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Data Scientist Salary: How State and Award Can Move the Figure Off the National Line

A data scientist's salary often exceeds the national full-time average of $108,352, but state and award conditions can move it further.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Data Scientist Salary: How State and Award Can Move the Figure Off the National Line

The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings in Australia is $2,083.70, or about $108,352 a year, according to the ABS. This is the site's line. For a data scientist, typically classified as a professional, pay often exceeds that figure. The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey shows professionals earn an average hourly rate of $64.50, which on a 38-hour week translates to about $127,452 per year – well above the national average. However, the actual salary can vary significantly by state and award coverage.

How State Affects the Figure

State full-time averages differ markedly. In the Australian Capital Territory, the full-time average is $119,090; in Western Australia it is $115,825; in New South Wales $109,658; in Victoria $106,137; in Queensland $106,064; in South Australia $102,450; in the Northern Territory $103,173; and in Tasmania $96,008. A data scientist in the ACT may earn even more than the national average, while one in Tasmania may be closer to the national line. The state's overall earnings level influences local pay rates, and data scientists in high-paying states often command a premium.

How Awards Affect the Figure

Awards set minimum pay rates. The Professional Employees Award covers many data scientists. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose 4.75%. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, about $52,255 per year. Award rates for professionals are higher, but many data scientists are paid under individual arrangements, which can push salary above the national average. The ABS reports that individual arrangement is the most common method of setting pay for professionals, often resulting in higher earnings.

Putting It Together

The national full-time average is $108,352. A data scientist's salary often exceeds that, but state and award conditions can move it further. In high-paying states like ACT or Western Australia, the salary may be even higher. In lower-paying states, it may be closer to the national line. Award coverage ensures a minimum, but most data scientists earn above award. The full-time median is $90,532, and the all-employees median is $74,100, so a data scientist's pay is typically above both medians. Tax brackets for 2026–27 apply: nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above, plus the 2% Medicare levy. A data scientist earning $127,452 falls in the 30% bracket.

Place a salary on the line to see how your data scientist salary compares. See States and territories for more details on state averages. For a deeper look at how figures are set, visit How the figures are set.

Questions

What is the average salary for a data scientist in Australia?

The ABS does not publish a specific figure for data scientists, but they are typically classified as professionals. The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey reports an average hourly rate of $64.50 for professionals, which on a 38-hour week translates to about $127,452 per year. This is above the national full-time average of $108,352.

How does the state affect a data scientist's salary?

State full-time averages vary. For example, the ACT average is $119,090 and Western Australia is $115,825, while Tasmania is $96,008. A data scientist in a high-paying state may earn more than the national average, while one in a lower-paying state may be closer to it. The state's overall earnings level influences local pay rates.

How do awards affect data scientist pay?

Many data scientists are covered by the Professional Employees Award, which sets minimum rates. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose 4.75%. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($52,255 per year). However, most data scientists are paid under individual arrangements, which often exceed award rates and can push salary above the national average.

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