Microbiologist Salary: Minimum Pay Rates and Award Coverage in Australia

What is the legal minimum for a microbiologist salary?

When researching the microbiologist salary in Australia, the first question is usually about the legal minimum. Unlike some occupations, there is no single published median weekly earnings figure for microbiologists from the Australian Bureau of Statistics or Jobs and Skills Australia. The most recent data from Jobs and Skills Australia (based on the 2021 Census and the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours) shows that median weekly earnings for the 6‑digit ANZSCO occupation (234517) are not available. This means we cannot give a reliable survey average. Instead, we focus on the legal pay floor: the national minimum wage and the applicable modern award rates.

National minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, which equates to $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour ordinary week. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to award‑free employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. However, most microbiologists are employed in industries such as professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, or health care and social assistance, where a modern award is likely to apply.

Award coverage

Microbiologists are classified under ANZSCO 234517 and fall within the broader group of Life Scientists (2345). The most relevant modern award is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award covers health professionals employed in the health industry, including those working in hospitals, pathology laboratories, and research facilities. For microbiologists in manufacturing, the Manufacturing Award (MA000010) may apply. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award that list the minimum classification rates.

From 1 October 2026, minimum pay rates for health professionals under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award increased as part of the gender‑based undervaluation review. The exact classification rate for a microbiologist depends on their level (e.g., Health Professional Level 1, 2, etc.) and years of experience. The award rate is always at least the national minimum wage, but for most classifications it is higher. For example, a Health Professional Level 1 employee with less than one year of experience may receive a rate above $26.44 per hour.

If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, the agreement may set a higher rate than the award. Always check your employment contract and the applicable award or agreement to know your exact minimum.

Superannuation on top

When discussing the microbiologist salary, remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of the base wage. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from your pay; it is paid into a super fund on your behalf. For a full‑time employee earning the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week, the employer must contribute an additional $120.59 per week in super.

How does the microbiologist salary compare?

Because no median weekly earnings are published for microbiologists, we cannot compare the legal minimum to a typical market rate. The ABS reports that for all full‑time adult employees, average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. Microbiologists, who typically hold a bachelor degree or higher (over 92% have a bachelor degree or postgraduate qualification), may earn above the national minimum but below the all‑occupations average, depending on experience and sector. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that 78% of microbiologists work full‑time, with an average of 41 hours per week, and the median age is 37. The female share of employment is 65%.

Negotiated salaries

If you are not covered by an award or agreement, your employer must pay at least the national minimum wage. However, many microbiologists negotiate salaries above the minimum based on qualifications, experience, and the specific role. The national minimum wage is a floor, not a target. For award‑covered employees, the award rate is the minimum; you can always negotiate higher.

For more information on how pay floors work, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Key takeaways

• The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week).
• Most microbiologists are covered by a modern award, such as the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
• Award classification rates are higher than the national minimum for most levels.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of the wage.
• No median salary figure is publicly available for the microbiologist occupation.
• Always check your award or agreement for the exact rate that applies to you.

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