What is the minimum wage for a biomedical scientist?

Biomedical scientists are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The award sets minimum rates based on classification levels, which are higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). From 1 October 2026, minimum rates for health professionals under this award increased as part of a gender-based undervaluation review. You can check the exact classification rates using the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides or the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database.

How does the ABS median compare to the award rate?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,056 for medical laboratory scientists (May 2025 data), which equates to about $56 per hour. This is a survey average of what employees actually earn, not a minimum. Award minimums are lower but vary by classification and experience. The median figure includes overtime, allowances, and negotiated pay above the award.

Do I get super on top of my 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 base salary or wage. For example, if your award minimum is $26.44 per hour, your employer must also contribute $3.17 per hour to super. The super payment is not included in your take-home pay.

Biomedical Scientist Salary: Award Minimums, ABS Medians, and What You Take Home

The legal minimum for a biomedical scientist is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, with a national minimum backstop of $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026; the ABS reports a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,056 for medical laboratory scientists.

Understanding the biomedical scientist salary landscape

When researching a biomedical scientist salary in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated pay. This guide uses current public figures from the Fair Work Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Legal minimums: award and national minimum

Most biomedical scientists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This modern award sets minimum pay rates for different classification levels, such as Health Professional Level 1, Level 2, and so on. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week). However, award rates are generally higher. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates for each award. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides that summarise the most common rates.

From 1 October 2026, minimum rates for health professional employees in this award increased following the Gender-based undervaluation—priority awards review ([2026] FWCFB 231). These changes are reflected in the Commission's database and the Ombudsman's pay guides. If you are award-free (not covered by any award), the national minimum wage applies, but junior, apprentice, and supported wage rates may be lower. Always check whether a modern award or enterprise agreement applies to your job, as it can require a higher rate than the national minimum.

Survey averages: what the ABS reports

The ABS provides median earnings data for occupations. For medical laboratory scientists (ANZSCO 2346), the median full-time weekly earnings is $2,056 (before tax), and the median hourly earnings is $56 (May 2025 data). This figure comes from the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours and includes full-time non-managerial adult employees. It is a useful benchmark but not a minimum. Actual salaries can be higher or lower depending on experience, location, and employer.

Note that the ABS data is for medical laboratory scientists, a category that includes biomedical scientists. The median age for this occupation is 39, and 66% of workers are female. About 75% work full-time, averaging 42 hours per week.

Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements

Your actual pay may be higher than the award minimum if you have negotiated a salary or if your workplace has an enterprise agreement. Enterprise agreements must pass the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT), meaning employees must be better off overall than under the relevant award. Always compare your offer against the award minimums. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help you calculate your entitlements.

Superannuation: the extra on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from your salary; it is an additional payment. For example, if your base salary is $56 per hour (the ABS median), your employer would contribute $6.72 per hour to super. The super is paid into a fund of your choice and is not part of your take-home pay.

For more details on which pay floor applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables. These resources explain how to determine your correct minimum rate and compare it with survey averages.

Note: This guide is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always consult the relevant modern award or the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific situation.

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