Biomedical Scientist Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the National Index

Biomedical Scientist Salary: A National Benchmark

If you are looking for a biomedical scientist salary in Australia, the most reliable starting point is the data from Jobs and Skills Australia, which tracks the occupation under the title "Medical Laboratory Scientist" (ANZSCO 2346). These professionals perform diagnostic tests that are critical to patient care, and their pay reflects the skilled, specialised nature of the work.

Where the Pay Sits on the Salary Index

The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line, which is set at $108,352 per year (index 100). For biomedical scientists, the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,056, according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025). That works out to about $106,912 annually, giving an index of 98.7 – just a hair below the national average.

To put that in perspective, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, while the health care and social assistance industry average is index 97.8. So a biomedical scientist on the median is earning slightly more than the typical health worker, but a little less than the average full-time earner across all industries.

Award Rates and Minimum Pay

Most biomedical scientists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027), which sets minimum weekly rates based on classification and experience. The award structure has several grades:

• Grade 1 (entry-level): $1,125.60 per week (index 54)
• Grade 2: $1,411.10 per week (index 68)
• Grade 3: $1,668.10 per week (index 80)
• Grade 4: $1,908.90 per week (index 92)
• Grade 5: $2,552.50 per week (index 122)

These are minimums. Many public hospitals and private pathology labs pay above award, especially for experienced scientists or those in supervisory roles. The median of $2,056 sits between Grade 3 and Grade 4, suggesting most biomedical scientists are at mid-career levels.

State-by-State Differences

Salaries can vary by location. The states page shows that the Australian Capital Territory has the highest index (109.9), while Tasmania is lowest (88.6). Biomedical scientists in ACT or Western Australia (index 106.9) may earn more than the national median, while those in South Australia (94.6) or Tasmania may earn less. The award rates are national, but enterprise agreements and cost-of-living adjustments create regional variation.

Industry Context

Biomedical scientists work mainly in health care and social assistance (index 97.8), but also in professional, scientific and technical services (index 114.7) and education (index 105.5). Those in private pathology or research labs may see higher pay than those in public hospitals. The industries page provides benchmarks for each sector.

Career Progression and Super

With experience, a biomedical scientist can move from Grade 1 to Grade 5, nearly doubling their weekly pay. Superannuation at 12% (from July 2026) is paid on top of salary, so total remuneration is higher. For example, on the median $2,056/week, the employer super contribution adds about $247/week, bringing total package to $2,303/week (index 110.5).

Tax and Take-Home Pay

A biomedical scientist earning the median $106,912 annually would fall into the 30% tax bracket (2026–27 rates). After tax and the 2% Medicare levy, take-home pay is roughly $78,000 per year, or $1,500 per week. This is a resident estimate using the tax-free threshold; it ignores HELP repayments or salary sacrifice.

How to Use This Information

When evaluating a biomedical scientist salary, compare it to the national index to see if it is above or below average. Use the pay guides to check minimum award rates for your classification. Remember that the median is a guide, not a guarantee – your actual pay depends on your employer, location, and experience.

For more context, see how the index works and explore topics related to health professional salaries.