What the Australian pay floor applies for an astrophysicist salary and what people commonly mix up
There is no single published median figure for an astrophysicist salary because the ABS does not publish a median for this 6‑digit occupation; the legal minimum is the national minimum wage or a modern award rate if covered by an award.
What pay floor applies to an astrophysicist salary in Australia?
When people search for an astrophysicist salary in Australia, they often expect a single number. In reality, the answer depends on whether the role is covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or no award at all. The legal minimum is set by the Fair Work Commission, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. There is no official median figure for astrophysicists because the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not produce median weekly earnings for this 6‑digit occupation (ANZSCO 234914).
The national minimum wage and award‑free employees
For employees who are not covered by any award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Casual employees receive a casual loading of 33.05 per hour. These rates apply to adult employees aged 21 and over. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees can be paid less under specific rules. The super guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings, paid by the employer.
Modern award coverage
If an astrophysicist works in a sector covered by a modern award (for example, the Professional Employees Award or the Science and Technology Award), the award sets the minimum pay rate for their classification. That rate must be at least the national minimum wage. Some awards have introductory rates for the first six months, which can be as low as $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. After that, the full award rate applies. Always check the specific award classification for the role.
Enterprise agreements
Some universities, research institutions, or government agencies have enterprise agreements that set higher pay rates than the award or national minimum. If an enterprise agreement applies, its rates are the legal minimum for that workplace. You can find enterprise agreements on the Fair Work Commission website.
What people commonly mix up
A common mistake is to treat a survey average or a job advertisement figure as the legal minimum. The legal minimum is only the floor; actual pay can be higher. Another mix‑up is assuming every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates can be paid less. Also, the super guarantee is an employer payment on top of ordinary time earnings, not part of the hourly rate.
Where to find the right rate
To find out which pay floor applies to your situation, use the Which minimum wage applies guide. For detailed rate tables, see Rate tables. If you are covered by an award, check the classification definitions and pay rates in that award. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help calculate the correct minimum.
Summary
There is no single published median for an astrophysicist salary in Australia. The legal minimum is the national minimum wage or a higher award/agreement rate. Super is paid on top. Always confirm the applicable award or agreement before setting a pay rate.
For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.
Questions people ask next
What is the minimum pay for an astrophysicist in Australia?
If an astrophysicist is covered by a modern award (such as the Professional Employees Award or a similar industry award), the minimum rate is set by that award, which must be at least the national minimum of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. If no award applies, the national minimum wage applies. Junior, apprentice or introductory introductory rates can be lower. The employer must also pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.
Does the ABS publish a median salary for astrophysicists?
No. The ABS does not produce a median weekly median weekly earnings figures for the 6‑digit occupation 234914 (Physicists including Astronomers). The Jobs and Skills Australia page for that occupation states that median weekly earnings are not produced for 6‑digit occupations. So there is no official median figure for astrophysicist salary.
What is the difference between the national minimum wage and a survey average for astrophysicists?
The national minimum wage is the legal floor set by the Fair Work Commission. A survey average (such as from private salary websites) is not a legal requirement; it is an estimate based on reported pay. The legal minimum applies to all employees, while a survey average may include higher pay for experienced or senior roles. The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces the minimum, not survey averages.
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