Zoologist salary: what Australian zoologists earn by state and industry
Find out how the zoologist salary compares to the national index. State and industry differences explained using ABS and Fair Work data.
Median weekly earnings for zoologists are not published by the ABS, but the occupation sits within life sciences and professional services, where industry indices suggest pay above the national line.
Understanding the zoologist salary landscape
Zoologists study the anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and ecology of animals, both in the wild and in captivity. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the occupation is classified under Life Scientists (244636) and involves tasks such as collecting specimens, assessing wildlife populations, and researching human impacts on animal life. Despite this clear definition, finding a precise **zoologist salary figure is not straightforward. The ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for zoologists because the occupation is a 6-digit ANZSCO code with a small sample size. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that 840 people work as zoologists, with 73% in full-time roles averaging 43 hours per week. The median age is 41, and 47% are women.
Where do zoologists work? State and industry patterns
Zoologists are employed mainly in three industries: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Public Administration and Safety; and Education and Training. The industries page shows that the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector has a salary index of 114.7, well above the national line of 100. That suggests zoologists in private consulting or research labs may earn more than those in government or universities. State employment shares vary: Victoria leads with 23.4%, followed by Queensland (23.1%) and New South Wales (19.5%). South Australia has 5.9%, while Western Australia’s share was not provided in the latest data. State salary indices also differ. For instance, Western Australia’s index is 106.9 and the ACT’s is 109.9, while Tasmania’s is 88.6. A zoologist working in Perth or Canberra could earn significantly more than one in Hobart, even in the same role. You can explore state comparisons on our states page.
How the salary index applies to zoologists
The Salary Index works by dividing a worker’s yearly gross earnings by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line, then multiplying by 100. The national line is $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). If a zoologist earns exactly that, their index is 100. But because no median figure exists, we can only estimate using industry or state benchmarks. For example, a zoologist in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (index 114.7) might earn around $124,300 annually. A zoologist in Western Australia (state index 106.9) might earn about $115,800. These are rough estimates, not guarantees. The how the index works page explains the calculation in more detail.
Awards and minimum pay
Zoologists may be covered by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award [MA000118] or the Professional Employees Award, depending on their employer. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for these awards. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), but award rates are higher. For example, a Level 1 employee under the Animal Care Award earns more than the minimum. Super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, and the maximum contribution base is $270,830. Tax for a resident earning $108,352 (index 100) would be roughly $24,288 plus 2% Medicare levy, leaving about $81,000 after tax. These figures are illustrative; actual take-home pay depends on individual circumstances.
Key takeaways
While a precise zoologist salary is not published, the occupation sits in industries and states with above-average pay indices. Zoologists in professional services or in Western Australia and the ACT are likely to earn more than the national line. For the most current rates, always check the relevant award or enterprise agreement. The topics page has more guides on similar occupations.
Questions people ask
What is the typical zoologist salary in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for zoologists because the occupation is a 6-digit ANZSCO code with a small sample size. However, zoologists often work in professional, scientific and technical services, an industry with a salary index of 114.7 (above the national line of 100). Using that benchmark, a full-time zoologist might earn around $124,300 per year, but actual pay depends on experience, employer, and location.
How does zoologist pay differ by state?
State salary indices show significant variation. For example, Western Australia’s index is 106.9 and the ACT’s is 109.9, while Tasmania’s is 88.6. Zoologists in WA or the ACT may earn more than those in Tasmania, even in similar roles. Employment is concentrated in Victoria (23.4%), Queensland (23.1%), and New South Wales (19.5%), where state indices are close to the national average.
What award covers zoologists and what are the minimum pay rates?
Zoologists may be covered by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award [MA000118] or the Professional Employees Award, depending on their employer. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2). Award rates are higher and vary by classification. For example, a Level 1 employee under the Animal Care Award earns more than the minimum. Always check the relevant pay guide for current rates.