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Marine biologist salary: what the official data shows and why it varies

The ABS does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for marine biologists, so a precise salary cannot be given; the occupation's pay is best understood through national averages and the factors that shift individual earnings.

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

Marine biologist salary: what the official data shows

If you are looking for a single, precise figure for a marine biologist salary in Australia, the short answer is that no official median weekly earnings are published for this occupation. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, does not produce a median for ANZSCO 6‑digit occupations because the sample is too small. Jobs and Skills Australia reports 'N/A' for median weekly earnings. This does not mean marine biologists earn nothing – it means the data is not reliable enough to quote.

Where the national line sits

The site's line is the national full‑time adult ordinary‑time average: $2,083.70 a week, about $108,208 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, × 52). This is the average for all full‑time non‑managerial employees paid at the adult rate. For context, the full‑time median is about $90,532 a year (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). The all‑employees median is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, about $52,255 a year on 38 hours.

Marine biologists are professionals (Life Scientists, ANZSCO 2345). The average for all Life Scientists is not published either. The only guide is the national average. Because no marine biologist median is available, you cannot say whether they sit above or below that line. The angle of this article is why a state or an award can move the figure off the national line.

State differences

The full‑time average varies by state. New South Wales full‑time average about $109,658; Victoria full‑time average about $106,137; Queensland full‑time average about $106,064; South Australia full‑time average about $102,102; Western Australia full‑time average about $115,825; Tasmania full‑time average about $96,008; Northern Territory full‑time average about $103,173; Australian Capital Territory full‑time average about $119,090. A marine biologist in Western Australia could earn more than the national average, while one in Tasmania may earn less.

Award and sector

The method of setting pay also matters. The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025 shows that for all employees, individual arrangement is the most common method (38.5%), followed by collective agreement (34.6%). For professionals, the median hourly earnings are $64.50. Marine biologists may be covered by the Professional Employees Award or a specific enterprise agreement. The public sector often pays higher than the private sector. The national full‑time average for public sector is $2,154.00 for females and $2,399.30 for males. Private sector full‑time average is $2,139.50 for males and $1,840.80 for females.

What the data says

Jobs and Skills Australia provides other data about marine biologists. The 2021 Census shows that 74% of marine biologists work full‑time hours, average 41 hours per week. The median age is 41 years. Female share is 44%. These demographics affect earnings. A full‑time marine biologist with 20 years experience will earn more than a new graduate.

How to use this site

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States and territories Job medians Industry medians [Guides](/blog] How the figures are set About this site

Conclusion

A marine biologist salary is not a single number. The ABS does not publish a median for this occupation. The national average is $108,352 per year. The actual salary will depend on state, sector, experience, and award. Use the state averages as a starting point. If you are a marine biologist in Western Australia, you may earn $115,825. If you are in Tasmania, you may earn $96,008. The site line is the national average. Your salary may be above or below.

Questions

Why is there no median salary for marine biologists?

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours does not produce median weekly earnings for ANZSCO 6‑digit occupations such as Marine Biologists (234516). This is because the sample size is too small to produce a reliable estimate. Jobs and Skills Australia also reports 'N/A' for median weekly earnings. For a broader view, you can look at the median for all Life Scientists (ANZSCO 2345) or the national full‑time adult average.

How does the national full‑time average compare to what a marine biologist might earn?

The national full‑time adult ordinary‑time average is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year) according to ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. Marine biologists, as professionals, may earn above or below this depending on experience, sector, and location. Without a published median, it is not possible to say exactly where they sit, but the national average provides a benchmark.

What factors can push a marine biologist's salary above or below the national line?

State of employment is a major factor: the full‑time average in Western Australia is $115,825 per year, while in Tasmania it is $96,008. The type of employer also matters – public‑sector roles often follow collective agreements, while private‑sector roles may be set by individual arrangement. Award coverage (e.g., the Professional Employees Award) can set minimum rates, but many marine biologists are covered by enterprise agreements or individual contracts. Experience and specialisation further influence pay.

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