Marine Biologist Salary Australia: Where It Sits on the National Index

Marine Biologist Salary Australia: What the Data Shows

If you are researching the marine biologist salary Australia, you will find that official pay figures are scarce. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for this occupation, so we cannot give you a precise number. But we can use industry benchmarks, award information, and the national salary index to give you a clear picture of where marine biologist pay likely sits.

The National Salary Index and How It Works

Salary Index uses a simple benchmark: the national line of 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Any occupation or industry above 100 pays more than the average; below 100 pays less. For example, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, which gives an index of 48.2. This index helps you compare pay across roles and industries.

What the Official Data Says About Marine Biologists

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are 760 marine biologists employed in Australia. The workforce is 44% female, 26% part-time, and the median age is 41. Importantly, the median weekly earnings are listed as N/A – the ABS does not release this figure for 6-digit ANZSCO occupations because the sample size is too small to be reliable.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics classifies marine biologists under OSCA code 244634. Their main tasks include collecting and analysing samples, studying breeding patterns, monitoring populations, and assessing human impact on marine life. This is a specialised scientific role.

Industry Benchmarks Give the Best Clue

Most marine biologists work in three industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Public Administration and Safety
• Education and Training

Of these, the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry has a salary index of 114.7 – that is an annualised figure of about $124,300. Education and Training sits at 105.5 ($114,300). Public Administration and Safety is not separately listed in our index, but government roles often pay near the national average or slightly above.

Given that marine biologists are skilled life scientists, it is reasonable to expect their pay to be above the national line, likely in the range of index 105 to 115. That would put a full-time marine biologist’s salary somewhere between $113,000 and $124,000 per year before tax. However, this is an estimate based on industry averages, not a direct quote for the role.

Award Coverage and Minimum Pay

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for awards that may cover marine biologists. The most relevant awards include:

• Professional Employees Award – covers many scientific and technical roles.
• Health Services Award – may apply if working in a medical or research setting.
• Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award – relevant for marine biologists working on tourist vessels or charter boats.

Award minimum rates are set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, award minima rose by 4.75%. The entry-level award floor for a full-time adult is about $25.74 per hour, but a qualified marine biologist would be classified at a higher level. Many marine biologists are employed under enterprise agreements or individual contracts that pay above award rates.

State-by-State Variations

Where you work affects your pay. The salary index varies by state and territory:

• ACT: 109.9 ($119,090)
• WA: 106.9 ($115,825)
• NSW: 101.2 ($109,658)
• VIC: 98.0 ($106,137)
• QLD: 97.9 ($106,064)
• NT: 95.2 ($103,173)
• SA: 94.6 ($102,450)
• TAS: 88.6 ($96,008)

Marine biologists are likely concentrated in coastal states like Queensland, NSW, and WA. A marine biologist in Western Australia could earn significantly more than one in Tasmania, even before accounting for cost of living.

Superannuation and Tax

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on a salary of $120,000, your employer would contribute $14,400 to super. For tax, the 2026–27 resident 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. A marine biologist earning $120,000 would pay about $26,000 in tax and Medicare, leaving a take-home of roughly $94,000. This is a rough estimate and ignores HELP repayments or salary sacrifice.

The Bottom Line

While the exact marine biologist salary Australia figure is not published, the evidence points to above-average earnings. The industry index of 114.7 for professional scientific services, combined with the specialised nature of the role, suggests a full-time salary around index 105–115. That is well above the national minimum wage (index 48.2) and above the all-occupations average. For a more precise figure, you would need to check specific job advertisements or enterprise agreements in your state.

For more context, see our Salary Index, industries page, and how the index works. You can also explore states to compare regional pay.