What is the minimum wage for an epidemiologist in Australia?

The minimum wage depends on award coverage. Most epidemiologists are likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum rates higher than the national minimum. If award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) applies. Always check your specific award classification using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

How does the average epidemiologist salary compare to the national minimum?

According to PayScale, the average epidemiologist salary in Australia is about $91,563 per year, which equates to roughly $46.30 per hour for a 38-hour week. This is well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but individual salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and employer.

Do epidemiologists receive superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For an epidemiologist earning the average salary of $91,563, this would add about $10,988 in super contributions per year, paid into a complying super fund.

Epidemiologist Salary in Australia: Legal Minimum vs Market Average

The legal minimum for an epidemiologist is at least the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but award rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 likely set a higher floor; survey averages from PayScale suggest a typical annual salary around $91,563.

Understanding the epidemiologist salary landscape

If you are researching an epidemiologist salary in Australia, you need to separate the legal minimum from what the market pays. This guide uses the latest public data from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and PayScale to help you compare your hourly rate against the correct pay floor.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage and award rates

Every employee in Australia is entitled to a minimum wage. For most epidemiologists, the minimum is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers health professional employees. The Fair Work Commission updates award rates each year following the Annual Wage Review. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. However, award rates are typically higher. The Health Professionals Award contains classification levels (e.g., Health Professional Level 1, Level 2) with specific minimum rates. Because the exact classification for an epidemiologist depends on duties and experience, you should check the award directly or use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

If you are not covered by any award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. But be aware: junior employees, apprentices, and those on introductory rates may be paid less. For example, award-free juniors aged under 21 have percentage-based minima (e.g., $9.73 per hour for under 16). The adult national minimum is a backstop – no ongoing employee can be paid less than $26.44 per hour unless a specific exemption applies.

Survey averages: what the market pays

PayScale reports an average epidemiologist salary of AU$91,563 per year, based on 13 salary profiles. This translates to roughly $46.30 per hour for a 38-hour week (before tax). The range spans from $67,000 to $116,000. Remember, this is a survey average, not a legal requirement. Your actual pay may be higher or lower depending on your employer, location, and experience. Early-career epidemiologists (1–4 years) average around $90,000, while mid-career (5–9 years) average $100,000.

How to check your hourly rate against the floor

A practical check: take your annual salary, divide by 52 weeks, then divide by your ordinary weekly hours (usually 38). Compare that hourly figure to the national minimum wage of $26.44. If you are award-covered, compare to the relevant award classification rate. If your hourly rate is below $26.44, you may be underpaid – unless you are a junior, apprentice, or on an introductory rate. Remember that superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings, so your total remuneration package includes that extra amount.

Key distinctions: legal minimum vs negotiated salary

Legal minimum: The lowest amount you can be paid under the Fair Work Act. Set by award or national minimum wage. Cannot be undercut except for permitted categories.
Award rate: The specific minimum for your classification under a modern award. Usually higher than the national minimum.
Survey average: A market indicator from sources like PayScale. Not a guarantee of what you will earn.
Negotiated salary: What you and your employer agree, which can be above the minimum.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing an epidemiologist salary, always factor in super. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid by the employer into a super fund. For the average salary of $91,563, that adds about $10,988 per year. Super is not part of your take-home pay but is a compulsory benefit.

Where to find more information

For award-specific rates, visit the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides and the Pay and Conditions Tool. You can also explore our Which minimum wage applies page to determine your coverage, or check Rate tables for current national minimum and junior rates.

The bottom line

Your epidemiologist salary should at least meet the legal minimum – likely the Health Professionals Award rate or the national minimum wage. Survey averages suggest most epidemiologists earn well above that floor, but always verify your own rate using official tools. If you suspect underpayment, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

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