Agronomist salary in Australia
Agronomists are agricultural scientists who advise farmers and agribusinesses on crop production, soil management, and sustainable practices. In Australia, their pay is not published as a separate figure by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, but we can use the median for the Professionals occupation group as a reasonable proxy. This page compares that proxy to the national full-time average, state averages, and the minimum wage.
Where the national full-time average sits
The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings was $2,083.70 in May 2026, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey. That works out to about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52 weeks). This is the benchmark used on this site to show where a salary sits on the line. The full-time median—the middle point for all full-time employees—was about $1,741 per week ($90,532 per year) in August 2025, from the ABS Employee Earnings survey.
How agronomists compare
Agronomists fall under the Professionals occupation group. In August 2025, the median weekly earnings for Professionals in their main job was $1,900 per week, or about $98,800 per year. This is below the national full-time average of $108,352, meaning the typical agronomist earns less than the average full-time worker across all industries. However, it is above the full-time median of $90,532, so agronomists tend to earn more than the middle full-time worker. The gap between the median and the average reflects that higher-paid professionals (such as managers and some specialist scientists) pull the average up.
It is important to note that the $1,900 figure is a median for all employees in the Professionals group, not just agronomists. The ABS does not break down earnings for individual occupations like agronomist. For a more precise estimate, you could look at industry data: agronomists often work in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, or in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. The ABS Employee Earnings survey does not provide industry-by-occupation cross-tabulations in the public release, so the Professionals median remains the best available guide.
State variations
Where you work as an agronomist can affect your pay. The state full-time averages from the ABS (May 2026) are:
- New South Wales: $109,658
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- South Australia: $102,450
- Western Australia: $115,825
- Tasmania: $96,008
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
Agronomists in Western Australia and the ACT may earn above the national average, while those in Tasmania and South Australia may earn below. These averages cover all industries, so agronomist pay within each state could differ. For example, agronomists in agricultural regions of Queensland or NSW might earn differently from the state average.
Minimum wage and awards
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week ($52,255 per year). Agronomists are unlikely to be paid at this rate. Many are covered by the Pastoral Award 2010 or the Professional Employees Award 2020, which set higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Commission increased award minimums by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Under the Professional Employees Award, a graduate agronomist might earn around $70,000–$80,000 per year, while experienced agronomists can earn well above $100,000.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy of 2% applies to most taxpayers. An agronomist earning $98,800 would fall in the 30% bracket and pay about $22,000 in tax plus Medicare levy, leaving around $76,800 after tax. Those earning above the national average would move into the 37% bracket.
Where to get more detail
For a personalised comparison, you can place a salary on the line to see how it stacks up against the national full-time average. You can also explore job medians for other occupations. The ABS publishes detailed earnings data twice a year, and Fair Work provides award coverage information.
Summary
While the ABS does not publish a specific agronomist salary, the Professionals median of $98,800 per year is a useful benchmark. It sits below the national full-time average of $108,352 but above the full-time median. State location, experience, and award coverage all influence actual pay.