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Australian Chemistry Careers Portal

Chemist Salary in Australia

The Definitive Guide to Public Health, Hospital, Food Industry and Biotechnology Chemist Salaries, APS Pay Bands, and Career Pathways.

Graduate Chemist

$62,000 – $78,000

Chemist

$78,000 – $105,000

Senior Chemist

$105,000 – $135,000

APS Super (Federal Roles)

15.4%

Career Outlook

Strong Demand

Compare Chemist Salaries

Interactive Take-Home & Super Calculator

Gross Base Salary

$92,743

Excludes superannuation and allowances

Employer Super (15.4%)

$14,282

Paid directly into your super fund

Estimated Income Tax + Medicare

$21,270

Standard residency rates

Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay

After income tax, levies, and HECS

$71,473

Monthly Net

$5,956

Fortnightly Net

$2,749

Weekly Net

$1,374

APS level estimates apply to CSIRO and ANSTO roles. Mining and contract testing chemists should use Custom Base Salary for a more accurate take-home estimate.

What Does a Chemist Do?

A chemist analyses, synthesises, and tests chemical substances in laboratory settings. In Australia, chemists work in analytical testing laboratories, mining assay labs, chemical manufacturing, government research agencies, environmental testing, and universities. This page covers laboratory chemistry careers — not Chemist Warehouse retail roles or pharmacist positions.

Typical duties include:

  • Analytical Testing: Using HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-OES, and spectroscopy to analyse samples for composition and contaminants.
  • Quality Control: Maintaining NATA-accredited and ISO 17025 laboratory standards through batch testing and method validation.
  • Process Chemistry: Optimising chemical processes in manufacturing plants for fertilisers, explosives, and specialty products.
  • Mining Assay: Analysing ore samples for metal content in mine site and central assay laboratories.
  • Environmental Testing: Screening soil, water, and air samples for heavy metals, pesticides, and pollutants.
  • Research & Development: Developing new materials, formulations, and chemical processes at CSIRO, ANSTO, and universities.
  • Formulation: Creating food, cosmetic, and agricultural chemical products to meet safety and performance specifications.
  • GMP Compliance: Supporting pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing quality systems.
  • Team Leadership: Supervising graduate chemists and managing laboratory workflow and accreditation.

Note: Chemists specialise in chemical analysis and synthesis. Forensic Scientists apply chemistry in criminal investigations — see our Forensic Scientist Salary Guide. Pharmacists dispense medicines and are a separate regulated profession.

Chemist Salary in Australia

Chemist salary Australia ranges reflect employer type, specialisation, and experience. Public health and hospital roles follow state health awards, CSIRO positions follow APS classifications with 15.4% superannuation, and food industry roles use market rates.

  • Graduate Chemist: Earns $62,000 to $78,000 in analytical testing and food manufacturing laboratories.
  • Chemist: Earns $78,000 to $105,000 base salary.
  • Senior Chemist: Commands $105,000 to $135,000.
  • Principal Chemist: Commands $135,000 to $165,000.
  • Laboratory Manager / Research Director: Earns $160,000 to $200,000+.

Sector Comparison:Mining companies pay the highest chemist salaries for assay and process roles. CSIRO and ANSTO offer structured APS research careers. ALS, SGS, and Intertek employ large analytical chemistry teams nationally. Orica and Incitec Pivot provide industrial chemistry pathways.

Mining & Assay Chemist Salary

Mining chemists and assay laboratory staff at Rio Tinto, BHP, South32, and Fortescue typically earn $85,000 to $210,000 base salary, with FIFO remote site allowances and shift loadings adding significantly to total packages.

Food & Pharmaceutical Chemist Salary

Food chemists in manufacturing QA earn $62,000 to $115,000, while pharmaceutical chemists at CSL and Pfizer conducting GMP sterility testing and environmental monitoring typically earn $85,000 to $165,000 — often above food industry rates at senior levels.

Australian Government Chemist Salary

Government chemist salary pathways are strongest at CSIRO, ANSTO, and state government analytical laboratories:

  • APS 3 & APS 4: Base Salary: $67,875 – $86,500. Graduate and technical support research roles.
  • APS 5 & APS 6: Base Salary: $88,085 – $118,780. Research chemists, radiochemists, and materials scientists at CSIRO and ANSTO.
  • EL 1: Base Salary: $120,750 – $143,200. Senior specialists and team leaders.
  • EL 2: Base Salary: $150,800 – $182,500. Principal scientists and laboratory managers.

APS bands apply to CSIRO and ANSTO. Contract testing laboratories and mining companies follow market rates or enterprise agreements, with mining FIFO packages often the most lucrative.

