Medical scientist salary: awards, median pay and the national line
Understand the medical scientist salary in Australia, including median earnings, award coverage, and how it compares to the national minimum wage and full-time adult ordinary-time
The median full-time medical scientist salary sits at an index of approximately 99, just below the national average of 100.
Medical scientist salary: awards, median pay and the national line
When people ask about a medical scientist salary, they are usually looking for a reliable figure that tells them what someone in this profession can expect to earn. The answer depends on whether you look at median market pay, award rates, or the national minimum wage. This article explains where the medical scientist salary sits against the national line and how awards shape the floor for pay.
What the data shows
Jobs and Skills Australia, using ABS data from May 2025, reports that medical laboratory scientists (the ANZSCO group that includes most medical scientists) have a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,056. That works out to about $106,912 a year before tax. The national benchmark for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 annualised. So the medical scientist salary index is roughly 99 — just a tick below the national average of 100.
The median hourly rate is $56. That is more than double the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (index 48.2) and well above the typical award floor for entry-level health professionals.
Awards set the floor, not the ceiling
Most medical scientists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (the Health Services Award) or a state-based award like the NSW Hospital Scientists (State) Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that the Fair Work Commission has changed the Health Services Award as part of its gender undervaluation review. From 1 October 2026, health professionals under this award will see classification changes and pay increases, with further rises scheduled through to 30 June 2030.
Award rates are minimum rates. They are lower than the median market salary. For example, a Level 1 health professional with a bachelor degree and one year of experience will have a base rate set by the award. But the median $56 per hour suggests that most medical scientists earn significantly more than the award minimum, especially with experience.
How the salary index works
The Salary Index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings). A score of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. A score of 48.2 is the national minimum wage. The medical scientist median of $106,912 gives an index of about 99. That means the typical medical scientist earns slightly less than the average full-time worker across all occupations.
State and industry context
Salaries vary by state. For instance, the states page shows that NSW has an index of 101.2, Victoria 98, and Western Australia 106.9. Medical scientists in WA might earn above the national median due to the mining and resources sector pulling up wages generally. The industries page shows that health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8, which is close to the medical scientist median.
What about super and tax?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. So on a $106,912 salary, the employer would contribute about $12,829 to super. For tax, a resident earning $106,912 in 2026–27 would pay roughly $24,967 in income tax plus the 2% Medicare levy ($2,138), leaving about $79,807 take-home pay (ignoring HELP or other adjustments).
Where awards matter most
Awards matter most for early-career medical scientists and those in public hospitals. The NSW Hospital Scientists (State) Award 2025, for example, sets classifications from Hospital Scientist through to Principal Hospital Scientist, with salaries tied to the Health Professionals Salaries (State) Award. These rates are public and form the legal minimum. But many medical scientists in private labs or senior roles earn above award.
The bottom line
The medical scientist salary sits just below the national average, with a median index of about 99. Award rates are lower but are being increased over the next few years. For anyone negotiating pay, the median figure from Jobs and Skills Australia is a solid benchmark. Use the pay guides and how the index works to compare any offer against the national line.
Key takeaways
- Median full-time weekly earnings: $2,056 (index ~99).
- Median hourly: $56, well above the national minimum wage.
- Award coverage: Health Services Award (federal) or state awards; rates are being updated from October 2026.
- Super guarantee: 12% from 1 July 2026.
- Tax: use the topics page for more on take-home pay estimates.
For a deeper look at how different occupations compare, visit the Salary Index homepage.
Questions people ask
What is the average medical scientist salary in Australia?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for medical laboratory scientists is $2,056 as of May 2025. This annualises to about $106,912, which is slightly below the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark of $108,352 (index 100). The median hourly rate is $56.
Are medical scientists covered by an award?
Yes. Many medical scientists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (Health Services Award) or state-specific awards such as the NSW Hospital Scientists (State) Award. The Fair Work Commission has recently updated the Health Services Award classification structure and introduced pay increases for health professionals from 1 October 2026.
How does the medical scientist salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). The median hourly rate for medical scientists of $56 is more than double the minimum wage. Even entry-level award rates are above the national minimum, though specific award minima were not available in the search results.