Physicist Salary Guide: Minimum Pay, Awards, and What to Expect in Australia

Physicist Salary: What the Official Data Says

If you are searching for a reliable physicist salary figure in Australia, you will find that official sources do not publish a median or average. Jobs and Skills Australia, which uses ABS data, notes that median weekly earnings for Physicists (including Astronomers) are “N/A” because the occupation is too small to produce a statistically sound figure. The most recent Census (2021) counted about 1,500 people in the role, with 87% working full‑time and an average full‑time week of 41 hours. The workforce is highly educated – 82% hold a postgraduate qualification – and the median age is 41.

Because no official survey average exists, any “physicist salary” you see on job ads or private websites is a negotiated rate, not a government benchmark. This guide explains the legal minimums that apply and how to think about your pay.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

For any employee not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage is the floor. From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set the adult rate 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 $33.05 per hour.

This rate applies to award‑free physicists. However, most physicists will be covered by an award or agreement that sets a higher minimum. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that the national minimum wage is a backstop – your actual minimum is whatever your award or agreement says, as long as it is not below the national minimum.

Award Coverage for Physicists

Physicists are classified under ANZSCO 234914 and fall within the “Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals” group. The most likely modern award is the Professional Employees Award 2020, which covers professional scientists (including physicists) in the private sector. This award has classification levels (e.g., Professional Employee Level 1 to Level 4) with minimum rates that are higher than the national minimum. For example, a Level 1 professional (entry‑level) under the award currently earns about $28–$30 per hour, depending on the annual wage review.

If you work in a university, CSIRO, or a state government laboratory, you are probably covered by an enterprise agreement that sets even higher rates. Always check your employment contract or ask your HR department which instrument applies.

Superannuation: An Extra 12% on Top

When discussing any physicist salary, remember that superannuation is an employer cost on top of your gross pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. So if your base salary is $55,000 per year, your employer must contribute an additional $6,600 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an extra payment.

What About Negotiated Salaries?

Without an official median, how do you know if an offer is fair? Look at the Professional Employees Award rates as a baseline, then consider your qualifications and experience. The high proportion of postgraduates (82%) suggests that many physicists have honours or PhDs, which typically command a premium. Job advertisements for physicists in research roles often range from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, but these are market rates, not legal minimums.

Tax and Take‑Home Pay

Your gross physicist salary is subject to PAYG withholding. For the 2026‑27 income year, resident tax rates (with the full tax‑free threshold) apply. Medicare levy of 2% is added once your annualised ordinary gross exceeds $30,000. Use the ATO’s tax tables to estimate your net pay. Remember that super is not included in your taxable income until you withdraw it.

Summary

• No official median physicist salary is published by the ABS or Jobs and Skills Australia.
• The legal minimum is the national minimum wage of $26.44/h ($1,004.90/week) for award‑free adults, plus 12% super.
• Most physicists are covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020 or an enterprise agreement, which set higher minimums.
• Always check your specific award or agreement – it can require a higher rate than the national minimum.

For more detail on which pay floor applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies. To compare rates across awards, visit Rate tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average physicist salary in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia do not publish a median weekly earnings figure for physicists (including astronomers) because the occupation is small and the data is not reliable enough. The most recent Census (2021) shows 1,500 people in the role, but no salary average is given. Any figure you see online is likely a private survey or estimate, not an official government statistic.

Which award covers physicists in Australia?

Physicists are usually classified as professionals and may be covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020 if they work in private industry. However, many physicists work in universities, government research agencies (e.g., CSIRO), or defence, where enterprise agreements or common law contracts set higher rates. Always check your specific employment contract or agreement. If no award or agreement applies, the national minimum wage is the legal floor.

Do I get superannuation on top of my physicist salary?

Yes. The superannuation guarantee requires your employer to pay an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund. This is on top of your gross salary. For example, if your base pay is $26.44 per hour, your employer must contribute an extra $3.17 per hour (12%) to super. This applies to all employees aged 18 and over, and to those under 18 who work more than 30 hours per week.

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