Major Employers Hiring Chemists

Australia’s chemist employers span CSIRO, ANSTO, mining companies, analytical testing firms, and chemical manufacturers:

CSIRO (Manufacturing & Materials)

Salary Range: $77,865 – $185,000

Key Roles: Research Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Materials Scientist, Polymer Chemist

Agreement: CSIRO Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)

Salary Range: $70,500 – $188,000

Key Roles: Radiochemist, Analytical Chemist, Nuclear Materials Scientist

Agreement: ANSTO Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027

ALS Global (Environmental & Minerals Testing)

Salary Range: $65,000 – $145,000

Key Roles: Analytical Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Senior Chemist, Team Leader

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

SGS Australia (Testing & Certification)

Salary Range: $62,000 – $140,000

Key Roles: Analytical Chemist, Quality Control Chemist, Laboratory Manager

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Intertek (Laboratory Testing)

Salary Range: $60,000 – $135,000

Key Roles: Analytical Chemist, Food Chemist, Environmental Chemist

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Bureau Veritas (Testing & Inspection)

Salary Range: $58,000 – $130,000

Key Roles: Analytical Chemist, Quality Assurance Chemist, Laboratory Supervisor

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Rio Tinto (Mining & Processing)

Salary Range: $85,000 – $200,000

Key Roles: Process Chemist, Metallurgical Chemist, Laboratory Superintendent

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

BHP (Mining & Resources)

Salary Range: $90,000 – $210,000

Key Roles: Metallurgical Chemist, Process Chemist, Assay Laboratory Manager

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

South32 (Mining & Metals)

Salary Range: $82,000 – $185,000

Key Roles: Analytical Chemist, Process Chemist, Metallurgist

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Fortescue (Iron Ore Mining)

Salary Range: $88,000 – $195,000

Key Roles: Assay Chemist, Process Chemist, Laboratory Manager

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Orica (Mining & Infrastructure Chemicals)

Salary Range: $75,000 – $170,000

Key Roles: Industrial Chemist, Explosives Chemist, R&D Chemist

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Incitec Pivot (Fertilisers & Explosives)

Salary Range: $70,000 – $160,000

Key Roles: Industrial Chemist, Process Chemist, Agricultural Chemist

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

State Government Analytical Laboratories

Salary Range: $68,000 – $145,000

Key Roles: Government Chemist, Forensic Chemist, Public Analyst

Agreement: State Public Service Awards (varies by jurisdiction)

Australian Universities (Chemistry Research)

Salary Range: $72,000 – $170,000

Key Roles: Research Fellow, Lecturer (Chemistry), Postdoctoral Chemist

Agreement: University Enterprise Agreements (varies by institution)

APS Salary Levels for Chemists

APS levels below apply to CSIRO and ANSTO. Mining, testing laboratory, and manufacturing chemists use different pay systems — see the sector comparison table for employer-specific ranges.

APS LevelTypical RoleSalary Range (Base)
APS 3Graduate Chemist$67,875 – $74,980
APS 4Assistant Chemist$77,865 – $86,500
APS 5Chemist$88,085 – $97,400
APS 6Senior Chemist$100,190 – $118,780
EL 1Senior / Principal Chemist$120,750 – $143,200
EL 2Chief Chemist / Program Manager$150,800 – $182,500

Chemist Salary by Sector

Chemist pay differs sharply between mining assay labs, analytical testing, and chemical manufacturing. The table below compares typical base salary ranges across major Australian employer types.

SectorTypical EmployersBase Salary Range
Federal Research (CSIRO, ANSTO)CSIRO, ANSTO enterprise agreements$70,500 – $188,000
Mining & ResourcesRio Tinto, BHP, South32, Fortescue assay labs$85,000 – $210,000
Environmental & Analytical TestingALS, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas$58,000 – $145,000
Chemical ManufacturingOrica, Incitec Pivot, industrial chemistry$70,000 – $170,000
Pharmaceutical & FMCGCSL, Pfizer, cosmetic and food chemistry$75,000 – $165,000
State Government LaboratoriesPublic analysts, forensic chemistry, EPA labs$68,000 – $145,000
Universities / Academic ResearchPostdoc, research fellow, lecturing$72,000 – $170,000

Chemistry Specialisations

Chemistry covers analytical, industrial, mining, environmental, food, and research specialisations. This page covers the major Australian pathways from contract testing laboratories through mining assay labs, manufacturing, and government research:

Analytical Chemistry

Uses chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to analyse samples in NATA-accredited testing laboratories.

Salary Potential: $58,000 – $140,000
Key Employers: ALS, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas

Industrial Chemistry

Develops chemical processes, formulations, and quality systems in manufacturing plants for fertilisers, explosives, and specialty chemicals.

