Microbiologist salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
Public data doesn't give a precise microbiologist salary figure. We explain where the role sits on the national salary index using industry and professional benchmarks.
A precise median weekly earnings figure for microbiologists is not published by the ABS, but the role typically falls within the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (index 114.7) and the broader Professionals category (hourly median $64.50).
Microbiologist salary and the Australian salary index
If you’re looking for a simple number for a microbiologist salary in Australia, the public data doesn’t give one. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for the 6-digit occupation code 234517 (Microbiologists) because the survey sample is too small for a reliable estimate. That doesn’t mean we can’t place the role on the salary index. The index compares any gross annual salary to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line, which is set at 100. In May 2026 that line was $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year.
What the data does tell us
Jobs and Skills Australia profiles the occupation from the 2021 Census. There were about 760 microbiologists employed, 78% working full-time, with a median age of 37. Women make up 65% of the workforce. The average full-time week is 41 hours, slightly below the all-occupations average of 44 hours. The main industries are Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Manufacturing; and Health Care and Social Assistance.
Each of those industries has its own salary index. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sits at 114.7 – about 14.7% above the national line. Health Care and Social Assistance is at 97.8, slightly below. Manufacturing is not listed in the on-site reference but would be closer to the national average. So a microbiologist working for a consulting firm or research lab is likely to earn more than one in a hospital or food-processing plant.
Using the Professionals benchmark
The ABS does publish median hourly earnings for the broad occupation group “Professionals”. In August 2025 that was $64.50 per hour. For a full-time professional working 38 hours a week (the standard used in the index), that works out to about $2,451 per week, annualised $127,452 – an index of roughly 117.6. That’s a useful guide, but it covers everyone from lawyers to engineers. Microbiologists are a small subset and may earn less or more depending on specialisation.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Some microbiologists are covered by the Health Services Award, which sets minimum pay rates for health professionals. From 1 October 2026 the award’s minimum rates increased as part of the annual wage review. The exact classification for a microbiologist under that award depends on qualifications and duties. The pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman list the current minimum hourly rates. These are floors, not typical salaries. Most experienced microbiologists earn above the award.
For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week, index 48.2). An entry-level award classification might be around $25.74 per hour. A microbiologist with a degree and several years’ experience would expect to be well above that.
State and location differences
Where you work matters. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9, the Australian Capital Territory 109.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. Microbiologists in Perth or Canberra may earn more than those in Hobart, reflecting general labour market conditions. The same occupation can pay differently across state borders.
Superannuation and tax
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of your gross salary from 1 July 2026. The maximum contribution base is $270,830. For a microbiologist earning $100,000, that’s an extra $12,000 into super. Take-home pay after tax and the 2% Medicare levy depends on your taxable income. Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates, a gross salary of $108,352 (index 100) would leave about $80,500 after tax and Medicare. A microbiologist on $120,000 (index 110.8) would take home roughly $87,500.
Where the index helps
The salary index is a simple way to compare any role against the national line. If you know your gross annual salary, divide it by $108,352 and multiply by 100. That’s your index. For example, $120,000 gives 110.8 – about 10.8% above the average full-time adult. The industries page shows how whole sectors compare. The how the index works page explains the calculation in detail.
What about casual or part-time work?
About 22% of microbiologists work part-time. Casual employees get a loading – typically 25% on top of the minimum hourly rate. The national minimum casual rate from 1 July 2026 is $33.05 per hour. Part-time and casual microbiologists may have lower annual earnings, but the index can still be applied to their weekly or hourly pay.
Summary
A precise microbiologist salary figure is not available from public sources, but the role sits within a professional, science-based industry that pays above the national average. Using the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services index of 114.7 as a guide, a typical full-time microbiologist might earn around $124,000 to $130,000 gross per year. That’s an index of 114 to 120. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, location, and award coverage. For the most current award rates, check the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
FAQs
(FAQs are provided in the faqs array above.)
Questions people ask
What is the average salary for a microbiologist in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for microbiologists (ANZSCO 234517) because the sample size is too small for a reliable estimate. However, microbiologists are classified as Life Scientists and typically work in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, an industry with a salary index of 114.7 (annualised $124,000+). The broader Professionals category had median hourly earnings of $64.50 in August 2025. Actual salaries depend on experience, location, and whether you are covered by an award or enterprise agreement.
How does a microbiologist salary compare to the national average?
Without a specific median, we can compare the industry. The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (index 100) is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year). The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry index is 114.7, meaning average earnings in that industry are about 14.7% above the national line. Microbiologists in health care or manufacturing may see indices closer to 97.8 or 75.9 respectively. The salary index is a gross benchmark; your actual position depends on your role and employer.
What factors affect a microbiologist's pay in Australia?
Key factors include: industry (Professional services pays higher than manufacturing or health care), experience level, location (WA index 106.9, ACT 109.9, Tasmania 88.6), and whether you are covered by the Health Services Award or a collective agreement. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), but most microbiologists earn well above that. Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy (2%) depends on your taxable income.