Medical laboratory scientist salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
Medical laboratory scientist salary in Australia: median weekly earnings $2,056, index 99. Award rates, state comparisons, and how pay stacks up against the national line.
The median full-time medical laboratory scientist earns about $2,056 per week, giving a salary index of 99 – very close to the national line of 100.
What does a medical laboratory scientist earn in Australia?
If you’re looking up a medical laboratory scientist salary, the most reliable starting point is the median weekly earnings published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and reported by Jobs and Skills Australia. For full-time non-managerial employees, the median is $2,056 per week – that’s about $106,912 a year before tax. Hourly, it works out to $56.
To put that in perspective, the national line for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week (index 100). So the median medical laboratory scientist sits at index 99 – almost exactly average. That’s a solid middle-ground salary, above the national minimum wage (index 48.2) and slightly above the health care and social assistance industry average (index 97.8).
How the salary index works
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national benchmark of $108,352 (index 100). A medical laboratory scientist earning the median $106,912 gets an index of 99. If you earn the award minimum for a Level 2.2 health professional ($1,983.20/week, annualised $103,126), your index is 95. At Level 4 ($2,499.10/week, $129,953), the index jumps to 120.
Award minimums and career progression
Medical laboratory scientists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The award sets minimum pay rates based on qualifications and years of experience:
- Level 1 (AQF Diploma, entry-level): $1,232.70–$1,541.30 per week (index 59–74)
- Level 2 (AQF Bachelor degree, typical for scientists): $1,945.40–$1,983.20 per week (index 93–95)
- Level 3 (senior scientist): $1,983.20 per week (index 95)
- Level 4 (manager or specialist): $2,499.10 per week (index 120)
Most medical laboratory scientists enter at Level 2 after completing a three-year degree. With experience, you move through Level 2 sub-classifications (2.1, 2.2) and can progress to Level 3 or 4. The median $2,056 falls between Level 2.2 and Level 3, suggesting many experienced scientists are paid above the award minimum.
Superannuation and tax
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%. On the median salary of $106,912, that’s an extra $12,829 paid into your super fund each year. For a resident with the tax-free threshold, estimated take-home pay (excluding HELP or salary sacrifice) is about $79,000 after income tax and the 2% Medicare levy.
State and industry context
Where you work matters. The states index shows that the same salary goes further in lower-cost states. For example, the ACT index is 109.9 (highest), while Tasmania is 88.6 (lowest). A medical laboratory scientist in Sydney (NSW index 101.2) might earn the same nominal wage as one in Hobart but have higher housing costs.
By industry, health care and social assistance sits at index 97.8 – close to the scientist median. But if you work in a private pathology lab classified under professional services, the industry index is 114.7, which may push pay higher.
Is the median reliable?
The ABS median is based on full-time non-managerial employees paid at adult rate. It excludes part-time, casual, and junior workers. About 75% of medical laboratory scientists work full-time, so the median represents the majority. However, casual rates (usually 25% loading) can push hourly pay to around $70, though without leave entitlements.
For the most current award rates, check the pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award is updated regularly – the latest version (1 October 2026) includes a 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review.
Bottom line
A medical laboratory scientist salary sits right around the national average – index 99. It’s a stable, professional wage backed by a strong award structure. With experience and specialisation, you can move well above the line, especially into Level 4 roles. If you’re comparing job offers, use the Salary Index to see how each figure stacks up against the national benchmark.
Questions people ask
What is the average salary for a medical laboratory scientist in Australia?
The median full-time weekly earnings for medical laboratory scientists are $2,056, according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reported by Jobs and Skills Australia. That annualises to about $106,912. However, actual pay depends on experience, location, and whether you work in public or private healthcare. Award minimums under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award start around $1,945 per week for Level 2.1.
How does a medical laboratory scientist salary compare to the national average?
The national line (index 100) is $2,083.70 per week, so the median medical laboratory scientist salary of $2,056 gives an index of 99 – essentially on par with the average full-time adult ordinary-time earner. By comparison, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2. Medical laboratory scientists earn more than the health care and social assistance industry average (index 97.8) and well above retail (75.9) or accommodation (72.5).
Which award covers medical laboratory scientists?
Medical laboratory scientists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). Under this award, they are classified as Health Professional employees at Levels 1 to 4, depending on qualifications and experience. Minimum weekly rates range from $1,232.70 (Level 1, first year) to $2,499.10 (Level 4). Most scientists enter at Level 2 after completing a relevant degree.