Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Australia: Legal Minimums and Award Rates

Understanding the Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Australia

When researching the machine learning engineer salary in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from what employers actually pay. The legal floor is set by the national minimum wage or a modern award, but most machine learning engineers earn above that floor. This guide explains the minimum pay obligations and how they compare with broader earnings data.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week, as set by the Fair Work Commission. This rate applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. However, most machine learning engineers are covered by a modern award, which means the award’s minimum rates apply instead. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that award rates are generally higher than the national minimum. For example, the Professional Employees Award 2020 covers many IT and engineering professionals. The lowest ongoing classification under that award cannot be less than $26.44 per hour, but the actual award rate may be higher. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to check the specific classification and rate for your role.

Which minimum wage applies explains how to determine whether you are covered by an award, agreement, or the national minimum.

Award Coverage for Machine Learning Engineers

There is no award specifically titled “machine learning engineer”. Instead, the applicable award depends on your duties. The Professional Employees Award 2020 is the most likely award for machine learning engineers, as it covers professional engineers and information technology employees. The award includes classification levels from Level 1 to Level 4, each with different minimum rates. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the exact rates, but the database must be read together with the award’s terms. Because the keyword “machine learning engineer” does not appear in the award, you need to match your duties to a classification description. If your role involves designing algorithms, building models, and deploying systems, you may be classified as an IT professional at Level 2 or higher. The minimum rate for that level is higher than the national minimum, but the Fair Work Ombudsman does not publish a single “machine learning engineer” rate. Always confirm with your employer or a workplace relations professional.

How the Minimum Compares to Market Rates

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, all employees’ average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. Full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. These figures include all occupations and industries. Machine learning engineers typically earn well above these averages because of specialised skills and demand. However, no official survey from the Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work Commission, or ABS gives a median or average salary specifically for machine learning engineers. The legal minimum is a floor, not a target. Most employers offer salaries that reflect market conditions, experience, and the complexity of the role.

Superannuation: An Employer Top‑Up

Superannuation guarantee contributions are an employer payment on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay; it is an additional contribution to a super fund. For example, if a machine learning engineer earns the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, the employer must also pay $3.17 per hour in super, making the total employment cost $29.61 per hour. If the award rate is higher, the super contribution is calculated on that higher amount. The new payday super rules require employers to pay super at the same time as wages.

Casual Loading and Junior Rates

If a machine learning engineer is employed casually and is award‑free, the casual loading is 25%, bringing the minimum casual rate to $33.05 per hour. However, awards often include their own casual loading or penalty rates. Junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate, as set out in the award or, if award‑free, the national minimum wage junior percentages. For example, a 19‑year‑old award‑free junior earns $21.82 per hour (82.5% of the adult rate). Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the National Training Wage schedule.

Summary

The legal minimum for a machine learning engineer in Australia is at least $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but the applicable award rate is likely higher. The Professional Employees Award 2020 is the most relevant award, but you must check the classification that matches your duties. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. For a full comparison of rates across different awards and employment types, see our Rate tables.

Remember: the national minimum wage is a floor, not a target. Most machine learning engineers negotiate salaries well above the minimum, reflecting their skills and experience.

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