What a research assistant salary looks like after tax and super in 2026

What a research assistant salary means in practice

A research assistant salary is a common entry point into academic or scientific careers, but its dollar figure can be hard to pin down without knowing the specific award classification, university, or funding source. This article uses publicly available information from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to explain where a research assistant salary sits against national benchmarks, and what it looks like after super and tax.

The salary index as a ruler

Salary Index uses a simple benchmark: 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A research assistant salary can be compared to this line. For example, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 annualised, giving an index of 48.2. The education and training industry average index is 105.5, but that includes senior academics and administrators. A typical research assistant salary likely falls between these two points, perhaps around 60 to 80 on the index, depending on experience and classification.

Award coverage for research assistants

Most research assistants in Australian universities are covered by the Higher Education Industry – Academic Staff – Award [MA000006] or the Educational Services (Post-Secondary Education) Award [MA000075]. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for both awards, which list minimum hourly rates for each classification level. For academic staff, Level A (typically research assistant or associate lecturer) has multiple steps. The exact rates are not reproduced here because they change with annual wage reviews, but the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database provides the latest 2026 data, updated to reflect the 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review 2026.

Research assistants in private research organisations or industry may fall under the Professional Employees Award [MA000065] or the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] if their work is health-related. The key is to check the specific award that applies to your employer and role.

Gross pay: what the award says

Award minimum rates are just that – minimums. Many universities pay above award, especially for research assistants with postgraduate qualifications or specialised skills. Enterprise agreements often set higher rates. Without a specific classification, we can’t give a precise research assistant salary figure, but we can use the national line to gauge. If a research assistant earns $70,000 gross per year, that’s an index of 64.6. If they earn $80,000, the index rises to 73.8. Both are below the education industry average of 105.5, which is expected for early-career roles.

Superannuation adds 12%

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, paid on top of gross salary. For a research assistant earning $70,000 gross, the employer must contribute an additional $8,400 to super, making total remuneration $78,400. The super guarantee maximum contribution base is $270,830, so full super applies to virtually all research assistant salaries. This is a significant part of total compensation, even though it’s not accessible until retirement.

Tax and take-home pay

Resident tax rates for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) are:

• Nil up to $18,200
• 15% from $18,201 to $45,000
• 30% from $45,001 to $135,000
• 37% from $135,001 to $190,000
• 45% above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A research assistant earning $70,000 gross would pay approximately $11,467 in income tax and $1,400 Medicare levy, leaving about $57,133 take-home pay. This estimate assumes the tax-free threshold and no HELP debt, salary sacrifice, or Medicare levy surcharge. The actual amount depends on individual circumstances.

How states compare

Where you work affects the salary index because state averages differ. The states page shows that the ACT has the highest index at 109.9 ($119,090 annualised), while Tasmania is lowest at 88.6 ($96,008). A research assistant salary of $70,000 would be below the state average everywhere, but the gap is smaller in lower-index states. For example, in Tasmania, $70,000 is index 72.9, closer to the state average of 88.6 than in the ACT where the average is much higher.

Industry context

The industries page shows that education and training has an index of 105.5, while professional, scientific and technical services is 114.7. Research assistants in universities are part of education and training, but those in private R&D firms fall under professional services. Both industries pay above the national minimum, but research assistant roles are typically at the lower end of the industry distribution.

Where to find exact rates

For a precise research assistant salary, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for your award, or use the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. The how the index works page explains how to convert any gross figure to an index number. Remember that award rates are minimums; actual pay may be higher.

Key takeaways

• A research assistant salary is usually covered by a higher education or professional award.
• Gross pay likely falls between the national minimum wage index (48.2) and the education industry index (105.5).
• Super guarantee adds 12% on top of gross salary.
• Take-home pay after tax and Medicare is roughly 82% of gross for a $70,000 salary.
• Use the Salary Index to compare any research assistant salary against the national line.

This article is based on publicly available information from the Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work Commission, and Australian Bureau of Statistics. For the most current rates, always check the official pay guides and award databases.