Epidemiologist salary in Australia: what you can expect to earn
The average epidemiologist salary in Australia is $102,982 per year, based on job postings and self-reported data, with top employers paying up to $150,000.
What does an epidemiologist earn in Australia?
If you're considering a career in public health or already working as an epidemiologist, you'll want to know what the epidemiologist salary looks like across the country. Based on the most recent job market data, the average base salary for an epidemiologist in Australia is $102,982 per year. This figure comes from Indeed, which analysed job postings and self-reported salaries over the past 36 months. While the sample size is small (4 salaries reported as of June 2026), it gives a useful starting point.
Top-paying employers
Indeed also lists the highest paying companies for epidemiologists, based on average annual pay from job ads:
- Sydney Local Health District: $150,000
- Western Sydney Local Health District: $125,276
- Hunter New England Health: $120,977
- Central Coast Local Health District: $118,595
- NSW Health: $117,945
- Department of Health: $116,398
These figures show that working for a state health district or government department can push your earnings well above the average. Location also matters – roles in Sydney and other major cities tend to pay more.
How the epidemiologist salary compares to national benchmarks
To put the $102,982 average into perspective, let's look at two key benchmarks from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
National minimum wage
The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. For a full-time worker (38 hours per week, 52 weeks), that works out to about $52,255 per year. The average epidemiologist salary is roughly 97% higher than the minimum wage, reflecting the advanced degree and specialist skills typically required.
Full-time adult ordinary time earnings
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey (May 2026, seasonally adjusted) reports that full-time adult ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. The average epidemiologist salary of $102,982 is slightly below this national full-time benchmark, but top-paying roles exceed it. This suggests that while epidemiologists are well-compensated, they are not at the very top of the income distribution for full-time workers.
Take-home pay after tax and Medicare
Your actual take-home pay depends on your total taxable income, including any other jobs or investments. For a resident earning only the average epidemiologist salary of $102,982 in 2026–27, here's how the tax and Medicare levy would apply:
- Income tax: Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates, you pay nil on the first $18,200, then 15c per $1 up to $45,000 ($4,020), then 30c per $1 on the portion from $45,001 to $102,982 (about $17,395). Total tax: approximately $21,420.
- Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): At $102,982, your LITO is reduced to $325 minus 1.5c per $1 over $45,000, which works out to about $0 – the offset phases out completely by $66,667.
- Medicare levy: The full 2% applies because your income exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013. That's $2,060.
- Take-home pay: $102,982 – $21,420 – $2,060 = $79,502 per year, or about $3,058 per fortnight.
Remember, this is a resident estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll rounding. Superannuation is typically paid on top of your salary at 12% from 1 July 2026, so your total employment cost is higher.
Factors that influence your epidemiologist salary
Your actual pay can vary based on:
- Experience: Entry-level roles may start around $80,000, while senior epidemiologists with 10+ years can earn $130,000 or more.
- Location: Salaries in Sydney and Melbourne tend to be higher than regional areas, though cost of living also differs.
- Employer: Government health departments and large hospital networks often pay more than universities or non-profits.
- Qualifications: A master's degree or PhD can boost your earning potential, especially in research-intensive roles.
For more detailed guidance on how your salary stacks up, check our Take-home pay calculator and Minimum wage page. You can also explore Tax and Medicare to understand your obligations.
Questions
How is the epidemiologist salary figure calculated?
The $102,982 average comes from Indeed's analysis of job postings and self-reported salaries over the past 36 months. It includes full-time, part-time, and casual roles, so your actual offer may differ based on experience, location, and employer.
What is the take-home pay for an epidemiologist on $102,982?
Using the 2026–27 tax rates, a resident earning $102,982 would pay about $21,420 in income tax plus $2,060 in Medicare levy (full 2% as income exceeds the $35,013 threshold), leaving roughly $79,502 after tax. This excludes super, which is typically paid on top.
How does the epidemiologist salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, which equates to about $52,255 per year for a full-time worker. The average epidemiologist salary of $102,982 is nearly double that, reflecting the specialised skills and qualifications required.