What is the average marine biologist salary in Australia?

Jobs and Skills Australia does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for Marine Biologists (ANZSCO 234516) because the sample size is too small. Published averages from private surveys vary widely and are not endorsed by official sources. The only guaranteed pay floor is the national minimum wage or the applicable award rate.

Which award covers marine biologists in Australia?

There is no single award named 'Marine Biologists'. Most marine biologists are employed in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Public Administration and Safety, or Education and Training. Depending on the employer and duties, they may be covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020, the Science and Technology Award, or a state public sector award. If no award applies, the national minimum wage is the legal minimum.

How much super do marine biologists receive?

Employers must pay the super guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. For example, on a weekly wage of $1,004.90, the employer would contribute an additional $120.59 to super. This is not part of the employee's take-home pay.

Marine Biologist Salary Australia: Pay Floors, Award Coverage and Take-Home Pay

No published median salary exists for marine biologists; the legal minimum is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) unless a higher award or agreement applies.

Marine Biologist Salary Australia: Understanding the Pay Floor

When searching for a marine biologist salary australia, the first thing to know is that official median earnings are not published. Jobs and Skills Australia, using ABS data, reports that the median weekly earnings for Marine Biologists (ANZSCO 234516) are 'N/A' because the occupation is too small to produce a reliable figure. This means any average you see online is likely from a private survey or a small sample and should be treated with caution.

What is certain is the legal minimum. Every employee in Australia is entitled to at least the national minimum wage unless a modern award or enterprise agreement sets a higher rate. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour.

Award Coverage for Marine Biologists

Marine biologists work in industries such as professional services, government, and education. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database lists many awards, but there is no award specifically titled 'Marine Biologists'. Depending on the employer, a marine biologist may fall under:

Professional Employees Award 2020 – covers scientists, including biologists, in the private sector.
Science and Technology Award – may apply to laboratory and research roles.
Public sector awards – for those employed by state or federal government agencies.
Educational awards – for those teaching at universities.

If an award applies, its minimum classification rates (which are often higher than the national minimum) must be paid. For example, the Professional Employees Award has a minimum rate for a Level 1 scientist that is above the national minimum. Always check the relevant award or enterprise agreement using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

If no award or agreement covers the role, the national minimum wage is the legal floor. Note that some employees – juniors, apprentices, trainees, or those on introductory rates – may be paid less than the adult national minimum, but only where a specific provision allows it.

The Weekly Packet: Tax, Medicare and Super

To understand what a marine biologist actually takes home, we can model a typical week at the national minimum wage. These figures are illustrative only.

Gross weekly pay (full-time, award-free): $1,004.90

Tax (2026-27 resident rates, with tax-free threshold): Approximately $105 per week (assuming no other income or deductions).

Medicare levy (2% of taxable income once annualised ordinary gross exceeds $30,000): Approximately $20 per week.

Net take-home pay: Around $880 per week.

Super guarantee (paid by employer on top): 12% of ordinary time earnings = $120.59 per week. This goes into a super fund and is not available until retirement.

If a marine biologist is covered by an award, the gross pay will be higher, and the tax and Medicare amounts will increase accordingly. For example, a Level 1 scientist under the Professional Employees Award might earn around $1,100–$1,200 per week, resulting in take-home pay of roughly $950–$1,020 per week after tax and Medicare.

How to Find Your Correct Rate

Because there is no single published median for marine biologists, the most reliable way to know your pay is to:

Identify your award or enterprise agreement using the Fair Work Ombudsman's resources.
Check the classification that matches your duties and experience.
Apply any penalty rates, allowances, or overtime if applicable.

For award-free employees, the national minimum wage applies. Remember that the Fair Work Commission sets the minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it.

For more detail on which minimum applies to you, see our [Which minimum wage applies](/

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