Astronomer salary in Australia: what you can expect to take home in 2026–27

Astronomer salary overview

If you're considering a career as an astronomer in Australia, you'll find that pay varies significantly depending on the specific role, employer, and your level of experience. Data from shows that the median astrophysicist salary is around AU$83,000 per year, with a typical range from $59,000 to $121,000. Job advertisements on for related positions, such as Satellite and Space Technical Specialist at the Bureau of Meteorology, offer salaries between $99,734 and $111,701 plus superannuation. A Field Team Supervisor role for the SKA-Low Telescope project pays $118,000 to $127,000 plus super. These figures are generally above the national minimum wage but below the full-time adult ordinary time earnings benchmark.

According to , the occupation "Physicists (including Astronomers)" employs about 1,500 people nationally. The median age is 41, and 26% are female. Most work full-time (87%), averaging 41 hours per week. The data does not provide median weekly earnings for this specific 6-digit occupation, but the broader category gives context.

How astronomer pay compares to benchmarks

The Benchmarks page shows that the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 annually. Full-time adult ordinary time earnings (excluding overtime and employer super) are $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year. An astronomer earning $83,000 is above the minimum but below the average full-time worker. Even the higher end of the range ($121,000) is above the full-time average. However, note that many astronomer roles require advanced degrees and specialised skills, which can justify higher pay. The lower end of the PayScale range ($59,000) is close to the minimum wage annualised, but such roles may be entry-level or part-time.

Estimating your take-home pay

To understand what reaches your bank account, you need to deduct income tax and the Medicare levy. Using the 2026–27 tax rates, on a salary of $83,000:

• Tax on first $18,200: $0
• Tax on $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200 = $4,020
• Tax on $45,001 to $83,000: 30c per $1 over $45,000 = $11,400
• Total tax before offsets: $15,420
• Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): For incomes over $45,000, LITO is $325 minus 1.5c per $1 over $45,000. At $83,000, the reduction is $570, so LITO is $0.
• Medicare levy: 2% of $83,000 = $1,660. Full-time salaries always pay the full 2% because they exceed the single upper threshold of $35,013.
• Total deductions: $15,420 + $1,660 = $17,080
• Take-home pay: $83,000 - $17,080 = $65,920 per year, or about $1,267 per week, $2,535 per fortnight.

For a higher salary of $120,000:

• Tax: $4,020 on first $45,000, plus 30c on $45,001-$120,000 = $22,500, total $26,520
• Medicare: $2,400
• Total: $28,920
• Take-home: $91,080 per year.

For a lower salary of $60,000:

• Tax: $4,020 on $45,000, plus 30c on $45,001-$60,000 = $4,500, total $8,520
• LITO: $325 - 1.5c on $15,000 over $45,000 = $325 - $225 = $100
• Tax after LITO: $8,420
• Medicare: $1,200
• Total: $9,620
• Take-home: $50,380.

These estimates exclude HELP/HECS, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge. Use the Take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation and salary packaging

Employer superannuation contributions are 12% from 1 July 2026, on top of your salary. For a $83,000 salary, that's an extra $9,960 into your super fund. Job ads often state "plus super", meaning the quoted figure is before super. Some employers offer salary packaging options, which can reduce your taxable income and increase take-home pay. See Salary packaging for more details. Also, the Tax and Medicare page explains the full tax system.

Where astronomers work

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, physicists (including astronomers) are employed in industries such as Scientific Research Services, Government Administration, and Education. The SKA-Low Telescope project in Western Australia is a major employer, as is the Bureau of Meteorology. The occupation is small but specialised, with steady demand for research and technical roles. The average full-time hours of 41 per week are slightly below the all-occupations average of 44, reflecting the research-oriented nature of the work.