Biosecurity officer salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
See how the biosecurity officer salary compares to the national line. WA government roles pay $76,912–$92,795, giving an index of 71–86.
Based on WA government roles, a biosecurity officer salary of $76,912–$92,795 gives an index of 71–86, below the national average of 100 but above the minimum wage index of 48.
What is a biosecurity officer?
A biosecurity officer inspects goods, conveyances, plants, animals, and the environment for biosecurity risks. They enforce laws to prevent the spread of exotic pests and diseases. The Australian Bureau of Statistics classifies the role as occupation 311134, with tasks including inspections, issuing legal directions, and participating in response activities.
Where does the biosecurity officer salary sit on the index?
The most concrete salary data comes from a Western Australian government job advertisement. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development advertised Biosecurity Officers at Level 2-3 with a salary range of $76,912–$92,795 per annum under the Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024.
To see where that sits on the Australian salary index, we compare it to the national line. The index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which in May 2026 was $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $52,255 annualised, giving an index of 48.2.
For the WA biosecurity officer range:
- At $76,912: index ≈ 71.0
- At $92,795: index ≈ 85.6
This means a biosecurity officer salary sits below the national average (100) but well above the minimum wage (48.2). It is also below the WA state average index of 106.9 ($115,825). Learn more about how the index works.
Factors that affect biosecurity officer pay
Classification level
The WA advertisement covers Level 2 and Level 3 officers. Level 2 is the lower end ($76,912) and Level 3 the higher end ($92,795). Progression between levels depends on experience and responsibilities.
Location
Salaries vary by state and territory. The index shows state benchmarks: NSW 101.2, VIC 98, QLD 97.9, SA 94.6, WA 106.9, TAS 88.6, NT 95.2, ACT 109.9. A biosecurity officer in WA might earn differently from one in Tasmania or the ACT. Compare state indices.
Sector and agreement
Most biosecurity officers work for state or federal government. Their pay is set by enterprise agreements, not necessarily a modern award. The WA role is under the Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024. Federal biosecurity officers (e.g., at the Department of Agriculture) may have different pay scales. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database does not list a specific biosecurity officer award, so award coverage is uncertain.
Industry context
Biosecurity is part of public administration and safety, an industry that tends to pay near the national average. However, the role itself is specialised. See industry benchmarks.
Take-home pay estimate
Using the midpoint of the WA range ($84,853) and the 2026–27 resident tax rates (with tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy), an estimate of take-home pay is roughly $67,180 per year (or about $5,598 per month). This excludes HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026, so the employer would contribute about $10,182 on top of the salary.
How the salary index helps
The index lets you compare any role against the national line. A biosecurity officer at index 71–85 is earning less than the typical full-time worker but more than someone on the minimum wage. It is a useful benchmark when negotiating or evaluating job offers. Browse more pay guides or explore topics.
Summary
A biosecurity officer salary in WA government ranges from $76,912 to $92,795, giving an index of 71–86. That is below the national average of 100 but above the minimum wage index of 48. Pay varies by level, location, and employer. For the most accurate figure, check the relevant state or federal enterprise agreement.
Questions people ask
What is the average biosecurity officer salary in Australia?
There is no published national average for biosecurity officers. The most concrete figure comes from a WA government advertisement offering $76,912–$92,795 per annum for Level 2-3 roles. Salaries in other states or the private sector may differ.
How does a biosecurity officer salary compare to the national average?
Using the WA government range, the salary index is roughly 71–86, meaning it sits below the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings index of 100. It is well above the national minimum wage index of 48.2.
What award or agreement covers biosecurity officers?
Many biosecurity officers in government are covered by state public sector agreements, such as the WA Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024. Some roles may fall under a modern award, but the Fair Work Commission's database does not list a specific biosecurity officer classification.