Zoologist salary: what pay floor applies and how to check your rate

Zoologist salary: what pay floor applies and how to check your rate

When you search for a zoologist salary in Australia, you will quickly find that there is no single published figure for median weekly earnings. The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia do not release a median for this specific six‑digit occupation because the sample size is too small. That does not mean you have no pay floor – you are still entitled to at least the national minimum wage, and possibly more if a modern award or enterprise agreement covers your role.

The legal minimum for award‑free zoologists

If you are not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission applies. From 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These figures are before tax. Your employer must also pay superannuation on top of your ordinary time earnings – currently 12%.

It is important to note that not every worker must receive $26.44 an hour. Junior employees (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and employees with a disability may be paid special national minimum wages that are lower. For example, a 19‑year‑old award‑free junior is entitled to 82.5% of the adult rate, or $21.82 per hour. Introductory rates in some awards can also be lower for the first six months, but they cannot fall below $25.74 per hour from 1 July 2026.

How to find out if an award applies

Most professional scientists, including zoologists, are likely covered by the **Professional Employees Award 2020 or a similar industry award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a free Pay and Conditions Tool that can help you identify the correct award based on your employer and job duties. If an award applies, the minimum pay rates in that award override the national minimum wage – and they are often higher. Always check the award first.

If your workplace has an enterprise agreement, that agreement sets the minimum pay and conditions. It must pass the “better off overall test” compared to the relevant award. You can find enterprise agreements on the Fair Work Commission’s website.

What about survey averages?

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours does not produce median weekly earnings for six‑digit occupations like zoologists. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for zoologists (ANZSCO 234518) notes that median weekly earnings are “N/A”. This means there is no reliable survey average to compare against. Do not rely on unofficial salary websites; they often use small samples or outdated data. The only guaranteed figure is the legal minimum.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing any zoologist salary, remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of your gross pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For a full‑time zoologist on the national minimum wage, that is an extra $3.17 per hour paid into your super fund. This is not part of your take‑home pay but is a compulsory benefit.

How to check your own rate

If you already have a job offer or are employed, compare your hourly rate to the national minimum wage or the relevant award rate. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s resources to confirm which award applies. If you are award‑free, the national minimum is your floor. If you are covered by an award, the award classification level determines your minimum. For more detail on how these figures are calculated, see How the figures work.

Remember that this site provides orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. If you believe you are being underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or your union.

Key takeaways

• No published median zoologist salary exists from official sources.
• The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026.
• An award or enterprise agreement can set a higher rate – always check.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings.
• Junior, apprentice, and supported‑wage employees may be paid less than the adult rate.

For a full list of all current minimum rates, see Rate tables.