Epidemiologist salary in Australia: state and industry differences explained
What does an epidemiologist earn in Australia? We compare state indices, industry benchmarks, and award coverage to give you a clear picture of epidemiologist salary.
There is no single published figure for an epidemiologist salary, but typical annual earnings likely fall between 80 and 120 thousand dollars a year, placing the salary index between 80 and 110 depending on state and industry.
What is an epidemiologist salary in Australia?
If you are looking for a single number for an epidemiologist salary, you will not find one in official sources. That is because ‘epidemiologist’ is not a standard classification in modern awards or in the Australian Bureau of Statistics occupation data. Instead, epidemiologists are employed across different industries – public health units, hospitals, universities, research institutes, and private consultancies – and their pay depends on the award or agreement that covers them, their state or territory, and their level of experience.
This guide uses the salary index – where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026) – to help you understand where an epidemiologist’s pay sits against the national line. We also look at state and industry differences that affect take-home pay.
The award framework for epidemiologists
Most epidemiologists in Australia are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for this award, which sets minimum rates for health professionals including scientists, researchers, and technical staff. From 1 October 2026, changes to the Health Services Award also affect some health professionals, but the main award for epidemiologists remains the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.
If you are a medical epidemiologist (with a medical degree), you may fall under the Medical Practitioners Award 2020 (MA000031). That award has higher minimum rates. Always check the classification definitions in the award that applies to your employer – a public health unit may use a different classification than a university research centre.
National benchmarks for epidemiologist salary
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week, giving an index of 48.2. An epidemiologist would earn well above that. The ABS reports that the median hourly earnings for all employees in the Professionals occupation group was $64.50 in January 2026. For a 38-hour week, that works out to about $2,451 per week, or $127,452 a year – an index of 117.6. However, that is a median for all professionals, not just epidemiologists.
Jobs and Skills Australia reports median weekly full-time earnings across all occupations of $1,852 (annualised $96,304, index 88.9). For health professionals specifically, the median is likely higher. A typical epidemiologist with a few years of experience might earn between $80,000 and $120,000 a year, placing the salary index between 74 and 111. Entry-level roles in government or research may start around $70,000 (index 64.6), while senior epidemiologists in leadership positions can exceed $150,000 (index 138.5).
State differences in epidemiologist pay
Where you work matters. The salary index for each state reflects average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, not a specific occupation, but it gives a sense of the local market. For example:
- Australian Capital Territory: index 109.9 (annualised $119,090) – many epidemiologists work in federal government agencies like the Department of Health or the Australian National University.
- Western Australia: index 106.9 ($115,825) – a strong mining and resources economy pushes up overall earnings, but epidemiologists in health departments may not see the same premium.
- New South Wales: index 101.2 ($109,658) – the largest state, with many public health roles in NSW Health.
- Victoria: index 98.0 ($106,137) – similar to NSW but slightly below the national line.
- Queensland: index 97.9 ($106,064) – close to Victoria.
- South Australia: index 94.6 ($102,450) – lower average earnings.
- Northern Territory: index 95.2 ($103,173) – remote area allowances may boost pay.
- Tasmania: index 88.6 ($96,008) – the lowest state index, reflecting a smaller economy.
An epidemiologist in Canberra (ACT) might earn a salary that is 10% above the national index, while one in Hobart might earn 10% below. But remember, enterprise agreements and individual contracts can override award rates. Use the states page to compare local benchmarks.
Industry differences: health care vs research
Epidemiologists work in two main industries: Health Care and Social Assistance (industry index 97.8) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7). The latter includes scientific research services, universities, and consulting firms. If you work for a university or a dedicated research institute, your salary is likely to be higher than if you work for a public hospital or community health service.
For example, a research epidemiologist at the University of Melbourne (part of the Professional, Scientific and Technical industry) may have a salary index around 110–120, while a field epidemiologist at a local public health unit (Health Care industry) may be closer to 95–105. The industries page shows how each sector compares to the national line.
Superannuation and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if your epidemiologist salary is $100,000, your employer pays an extra $12,000 into super. That is not included in the salary index, which is based on gross ordinary-time earnings.
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are:
- $0–$18,200: nil
- $18,201–$45,000: 15%
- $45,001–$135,000: 30%
- $135,001–$190,000: 37%
- Over $190,000: 45%
Plus a 2% Medicare levy. For a $100,000 salary, the estimated take-home pay (including Medicare) is about $75,000. Use the how the index works page to calculate your own figures.
How to find your exact epidemiologist salary
Because there is no single published figure, the best approach is to:
- Check the pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or Medical Practitioners Award.
- Look at enterprise agreements for your employer – many public health units often have their own agreements that pay above award rates.
- Use the [Salary Index Salary Index](/
Questions people ask
What award covers epidemiologists in Australia?
Most epidemiologists are likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a pay guide for this award, which sets minimum wages for health professionals such as scientists and researchers. Some epidemiologists working in medical roles may fall under the Medical Practitioners Award (MA000031) if they hold medical registration. Always check the classification definitions in the award that applies to your employer.
How does the state I work in affect my epidemiologist salary?
State differences in average earnings are captured by the salary index. For example, the Australian Capital Territory has an index of 109.9 (annualised $119,090), while Tasmania has an index of 88.6 ($96,008). An epidemiologist in Canberra (ACT) may earn closer to the national index of 100 or higher, whereas one in Hobart might earn below the national line. However, individual salaries depend on the employer, sector (government vs private), and enterprise agreements.
What is the salary index for an epidemiologist?
There is no published salary index for epidemiologists specifically. Based on industry benchmarks, an epidemiologist working in Health Care and Social Assistance (industry index 97.8) would have a salary near the national average of 100. Those in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7) – such as research institutes or universities – may have a higher index. A typical annual salary of $100,000 would give an index of about 92.3, while $120,000 gives an index of 110.7.