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Forensic Scientist Salary in Australia: How It Compares to the National Average

The ABS does not publish a specific salary for forensic scientists. The median weekly earnings for the broader Professionals category was $1,900 in August 2025, which is below the national full-time adult average of $2,083.70 per week.

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

How much does a forensic scientist earn in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific salary figure for forensic scientists. The occupation is too narrow to appear in the agency's regular earnings surveys. However, forensic scientists fall under the broad occupation group Professionals, for which the ABS does provide data.

According to the ABS Employee Earnings survey for August 2025, the median weekly earnings for all Professionals in their main job was $1,900. That works out to roughly $98,800 per year (assuming 52 weeks). This figure includes both full-time and part‑time workers, so the typical full‑time forensic scientist would likely earn more, but the ABS does not break down the Professionals median by full‑time status.

How does this compare to the national full‑time average?

The national benchmark used on this site is the full‑time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. That figure is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. The Professionals median of $1,900 per week sits $183.70 below that average.

For context, the full‑time median (all occupations) was $1,741 per week ($90,532 per year) in August 2025, and the all‑employees median was $1,425 per week ($74,100 per year). The Professionals median is higher than both, reflecting the skilled nature of the work.

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week on a 38‑hour week, or $52,255 per year. A forensic scientist earning at the Professionals median would be earning well above the minimum.

State and territory differences

Where you work matters. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey gives full‑time adult ordinary time averages by state (May 2026):

  • Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20 per week ($119,090 per year)
  • Western Australia: $2,227.40 per week ($115,825 per year)
  • New South Wales: $2,108.80 per week ($109,658 per year)
  • Victoria: $2,041.10 per week ($106,137 per year)
  • Queensland: $2,039.70 per week ($106,064 per year)
  • Northern Territory: $1,984.10 per week ($103,173 per year)
  • South Australia: $1,970.20 per week ($102,450 per year)
  • Tasmania: $1,846.30 per week ($96,008 per year)

These are averages for all full‑time adults, not just forensic scientists. But they show that pay tends to be highest in the ACT and WA, and lowest in Tasmania and SA. A forensic scientist working in the ACT might expect a premium relative to the national average.

What about the public sector?

Many forensic scientists work for government forensic laboratories or police services. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey shows that the public sector full‑time adult ordinary time average is $2,263.10 per week ($117,681 per year), compared to the private sector average of $2,034.10 per week ($105,773 per year). Public sector employment often comes with additional benefits such as superannuation and job security, which can affect overall compensation.

How the figures are set

The national full‑time average is calculated from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, which samples employers. The median figures come from the ABS Employee Earnings survey, which samples employees. Both are official statistics. For a deeper look at how these numbers are produced, see How the figures are set.

Where to next?

If you want to see how your own salary compares, you can Place a salary on the line and see where it sits against the national full‑time average. For a broader view of pay across different roles, visit Job medians. And if you're curious about how earnings vary by location, check out States and territories.

Summary

  • The ABS does not publish a specific salary for forensic scientists.
  • The closest available figure is the Professionals median of $1,900 per week ($98,800 per year).
  • This is below the national full‑time adult average of $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year).
  • Pay varies by state, with the ACT and WA offering the highest averages.
  • Public sector forensic scientists may earn more than their private sector counterparts.

For more guidance on understanding Australian salary data, see our Guides.

Questions

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

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific average salary for forensic scientists. However, forensic scientists are classified as Professionals. According to the ABS Employee Earnings survey for August 2025, the median weekly earnings for all Professionals was $1,900, equating to approximately $98,800 per year. This is below the national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 ($108,352 per year) from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026.

How does a forensic scientist's salary compare to the national full-time average?

Using the Professionals median as a proxy, a forensic scientist's typical earnings are lower than the national full-time adult average. The national full-time average is $2,083.70 per week, while the Professionals median is $1,900 per week. However, note that the Professionals median includes part-time workers; full-time Professionals likely earn more, but the ABS does not provide a full-time median for this occupation.

What factors affect a forensic scientist's salary in Australia?

Factors include experience, location, employer (government vs private), and qualifications. The ABS data shows that the Australian Capital Territory has the highest median weekly earnings at $1,600 per week (all employees), while Tasmania and South Australia have the lowest at $1,300. Forensic scientists employed by government forensic laboratories may be covered by public sector awards or enterprise agreements, which can affect pay.

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