national EEH average · ANZSCO 2345
$96,268
$48.72/hr · weekly × 52
#32 · Engineering
Life scientists Salary
ABS May 2023 national EEH average $96,268 ($48.72/hr; weekly × 52). ANZSCO 2345. Modeled 2026 take-home, training context, and career comparisons below.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Baseline take-home
$74,942
22.1% effective
HELP take-home at average
$70,931
26.3% effective
Key takeaways — Life scientists
- Life scientists ranks #32 of 55 on this hub with a $96,268 ABS May 2023 EEH average ($48.72/hr).
- Modeled baseline take-home at that average: $74,942 (22.1% effective employee levy rate). With HELP: $70,931.
- One rank above: Architects at $97,172 (+$904).
- Bonuses beyond cash wages, Super Guarantee (employer-side), and self-employment income sit outside ABS EEH employee cash averages.
About Life scientists wages
The Australian Bureau of Statistics May 2023 Employee Earnings and Hours release publishes average weekly total cash earnings by ANZSCO 4-digit unit group (Data cube 11, all employees). For Life scientists (ANZSCO 2345), the national average annual pay is $96,268 (weekly $1,851 × 52). Common searches mapped here include marine biologist salary.
Hourly figures divide the weekly average by 38 ordinary hours, then we apply our 2026 Australia paycheck model so you see modeled take-home, not just gross — federal income tax and Medicare levy only.
Use the compare tool to pit Life scientists against another career, or open the paycheck calculator to model an offer above or below the published average.
Engineering · rank context
Life scientists sits at rank #32 between Architects (#31, $97,172) and Secondary school teachers (#33, $92,154).
Training & licensing context
Engineering and trades averages often require a bachelor's, diploma, or trade certificate. Construction and electrotechnology rows can swing with sector cycles.
Take-home at ABS EEH average by scenario
Australian resident, federal income tax + Medicare levy — gross equals the published ABS EEH average. Baseline assumes private hospital cover (no Medicare levy surcharge) and no HELP; the HELP column adds compulsory HELP repayments.
| Scenario | Take-home | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|
| Resident (baseline) | $74,942 | 22.1% |
| With HELP repayments | $70,931 | 26.3% |
Myths vs facts
Myth: Every Life scientists job pays the ABS average.
Fact: The average is a national mean for all employees in the unit group. Entry roles, part-time schedules, and lower-COL markets sit below; senior specialists in high-demand cities sit above.
Myth: Take-home at average is what you will net.
Fact: Our columns use an Australian-resident vignette at the ABS EEH gross average. HELP, private hospital cover (MLS), residency status, and salary sacrifice change your actual paycheck.
Salary planning checklist
- Confirm the posting matches ANZSCO 2345 (Life scientists)
- Compare baseline vs HELP take-home if you have an outstanding HELP balance
- Remember EEH averages mix full-time and part-time employees
- Use metro paycheck examples (Australia) when the employer names a city
- Model your exact gross in the Australia paycheck calculator
Common mistakes
- ✕Treating $96,268 as a universal offer for all experience levels
- ✕Ignoring licensing and training years when comparing to lower-average roles with shorter paths
- ✕Assuming a state of residence changes your income tax rate
Life scientists salary FAQs
ABS May 2023 EEH lists a $96,268 national average (ANZSCO 2345) — about $48.72/hr.
Modeled take-home for an Australian resident at the ABS EEH average: baseline $74,942, with HELP $70,931 (2026 rules).
#32 of 55 occupations on this hub by national EEH average wage.
This ANZSCO unit group anchors searches such as marine biologist salary.
Architects and landscape architects ranks #31 at $97,172 — $904 above Life scientists.
Secondary school teachers ranks #33 at $92,154 — $4,114 below.
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