Salary Potential: $70,000 – $160,000
Key Employers: Orica, Incitec Pivot, chemical manufacturers

Research Chemistry

Conducts fundamental and applied chemistry research in materials science, polymers, and advanced manufacturing.

Salary Potential: $78,000 – $185,000
Key Employers: CSIRO, ANSTO, universities

Mining Chemistry

Performs assay analysis, metallurgical testing, and process chemistry in mine site and central laboratories.

Salary Potential: $85,000 – $210,000
Key Employers: Rio Tinto, BHP, South32, Fortescue

Environmental Chemistry

Tests soil, water, and air samples for contaminants, heavy metals, and pollutants for EPA compliance and remediation projects.

Salary Potential: $62,000 – $130,000
Key Employers: ALS, environmental consultancies, state EPA labs

Food Chemistry

Analyses nutritional composition, additives, and contaminants in food products for manufacturing QA and FSANZ compliance.

Salary Potential: $58,000 – $115,000
Key Employers: Food manufacturers, Intertek, FSANZ-adjacent roles

Agricultural Chemistry

Formulates fertilisers, tests soil nutrients, and develops crop protection chemistry for agricultural science.

Salary Potential: $65,000 – $125,000
Key Employers: Incitec Pivot, DAFF, agrochemical companies

Cosmetic Chemistry

Formulates skincare, haircare, and personal care products, ensuring stability, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Salary Potential: $60,000 – $120,000
Key Employers: FMCG companies, contract manufacturers

Quality Control Chemistry

Maintains GMP and ISO 17025 standards through batch testing, method validation, and laboratory accreditation.

Salary Potential: $65,000 – $145,000
Key Employers: Pharmaceutical, mining, and testing laboratories

Qualifications & Pathways

Most chemist careers begin with a chemistry or biological science degree and practical laboratory experience.

  • Bachelor of Chemistry / Biological Science: The standard entry qualification.
  • Honours, Masters or PhD: Valued for CSIRO, ANSTO, and senior research chemistry leadership roles.
  • Practical Experience: Laboratory placements, Honours projects, and industry internships are essential for competitive roles.
  • Professional Standards: RACI (Royal Australian Chemical Institute) membership supports professional development and industry recognition.

Career Progression

The typical career timeline spans from graduate training to senior executive management:

Graduate Chemist
↓
Chemist
↓
Senior Chemist
↓
Principal Chemist
↓
Laboratory Manager
↓
Director of Chemistry / Research

Salary by Experience

Earning potential increases as chemists build casework experience, specialist accreditation, expert witness capability, and laboratory leadership:

Graduate Chemist

$58,000 – $75,000

Experience: 0–2 years | APS Equivalent: APS 3 / HP 2 equivalent

Chemist

$75,000 – $105,000

Experience: 2–5 years | APS Equivalent: APS 5 / HP 3 equivalent

Senior Chemist

$105,000 – $140,000

Experience: 5–10 years | APS Equivalent: APS 6 / EL 1 equivalent

Principal Chemist

$140,000 – $175,000

Experience: 10–15 years | APS Equivalent: EL 1 / EL 2 equivalent

Laboratory Manager / Technical Director

$165,000 – $220,000

Experience: 15+ years | APS Equivalent: EL 2 / Executive leadership

Highest Paying Employers

Premium chemist packages are concentrated in biosecurity, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and reference laboratories:

  • CSIRO & ANSTO: Federal APS pay with materials science, radiochemistry, and advanced manufacturing research.
  • CSL & Pfizer: Pharmaceutical chemistry QC and vaccine development at competitive senior rates.
  • State Reference Laboratories: NSW, QLD, and VIC public health chemistry with outbreak response exposure.
  • Analytical Testing: ALS, SGS, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas employ large chemistry teams nationally.
  • Consultant Chemists: Senior clinical and public health chemists at principal level command the highest hospital salaries.

Benefits of Chemistry Careers

Employment packages, particularly in government or major scientific organizations, feature various structured benefits:

  • 15.4% Superannuation: Public sector scientific roles provide employer super contributions far exceeding the 11.5% private sector average.
  • Flexible & Hybrid Work: Many modelling, analysis, and writing-heavy roles allow hybrid work arrangements.
  • Generous Leave: Standard 4 weeks annual leave, flex-time credits, and paid parental leave.
  • Shift Allowances: On-call and overtime in hospital laboratories processing urgent diagnostic specimens.
  • Professional Development: Employer funding for conferences, certifications, and laboratory method training.
  • Conference Support: Financial support for attending ASM (Australian Society for Chemistry) and specialist society conferences.
  • Study Assistance: Subsidies and paid study leave for Honours, Masters, and PhD qualifications.
  • Salary Packaging: Available at some public hospitals and not-for-profit research institutes.

