Which award covers biosecurity officers?

The ABS classifies biosecurity officers under occupation 311134. There is no single named award for this role in the search results. Coverage depends on the employer: federal government officers may fall under the Public Service Award or an enterprise agreement, while state or local government employees may be covered by state awards. If no award or agreement applies, the national minimum wage is the floor.

Does the biosecurity officer salary include superannuation?

No. The salary figure quoted is before tax and does not include the super guarantee. From 1 July 2026, employers must pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into a super fund. For example, on a $26.44 hourly rate, that adds about $3.17 per hour in super, paid on top of your gross wage.

Can a biosecurity officer be paid less than the national minimum wage?

Generally no, but there are exceptions. Junior employees under 21, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates (limited to the first 6 months) can be paid less. For award-free juniors, the minimum is a percentage of the adult rate – for example, a 17‑year‑old must get at least $15.29 per hour. Always check the applicable award or agreement for the correct rate.

Biosecurity Officer Salary: Minimum Pay Floor and What to Expect

The legal minimum for a biosecurity officer is at least the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but an applicable award or enterprise agreement may set a higher rate.

What Is a Biosecurity Officer Salary?

When you search for a biosecurity officer salary in Australia, you are looking at a role that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) classifies under occupation 311134. Biosecurity officers inspect goods, conveyances, plants, animals, and the environment to prevent the entry and spread of exotic pests and diseases. The salary you can expect depends on your employer, your experience, and whether you are covered by an award or enterprise agreement.

The Legal Minimum Pay Floor

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full‑time employee working 38 ordinary hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the minimum to $33.05 per hour. This is the absolute floor: no award‑free employee can be paid less.

However, most biosecurity officers are likely covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that awards set minimum pay rates, penalties, and allowances for specific industries or occupations. If your role is covered by an award, the award rate applies instead of the national minimum – and it is often higher. For example, the Public Service Award or a federal government enterprise agreement may set a classification level for biosecurity officers above the minimum.

What the Research Shows

The web search conducted for this guide did not find a published, authoritative figure for a typical biosecurity officer salary. The ABS occupation classification lists main tasks but does not provide earnings data. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains minimum rates for many awards, but no award specifically named “Biosecurity Officer” appeared in the search results. This means we cannot give you a median or average salary from public sources. If you are negotiating a salary, your best reference is the award or agreement that applies to your position.

How Super and Tax Affect Your Weekly Packet

Your salary is only part of the picture. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). So if your base rate is $26.44 per hour, your employer contributes an extra $3.17 per hour to your super fund. That money is not in your pocket today but grows for your retirement.

Tax and the Medicare levy also reduce your take‑home pay. For the 2026–27 income year, a full‑time biosecurity officer earning the national minimum of $52,254.80 per year ($1,004.90 × 52 weeks) would pay approximately $5,092 in tax (using resident rates with the full tax‑free threshold) plus an estimated 2% Medicare levy once annualised ordinary gross income exceeds $30,000. The actual amount depends on your total income, offsets, and any HELP debt. Use the ATO’s tax estimator for a precise calculation.

Award Coverage and Higher Rates

If you are employed by the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (or a similar agency), your salary is likely set by an enterprise agreement. These agreements often provide higher pay than the award minimum, along with conditions like annual leave loading and flexible working arrangements. State government biosecurity officers may be covered by state awards. Always check with your employer or union to confirm which instrument applies.

For award‑free employees, the national minimum wage is the backstop. But remember: junior employees, apprentices, and trainees can be paid less. For example, a 17‑year‑old award‑free biosecurity officer must receive at least $15.29 per hour (57.8% of the adult rate). Introductory rates in some awards allow a lower rate for the first six months, but not below $25.74 per hour from 1 July 2026.

Where to Find More Information

Which minimum wage applies – Use our guide to determine if you are award‑free or covered by an award.
Rate tables – Compare current minimum rates for different classifications and ages.

Summary

A biosecurity officer salary in Australia starts at the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but the actual rate depends on your award or agreement. Without a published survey average, you should rely on the specific pay instrument for your role. Remember that super is paid on top, and tax and Medicare reduce your net income. For personalised advice, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional.

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