Nuclear engineer salary in Australia: where it sits on the salary index

What is a nuclear engineer salary in Australia?

If you're asking about a nuclear engineer salary in Australia, the short answer is that it depends on where you work, your experience, and whether you're covered by an award or an enterprise agreement. There is no single classification called 'nuclear engineer' in the national award system, but we can look at the closest benchmarks: the ANSTO Enterprise Award 2016 (covering the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) and industry data from the Fair Work Commission.

To make sense of any salary figure, the Salary Index compares annual gross earnings to the national line. Index 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A figure below 100 means below the national average; above 100 means above.

ANSTO award rates as a guide

The ANSTO Enterprise Award 2016 includes professional and research streams that are relevant for nuclear scientists and engineers. These are minimum rates set by the Fair Work Commission, effective from 1 July 2026. For the Professional Stream:

• PO Level 1: $62,446 per year (index 57.6)
• PO Level 2: $76,787 (index 70.9)
• SPO Level 1: $85,582 (index 79.0)
• SPO Level 2: $93,768 (index 86.5)
• SPO Level 3: $105,462 (index 97.3)

In the Research Stream:

• Post Doctoral Fellow: $73,754 (index 68.1)
• Research Scientist (RS): $76,787 (index 70.9)
• Senior Research Scientist (SRS): $93,768 (index 86.5)
• Principal Research Scientist (PRS): $107,095 (index 98.8)

Senior management roles (Corporate Level 1) start at $109,109 (index 100.7), pushing above the national line. These are award rates – actual salaries for experienced nuclear engineers in the private sector, especially in mining or energy, are often higher.

Industry context from the Fair Work Commission

The Fair Work Commission's Statistical Report (2024) shows average hourly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees in industries where nuclear engineers might work. In 'Electricity, gas, water and waste services' (which includes nuclear-related energy), award-only employees earned $35.00 per hour on average in May 2023. Those on collective agreements earned $61.20 per hour, and those on individual arrangements earned $58.30 per hour. In the Mining industry (relevant for uranium mining), award-only averaged $36.30 per hour, collective agreements $64.90, and individual arrangements $72.60.

These figures suggest that a nuclear engineer on a collective or individual agreement could earn well above the award minima, potentially placing them at index 80–120 or higher depending on hours and seniority.

How the salary index applies to nuclear engineer salary

The how the index works page explains that index 100 is the benchmark for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. For a nuclear engineer earning $90,000 per year, the index would be 83.1. At $120,000, it would be 110.8. The national minimum wage (index 48.2) is far below, so even entry-level nuclear roles are comfortably above that floor.

Award coverage and enterprise agreements

Nuclear engineers are not covered by a single modern award. The ANSTO award is an enterprise award for that specific organisation. In other workplaces, the Professional Employees Award 2020 may apply to engineers and scientists. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides to confirm which award covers a particular role. Enterprise agreements can set higher rates than the award.

Take-home pay and superannuation

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (with tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy), a nuclear engineer earning $90,000 would take home approximately $68,500 after tax and Medicare. Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so the employer contributes an additional $10,800 on that salary. The industries page shows that Professional, Scientific and Technical Services has an index of 114.7, indicating that many professionals in that sector earn above the national line.

Where does a nuclear engineer salary sit?

Based on the available data, a nuclear engineer salary in Australia typically sits between index 58 (entry-level award) and index 100+ (senior or private sector). It is a well-above-minimum-wage profession, but precise figures depend on the employer, location, and experience. For the most current rates, refer to the relevant award or enterprise agreement.

FAQs

What is the average nuclear engineer salary in Australia?

There is no official average for 'nuclear engineer' as a distinct occupation. Based on the ANSTO Enterprise Award 2016, professional and research roles range from about $62,000 to $107,000 per year (index 57.6 to 98.8). Senior management and specialist roles can exceed $109,000 (index 100+). Market rates in mining or energy may be higher, with collective agreement averages around $61–$65 per hour in related industries.

How does a nuclear engineer salary compare to other professions on the salary index?

Using the salary index (100 = $108,352), entry-level nuclear engineer roles under the ANSTO award sit around index 58–71, comparable to early-career professionals in scientific services. Senior roles (index 86–99) align with experienced professionals in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (index 114.7). The national minimum wage is index 48.2, so nuclear engineers are generally well above that.

Which award covers nuclear engineers in Australia?

There is no single modern award for nuclear engineers. The ANSTO Enterprise Award 2016 covers employees at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, with classifications for Professional Officers, Research Scientists, and Technical Officers. Nuclear engineers in other sectors may fall under the Professional Employees Award 2020, the Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award, or enterprise-specific agreements. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for the correct award.