical scientist is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). Under this award, a Health Professional employee at Level 1 with an AQF Level 7 qualification (bachelor degree) in their first year must be paid at least $34.44 per hour or $1,308.72 per week (full-time). Rates increase with experience and higher qualifications.

How does the medical scientist salary compare with the national minimum wage? The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for an adult award-free employee. The award rate for a medical scientist is significantly higher – for example, a Level 1 AQF7 first-year medical scientist earns $34.44 per hour, which is about 30% above the national minimum. This reflects the specialised qualifications and skills.

Do medical scientists get paid superannuation? Yes. Under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, employers must pay superannuation contributions for their employees, currently 12% of ordinary time earnings, on top of the base salary. This is in addition to the award rate or negotiated salary.