Research Assistant Salary: Award Rates vs Award-Free Minimums in Australia

Research Assistant Salary: Award Coverage vs Award-Free Rates

If you are searching for a research assistant salary in Australia, the figure you see depends heavily on whether a modern award covers your role. The most common award for this classification is the Market and Social Research Award 2020 (MA000030), which sets a minimum hourly rate of $33.90 for full-time research assistants from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 . That is well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, which applies only to award-free employees.

The Award Rate for Research Assistants

Under the Market and Social Research Award, the classification "Research assistant" sits alongside Field supervisor at $33.90 per hour, or $1,288.20 per week for a 38‑hour week . Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $42.38 per hour. Penalty rates apply for Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, and out‑of‑hours work. For example, a research assistant working on a Sunday earns $48.72 per hour.

These rates are minimums. Your employer can pay more under an enterprise agreement or individual contract, but never less. The award also requires superannuation contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026).

When the National Minimum Wage Applies

If your employer is not covered by any modern award (award‑free), the legal floor is the national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adults. Casual award‑free employees get $33.05 per hour (the national minimum plus 25% loading). Juniors, apprentices, and supported‑wage employees may be paid less under specific rules. See our Rate tables for the full scale.

Award‑free employees are rare in the research sector because most research work falls under an industry award. The Market and Social Research Award covers employers in the market and social research industry, including all support work connected to research. If you work for a university, a different award (such as the Higher Education Industry Award) may apply.

How to Know Which Pay Floor Applies

1. Check your award coverage – Your employer should tell you which modern award covers you, or you can use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Find My Award tool.
2. Read the classification definitions – The Market and Social Research Award defines a research assistant as someone who performs tasks under supervision, such as data collection, coding, or basic analysis. If your duties match, the award rate applies.
3. Compare with the national minimum – If you are award‑free, the national minimum is your safety net. But remember: the national minimum is a backstop, not a target. Many award‑free workers negotiate higher rates.

Superannuation: An Extra Cost on Top

Every discussion of a research assistant salary must include super. The award rate or national minimum wage is before super. Your employer must pay an additional 12% into a complying super fund. For a full‑time research assistant on $33.90/h, that adds about $4.07 per hour to your total remuneration. The super guarantee applies to ordinary time earnings, not overtime or penalty rates.

Award vs Agreement vs Contract

A modern award sets the minimum. An enterprise agreement can vary conditions but must pass the Better Off Overall Test. An individual contract can also pay more, but cannot undercut the award or the national minimum. If you are offered a salary below the award rate, it is unlawful. See our Guides for how to check your pay.

Summary

The legal minimum for a research assistant covered by the Market and Social Research Award is $33.90 per hour (full‑time) from 1 July 2026. Award‑free research assistants are entitled to at least $26.44 per hour. Always confirm your award coverage before comparing salaries. For more on how the figures work, visit How the figures work.

FAQs

What is the legal minimum pay for a research assistant in Australia?

If you are covered by the Market and Social Research Award, the minimum is $33.90 per hour (full‑time) or $42.38 per hour (casual) from 1 July 2026. If you are award‑free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies, but your employer may need to pay more under an enterprise agreement or contract.

Does the research assistant salary include superannuation?

No. The award rate or national minimum wage is before super. Your employer must pay an additional 12% super guarantee on top of your ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). For a full‑time research assistant on $33.90/h, that adds about $4.07 per hour to your total employment cost.

What if my job title is 'research assistant' but I work in a different industry?

Your minimum pay depends on the award that covers your industry, not just your job title. For example, a research assistant in a university may be covered by the Higher Education Industry Award, which has different rates. Check your employer's industry and the relevant modern award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.