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AI engineer salary: awards versus the national minimum wage
How an AI engineer salary compares to award minimums and the national line. No specific figure exists, but the Professional Employees Award likely applies.
No precise public figure exists for an AI engineer salary; it is not a defined classification in modern awards, so the salary index position is uncertain.
What is an AI engineer salary under Australian awards?
If you search for an ai engineer salary in Australia, you won't find a neat figure in any modern award or government database. That's because 'AI engineer' is not a defined classification under the Fair Work system. Instead, the role sits somewhere between software engineering, data science, and professional IT – each with its own award coverage and minimum rates.
This guide explains how an ai engineer salary relates to the national minimum wage, modern award minimums, and the Salary Index. We'll use the national line (index 100 = $108,352 annualised) to give context, even though a precise figure for AI engineers is not publicly available.
The award landscape for AI engineers
Most professional employees in Australia are covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020. This award includes classifications for 'Professional Engineer' and 'Computer Systems Officer', but not 'AI engineer'. An employer might classify an AI engineer under one of these, depending on the employee's qualifications and duties.
- Professional Engineer (Level 1): minimum weekly wage ~$1,250 (index ~57.7)
- Computer Systems Officer (Level 1): minimum weekly wage ~$1,150 (index ~53.1)
These are floors. Actual ai engineer salary figures are almost always higher, often negotiated under enterprise agreements or common law contracts. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database confirms that no AI-specific classification exists.
How the national minimum wage sets a floor
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). That's the legal minimum for award-free employees. For junior workers, percentages apply – for example, a 21-year-old AI engineer trainee would get at least $25.83 per hour (the junior national minimum for age 20+).
But an ai engineer salary will almost never be at the national minimum. Even entry-level roles in tech typically pay $70,000–$90,000 (index 65–83). The award minimums for professional roles are higher than the national minimum, but still far below market rates.
Salary Index context
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For example:
- National minimum wage: $52,255 (index 48.2)
- Professional Engineer award minimum: ~$65,000 (index ~60)
- Typical AI engineer (hypothetical $130,000): index 120
Without a published ai engineer salary, we can only estimate. The industries page shows that Professional, Scientific and Technical Services has an average index of 114.7, which is a reasonable proxy for many AI roles.
State and industry variations
Where you work affects your ai engineer salary too. The states page shows:
- ACT: index 109.9 ($119,090)
- WA: index 106.9 ($115,825)
- NSW: index 101.2 ($109,658)
- TAS: index 88.6 ($96,008)
An AI engineer in Canberra or Perth might earn more than one in Hobart, reflecting broader wage patterns.
Superannuation and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. So an ai engineer salary of $130,000 would attract $15,600 in super. Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold) is:
- $0–$18,200: nil
- $18,201–$45,000: 15%
- $45,001–$135,000: 30%
- $135,001–$190,000: 37%
- Above $190,000: 45% Plus 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay on $130,000 would be roughly $94,000 after tax and Medicare.
Why no official AI engineer salary?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics and the ATO don't publish a specific occupation code for AI engineer. The ATO Salary and Wage Occupation Codes list 'ICT Security Specialist' and 'Software Engineer' but not AI engineer. This means any ai engineer salary figure you see online is likely from private surveys or job ads, not official data.
What to do if you're hiring or negotiating
If you're an employer or employee trying to benchmark an ai engineer salary, start with the relevant award minimum. Use the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman to check the Professional Employees Award. Then look at industry averages from sources like the ABS or recruitment firms. Remember that award rates are minimums – actual pay should reflect skill demand.
The bottom line
An ai engineer salary in Australia is not defined by any award or government source. The role likely falls under the Professional Employees Award, with minimums around $65,000–$70,000. Market rates are much higher, typically $100,000–$160,000 (index 92–148). The national minimum wage sets an absolute floor, but no AI engineer would be paid that little. For the most accurate picture, combine award minimums with industry data and the Salary Index.
Questions people ask
Is there a specific award for AI engineers in Australia?
No modern award specifically lists 'AI engineer'. Most AI engineers are likely covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020 under classifications such as 'Professional Engineer' or 'Computer Systems Officer', depending on their duties and qualifications. Some may fall under the Clerks Award or be award-free if their role is managerial or professional. Always check the award coverage using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.
How does an AI engineer salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week, index 48.2). An AI engineer typically earns well above this, often between $100,000 and $160,000 per year (index 92–148), but there is no official benchmark. Award minimums for professional engineers start around $1,250 per week (index ~57.7), so even entry-level AI roles usually exceed award rates.
What is the salary index for an AI engineer?
Because no official AI engineer salary figure exists, an index cannot be calculated. However, if an AI engineer earns $130,000 per year, that would be an index of 120 (130,000 ÷ 108,352 × 100). Actual salaries vary widely by experience, industry, and location. The national line (index 100) is $108,352 annualised, based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026.