Job Outlook

Demand for chemists remains strong, supported by:

  • Infectious Disease Surveillance: Post-pandemic investment in public health laboratory capacity.
  • Critical Minerals: Growing demand for assay chemists and process chemists in lithium, rare earths, and battery materials.
  • Vaccine Manufacturing: CSL and biopharma expansion creating pharmaceutical chemistry roles.
  • Advanced Manufacturing: Government investment in onshore pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing.
  • Environmental Testing: Stricter contamination standards driving analytical chemistry demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a chemist earn in Australia?
Chemist salaries in Australia typically range from about $58,000 for graduates to over $220,000 for laboratory directors. Mid-career chemists in analytical testing and government research commonly earn $75,000 to $105,000 base salary, plus superannuation.
What is the average chemist salary Australia?
The average base salary for a mid-career chemist in Australia is approximately $88,000 per year. Mining assay chemists and CSIRO research roles at APS 5–6 equivalent levels align closely with this range.
What is graduate chemist salary Australia?
Graduate chemists typically earn $58,000 to $75,000 in analytical testing laboratories and $65,000 to $82,000 in CSIRO and ANSTO graduate programs.
What is entry level chemist salary Australia?
Entry-level chemists with 0–2 years experience commonly earn $58,000 to $75,000 in contract testing labs, with mining and government graduate programs at the higher end.
What is senior chemist salary Australia?
Senior chemists commonly earn $105,000 to $140,000 base salary, with principal chemists and laboratory managers reaching $140,000 to $220,000+ in mining and pharmaceutical sectors.
What is government chemist salary?
Government chemist salaries follow APS classifications at CSIRO and ANSTO, or state public service awards. APS 5–6 roles typically earn $88,000 to $119,000 base salary plus 15.4% superannuation.
What is analytical chemist salary Australia?
Analytical chemists at ALS, SGS, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas typically earn $58,000 to $140,000 depending on experience, with team leaders and laboratory managers above $120,000.
What is mining chemist salary Australia?
Mining chemists and assay laboratory staff at Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue typically earn $85,000 to $210,000, with FIFO remote site allowances adding significantly to total packages.
What is industrial chemist salary Australia?
Industrial chemists at Orica, Incitec Pivot, and chemical manufacturers typically earn $70,000 to $160,000, with process development and R&D specialists at the higher end.
What is the difference between a chemist and a pharmacist?
Chemists are laboratory scientists who analyse, synthesise, and test chemical substances. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who dispense medicines and advise patients. This page covers laboratory chemistry careers — not Chemist Warehouse retail or pharmacy roles.
What is the difference between a chemist and a laboratory scientist?
Chemists hold chemistry-specific qualifications and focus on chemical analysis, synthesis, and process chemistry. Laboratory scientists is a broader hospital pathology classification covering multiple disciplines including haematology and immunology.
What qualifications do chemists need?
A Bachelor of Chemistry or Applied Chemistry is standard. Honours, Masters, or PhD qualifications improve access to CSIRO, ANSTO, and senior research chemistry roles. RACI membership supports professional development.
What is food chemist salary Australia?
Food chemists in manufacturing quality assurance typically earn $58,000 to $115,000, with senior food chemistry specialists reaching $120,000 in large FMCG companies.
What is cosmetic chemist salary Australia?
Cosmetic chemists formulating personal care products typically earn $60,000 to $120,000, with senior formulation chemists at major FMCG brands above $110,000.
Is chemistry a good career in Australia?
Yes. Demand is supported by critical minerals processing, environmental testing, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and defence science investment at CSIRO and ANSTO.
Do chemists work at CSIRO and ANSTO?
Yes. CSIRO employs chemists in manufacturing, materials, and energy research. ANSTO employs radiochemists and analytical chemists in nuclear science and materials characterisation.
Where are chemistry jobs in Australia?
Major employers include CSIRO, ANSTO, ALS, SGS, Rio Tinto, BHP, Orica, Incitec Pivot, state government laboratories, CSL, and universities.
What is APS chemist salary?
CSIRO and ANSTO chemists at APS 5–6 typically earn $88,000 to $119,000 base salary plus 15.4% superannuation. EL 1 research team leaders earn $120,750 to $143,200.
What is research chemist salary Australia?
Research chemists at CSIRO, ANSTO, and universities typically earn $78,000 to $185,000 depending on classification level, with postdoctoral fellows starting around $75,000 to $95,000.