Astronomer Salary in Australia: Hourly Rates, Annual Pay, and Casual Loading Explained
For astronomers paid at the National Minimum Wage, the annual salary is $52,254.80 based on 38 hours per week, but actual astronomer salaries vary and are not published by the ABS due to small sample sizes.
How to convert an hourly rate to annual pay
To estimate your annual salary from an hourly rate, multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked per week, then by 52 weeks. For a standard full-time role, we assume 38 hours per week (the ordinary hours used in the National Minimum Wage). The formula is:
Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For example, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), working 38 hours per week:
$26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80 per year
This is the base annual salary before casual loading, superannuation, or tax. If you work more or fewer hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. The fortnightly pay would be $1,009.80 (weekly pay of $1,004.90 × 2, rounded).
Astronomer salary: what the data shows
When researching an astronomer salary in Australia, the most reliable sources are the Fair Work Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. According to, the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $1,004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours, or $26.44 per hour. Award minimum wages increased by 4.75% from the same date, as noted by the pay guides.
However, the ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for physicists and astronomers because the occupation is a 6-digit ANZSCO group with a small sample size. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that there are approximately 1,500 employed physicists and astronomers, with 87% working full-time and an average of 41 hours per week. The median age is 41, and 26% are female. Without a published median wage, we cannot give a precise astronomer salary figure from the ABS. Most astronomers are employed in education, health care, or public administration, and their pay is likely set by enterprise agreements or university awards above the minimum.
If you are an astronomer covered by an award, check the relevant pay guide on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. For award-free employees, the National Minimum Wage applies.
Casual loading: 25% on top
Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid leave entitlements. The loading is calculated on the minimum wage or the applicable award rate. For the National Minimum Wage:
$26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour (casual rate)
Annual gross for a casual astronomer on minimum wage:
$33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,318.80 per year
Remember, the casual loading is added to the base rate, not the other way around. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading into our the timesheet – use the base hourly rate and check the casual loading box to add 25% automatically.
Superannuation: paid on top
Superannuation guarantee contributions are paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your hourly rate; it is an additional cost to the employer.
For a full-time employee on the minimum wage:
Super contribution = $52,254.80 × 12% = $6,270.58 per year
Total cost to employer = $52,254.80 + $6,270.58 = $58,525.38
For a casual employee on the minimum wage (including casual loading):
Super contribution = $65,318.80 × 12% = $7,838.26 per year
Total cost to employer = $65,318.80 + $7,838.26 = $73,157.06
Super is calculated on the ordinary time earnings, which for casuals includes the casual loading. See our super and packaging page for more details.
Tax and take-home pay
Your take-home pay depends on your total taxable income and the tax rates for 2026–27. The resident tax scale is:
- $0 – $18,200: nil
- $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
- $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
- $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
- $190,001 and over: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000
Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners based on 2025–26 thresholds).
For an annual salary of $52,254.80 (minimum wage, no casual loading):
- Tax: $4,020 + 0.30 × ($52,254.80 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $2,176.44 = $6,196.44
- Medicare levy: $52,254.80 × 2% = $1,045.10
- Total deductions: $7,241.54
- Take-home pay: $52,254.80 – $7,241.54 = $45,013.26 per year ($865.64 per week)
Use our take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.
Key points to remember
- The astronomer salary data from the ABS is limited; rely on award rates or enterprise agreements for accurate figures.
- Casual loading of 25% is added to the base hourly rate, not included in it.
- Superannuation is paid on top at 12% and is not part of the hourly rate.
- Tax estimates use the 2026–27 resident rates with the full tax-free threshold.
- This is an estimate only. For a precise determination, consult your employer or a tax professional.
For more information, see our minimum wage page and average pay page.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.