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

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but most forensic scientists are covered by a modern award which sets higher minimum rates. The exact rate depends on classification, experience, and the applicable award (e.g., Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 or Professional Employees Award 2020).

Do forensic scientists get superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay the super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is in addition to the base salary or wage rate.

Where can I find the official award rates for forensic scientists?

The Fair Work Commission publishes the Modern Awards Pay Database, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides the P.A.C.T tool for calculating pay. Both are authoritative sources for minimum rates under the Fair Work system.

Forensic Scientist Salary in Australia: Pay Floors, Award Rates, and What You Need to Know

The pay floor for a forensic scientist is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), but most are covered by a modern award with higher minimum rates that vary by classification and employer.

Forensic Scientist Salary: Understanding the Pay Floor

When you search for a "forensic scientist salary" in Australia, you will find a wide range of figures. That is because there is no single, fixed rate for the role. Instead, your pay depends on your employer, your classification, and the industrial instrument that covers you. This guide explains the legal minimums, how award rates work, and what you should look for when comparing offers.

The National Minimum Wage as a Backstop

Every national-system employee in Australia is entitled to at least the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour ordinary week. Casual employees receive a casual loading, bringing the rate to $33.05 per hour. These figures are set by the Fair Work Commission. However, if you are a forensic scientist covered by a modern award, your award classification will almost always require a higher rate than the national minimum. The award rate cannot fall below the national minimum. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers many scientists, will be at least the national minimum after the 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026. But the exact figure depends on the classification level.

Award Coverage for Forensic Scientists

Most forensic scientists in the private sector and some public sector roles fall under the national system. The most likely awards are the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 or the Professional Employees Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates for each classification, including wage-related allowances and penalty rates. For example, the 2026 update includes changes for health professional employees from 1 October 2026 due to a gender-based undervaluation review. However, the database does not list a single "forensic scientist" rate; you need to match your role to a classification level (e.g., Health Professional Level 1, 2, etc.). The Fair Work Ombudsman's P.A.C.T tool can help you calculate your minimum pay based on your award and classification.

Enterprise Agreements and Individual Contracts

Your employer may have an enterprise agreement that sets different pay rates. An agreement can provide higher or lower base rates than the award, but it must pass the Better Off Overall Test. If you are on an individual contract, your salary cannot be less than the award minimum for your classification. Many public sector forensic scientists, such as those at Queensland Health, are covered by state awards or agreements. For instance, Queensland Health's Forensic and Scientific Services page lists health practitioner wage rates for scientists, but does not publish specific figures. It directs readers to "current health practitioner wage rates" without a link. In such cases, you should ask your employer or your employer's HR department for the applicable classification and the current rate.

Superannuation on Top

When discussing a forensic scientist salary, remember that the employer must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is on top of your base salary. If your quoted salary is inclusive of super, the employer must still meet the 12% contribution. Always check whether a figure is base salary or total package.

Common Misunderstandings

A frequent mistake is confusing the national minimum wage with the award rate. Another is assuming all forensic scientists earn the same rate. In reality, a scientist with years of experience will be at a higher classification than a new graduate. The ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, but that is an average across all occupations, not a minimum. Your actual salary may be higher or lower depending on your employer.

How to Find Your Correct Pay Floor

Determine which award covers your role. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Find My Award tool. 2. Find your classification level in that award. 3. Check the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database for the current rate. 4. If you are award-free, the national minimum applies. 5. Remember that juniors, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower rates. For award-free juniors, the percentages from the national minimum apply.

For more guidance, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables on this site.

Final Note

This site provides orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always refer to the actual award or agreement and consult a professional if in doubt.

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