Marine Biologist Salary: What You Can Expect to Earn in Australia
Find out the marine biologist salary in Australia. Median earnings are not publicly available, but we compare industry and state indices, awards, and tax implications.
The marine biologist salary is uncertain because median weekly earnings are not published by the ABS; however, most marine biologists work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7) or Public Administration, and the national line is $108,352 per year.
What is a marine biologist salary in Australia?
If you're searching for a marine biologist salary in Australia, the short answer is that a precise median figure isn't publicly available. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for this specific 6-digit occupation (). However, we can piece together a useful picture using industry benchmarks, award rates, and the Salary Index.
Understanding the Salary Index for marine biologists
The Salary Index sets 100 as the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the line against which all pay is measured. For a marine biologist, where you sit on this index depends on your employer, experience, and location.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are only about 760 marine biologists employed nationally. The occupation is 44% female, with a median age of 41. Most work in:
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7)
- Public Administration and Safety
- Education and Training
If you work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry, the industry index of 114.7 suggests typical earnings around $124,000 per year. In Education and Training (index 105.5), that would be about $114,300. In Public Administration, state indices apply – for example, in the ACT (index 109.9) that could mean $119,000, while in Tasmania (index 88.6) it might be $96,000.
Award coverage and minimum pay
Many marine biologists are covered by modern awards, though enterprise agreements or individual contracts are common. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for relevant awards such as the Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award. From 1 July 2026, award minimum rates rose by 4.75%. The entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour, while the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($52,255 per year, index 48.2).
For a marine biologist just starting out, you might expect to earn at least the award rate for your classification. With experience, especially in research or consulting roles, salaries can climb well above the national line.
Gross pay, super, and tax
Let's look at a typical scenario. Suppose you're a marine biologist earning $90,000 per year (index 83). Your employer must pay 12% superannuation from 1 July 2026 – that's $10,800 into your super fund. Your gross pay is $90,000.
For tax in 2026–27 (resident, excluding Medicare):
- First $18,200: nil
- Next $26,800 (up to $45,000): 15% = $4,020
- Next $45,000 (up to $90,000): 30% = $13,500
- Total tax: $17,520
- Plus Medicare levy 2%: $1,800
- Total tax and Medicare: $19,320
- Take-home pay: $70,680 per year, or about $5,890 per month.
If you earn $120,000 (index 111), the tax brackets shift: you'd pay $29,467 in tax plus $2,400 Medicare, leaving $88,133 take-home. Super would be $14,400.
State and industry variations
Where you work matters. The states page shows indices from 88.6 in Tasmania to 109.9 in the ACT. A marine biologist in Western Australia (index 106.9) might earn around $115,800, while one in South Australia (index 94.6) might earn $102,500 – all else being equal.
Similarly, the industries page highlights that Mining (index 154.7) pays far more than Retail (75.9) or Accommodation and Food Services (72.5). Marine biologists are rarely in mining, but those in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (114.7) are above the national line.
Why no median earnings figure?
The ABS does not produce median weekly earnings for 6-digit occupations like marine biologists because the sample size is too small for reliable statistics. That's why we rely on industry and state indices, plus award information. If you're negotiating a salary, use the Salary Index to benchmark against the national line and your specific sector.
Key takeaways
- The marine biologist salary is not publicly reported as a median, but industry and state indices provide useful benchmarks.
- Most marine biologists work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7) or Public Administration.
- Award minimums start at $25.74 per hour, but many earn above award.
- Super is 12% from 1 July 2026; tax rates are progressive with a 2% Medicare levy.
- Use the Salary Index to compare any offer against the national line of $108,352.
For more detail on how pay is calculated, see how the index works.
Questions people ask
What is the typical salary range for a marine biologist in Australia?
There is no publicly available median salary for marine biologists because the ABS does not publish earnings for this specific 6-digit occupation. However, most marine biologists work in industries like Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7) or Public Administration. Using the national line of $108,352 (index 100), a marine biologist in that industry might earn around $124,000 per year before tax, but actual pay varies widely by employer, experience, and location. Entry-level roles may start near the national minimum wage ($52,255) or above award rates.
Which award covers marine biologists and what are the minimum pay rates?
Marine biologists may be covered by the Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award or the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award, depending on their employer. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for these awards. From 1 July 2026, award minimum rates increased by 4.75%. For example, the entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour. However, many marine biologists are employed under enterprise agreements or individual contracts that pay above award rates. Always check the specific award or agreement that applies to your role.
How does superannuation and tax affect a marine biologist's take-home pay?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if you earn $100,000, your employer must contribute $12,000 to super. For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. For example, a marine biologist earning $90,000 would pay about $20,467 in tax and Medicare, leaving around $69,533 take-home, plus super.