What is the minimum wage for a forensic pathologist in Australia?

The national minimum wage for award-free employees from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. However, forensic pathologists are medical specialists and are almost always covered by a modern award (such as the Medical Practitioners Award 2020) or an enterprise agreement, which set higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the specific award rates, but those rates are not published in this guide. You should check the relevant award or your employment agreement for the applicable minimum.

How much does a forensic pathologist earn on average?

There is no publicly available median salary for forensic pathologists from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) because the occupation is a 6-digit ANZSCO code (253915) for which median weekly earnings are not produced. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for pathologists notes that the broader category of ‘Other Medical Practitioners’ may have data, but not at this detailed level. Some state health departments, such as Queensland Health, publish medical officer wage rates that apply to forensic pathologists, but exact figures vary by classification and experience. For a reliable average, you would need to consult industry surveys or specific employer enterprise agreements.

Do forensic pathologists get superannuation?

Yes. Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, if a forensic pathologist’s base salary is $200,000 per year, the employer would contribute an additional $24,000 into super. Some public sector employers, like Queensland Health, contribute up to 12.75%. Super is in addition to the salary and is not included in advertised wage rates unless stated.

Forensic Pathologist Salary: Legal Minimums, Award Rates, and What to Expect

The legal minimum for award-free employees is $26.44 per hour, but forensic pathologists are typically covered by awards or agreements that set significantly higher rates; no official median salary is publicly available from ABS for this specific occupation.

Understanding the Forensic Pathologist Salary in Australia

When researching a forensic pathologist salary in Australia, you will quickly find that there is no single official figure. Unlike many occupations where the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes median weekly earnings, forensic pathologists are classified under the 6-digit ANZSCO code 253915, for which the ABS does not produce a median. This guide explains the legal pay floor, the role of awards and agreements, and what you can expect from employer‑specific rates.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

For any employee who is not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full‑time adult employee. Casual employees receive a loading of 25%, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of these amounts.

However, forensic pathologists are medical specialists and are almost always covered by a modern award – most likely the Medical Practitioners Award 2020 – or by a state‑based enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates for that award, including classifications, allowances, and penalty rates. Those award rates are significantly higher than the national minimum. For example, a medical practitioner at a senior classification would earn well above $26.44 per hour. The database is updated after each Annual Wage Review; the 2026 data (operative from 1 July 2026) includes a 4.75% increase to most award rates.

It is important to remember that the national minimum is a backstop. If your award or agreement sets a higher rate, that higher rate is your legal minimum. You can check your coverage using our guide Which minimum wage applies.

Award Rates and Enterprise Agreements

Because forensic pathologists work in hospitals, forensic science services, or private pathology labs, their pay is usually determined by an enterprise agreement negotiated between the employer and a union (such as the Australian Medical Association or the Health Services Union). These agreements often reference the Medical Practitioners Award but include better conditions and higher salaries.

For instance, Queensland Health’s Forensic and Scientific Services employs forensic pathologists under medical officer wage rates. While the exact figures are not reproduced here, the Queensland Government website states that salaries depend on classification and status, and that employees receive up to 12.75% superannuation. Other states have similar arrangements. The Fair Work Commission’s database can help you find the underlying award rates, but the actual salary you receive will be set by your specific agreement.

Survey Averages and Official Data

As noted, the ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for the 6‑digit occupation of pathologists. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for Pathologists (ANZSCO 253915) shows that there are about 2,800 employed, with a median age of 43 and 64% female. Average full‑time hours are 44 per week. But no salary figure is given. The broader category ‘Other Medical Practitioners’ (2539) may have some data, but that includes many different specialities.

What this means is that any number you see online for a “forensic pathologist salary” is likely from a private survey or a recruitment site, not from an official government source. Such figures should be treated as indicative only. For authoritative information, refer to the relevant award or your employer’s enterprise agreement.

Tax and Super Considerations

When evaluating a forensic pathologist salary, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your base pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. So if your salary is $200,000, your employer pays an extra $24,000 into your super fund. This is not part of your take‑home pay but is a valuable benefit.

For tax purposes, use the ATO’s resident tax rates for 2026‑27 with the full tax‑free threshold. Medicare levy of 2% applies once your annualised ordinary gross income exceeds $30,000. The low‑income tax offset and other offsets may reduce your tax, but these are not modelled here. Our Rate tables page provides a simple calculator for national minimum wage scenarios, but for higher incomes you should consult a tax professional.

Summary

There is no single, official “forensic pathologist salary” figure in Australia. The legal minimum is $26.44 per hour, but award and agreement rates are much higher. The ABS does not publish a median for this occupation. Your best source of information is the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database for award minima, and your employer’s enterprise agreement for your actual pay. Always factor in superannuation as an additional employer cost.

For more details on how pay floors work, see Which minimum wage applies. For historical and current national minimum rates, visit Rate tables.