Technology · Australia

Data Scientist Salary in Australia

The Australia median is $151,161 per year, with observed city pay up to Sydney at $113,192.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Data Scientist in Australia: read the median against a +35% outlook

The Australia national median for a data scientist is $211,000 a year. Among 5 metros with observed data, pay runs from about $125,000 in Adelaide to $158,000 in Sydney (1.3×).

Data scientists turn raw data into insight using statistics, machine learning, and clear communication. Common screening skills include Python, SQL, Statistics, and Machine learning.

A modeled national band runs about $131,200–$308,500 around that midpoint. Skills lists and occupation assessments gate several of the best-paid covered roles. Employment outlook for the occupation is sketched at +35% over a decade — a national demand guess, not a hiring guarantee in every Australian city.

Sydney sits -25% vs the national median; Adelaide sits -41%. Relocating inside Australia for this title can move cash more than a small raise at the same desk. Open a city page for take-home and rent context — this national page is the map, not the offer.

Australia shows about 2.9% CPI in 2025. A data scientist raise that trails inflation is a real-pay cut even if it still beats last year’s peers. This occupation is also covered in 39 other countries — useful for remote or relocation shortlists, after FX and local tax. Nearby technology titles on this site include Software Engineer, Frontend Developer, Backend Developer, and DevOps Engineer.

How to use Data Scientist pay data in Australia

Start with the national median ($211,000), then pick the metro where you would actually work. Observed city rows below are stronger than a pay-index guess. If your city is missing, stay on this page for the country figure and check the Australia hub for other careers.

Convert gross through the salary calculator before comparing two cities — tax and rent often reorder a cash ranking. Figures are estimates for research, not employer bands.

National band vs top metro

National sketch: $131,200 (10th) → $211,000 (median) → $308,500 (90th). Sydney’s observed median is $158,000, with a local band about $105,000–$238,000. If an offer is “at the Australia median” but the job is in Sydney, you may still be under local market.

National median
$151,161
per year
Monthly (national)
$12,609
per month, before tax
Highest-paying city
$113,192
Sydney, NSW
Hourly (national)
$72.67
varies by city

Data Scientist salary by city in Australia

Cities below have observed metro percentiles for this role. Prefer these over national-only estimates when you are relocating to a specific market.

CityPer year
Sydney, NSW$113,192
Melbourne, VIC$109,610
Brisbane, QLD$99,580
Perth, WA$99,580
Adelaide, SA$89,551

Data Scientist salary in other countries

Related Technology salaries in Australia

Frequently asked questions

How much does a data scientist make in Australia?
The national median is about $211,000 per year. Across 5 observed cities, pay ranges from about $125,000 to $158,000.
Which Australia city pays data scientists the most?
Sydney, NSW leads observed metros at about $158,000 per year (-25% vs national).
Which Australia city pays data scientists the least?
Among observed cities, Adelaide, SA is on the lower end at about $125,000 per year.
How many Australia cities have data scientist salary data?
5 metros list observed data scientist percentiles in AUD on this site.
Is data scientist in demand in Australia?
Occupation-level employment is projected at about +35% over ten years. Local hiring still follows Australian industry mix.