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Ecologist Salary in Australia

The Definitive Guide to Government and Private Sector Ecologist Salaries, APS Pay Scales, and Career Pathways.

Average Graduate Entry

$67,875 – $74,980

Mid-Career Scientist

$88,085 – $97,400

Senior / Lead Team Leader

$120,750 – $143,200

Employer Super Contribution

15.4%

Career Outlook

Strong Growth

Compare Ecologist 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

What Does an Ecologist Do?

An ecologist studies the relationships between organisms and their environments — mapping flora and fauna distributions, assessing habitat health, and advising on biodiversity conservation. Unlike environmental scientists (who focus more broadly on pollution, contamination, and compliance), ecologists specialise in species surveys, ecosystem dynamics, and habitat management.

Typical duties and project operations include:

  • Flora & Fauna Surveys: Conducting targeted species surveys, vegetation mapping, and habitat assessments for development approvals and conservation planning.
  • Ecological Impact Assessments: Preparing biodiversity chapters of EIAs for mining, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects.
  • Threatened Species Management: Designing recovery plans, monitoring populations, and coordinating translocation programs for endangered fauna.
  • Biodiversity Offset Planning: Identifying offset sites, calculating net gain requirements, and monitoring offset condition for major developments.
  • Fire Ecology: Assessing bushfire impacts on vegetation communities and designing prescribed burning and post-fire recovery programs.
  • Restoration Ecology: Planning mine rehabilitation, revegetation, and ecosystem recovery following land disturbance.
  • GIS & Spatial Analysis: Mapping habitat connectivity, corridor planning, and regional biodiversity patterns using geographic information systems.
  • Protected Area Management: Advising on national park management, invasive species control, and visitor impact mitigation.
  • Field Investigations: Conducting fauna trapping, bird surveys, vegetation quadrats, and aquatic sampling in regional and remote locations.

For broader environmental compliance, pollution monitoring, and climate policy roles, see our Environmental Scientist Salary Guide.

Ecologist Salary in Australia

Ecologist salaries in Australia vary based on experience, employer type, and location. Pay is structured under APS enterprise agreements in federal agencies, while consulting, mining, and infrastructure sectors offer wider base bands and field allowances.

  • Graduate Ecologist: Earns $68,000 to $78,000 per year. Focuses on data collection, basic field surveys, and report drafts.
  • Entry-Level Ecologist: Earns $78,000 to $88,000. Focuses on independent field investigations, environmental compliance monitoring, and standard EIA reports.
  • Early Career Ecologist: Earns $88,085 to $97,400. Responsible for project management, data synthesis, and regulatory submissions.
  • Mid-Career Ecologist: Commands $100,190 to $118,780. Leads environmental investigations, compiles complex environmental applications, and manages junior consultants.
  • Senior Ecologist: Commands $120,750 to $143,200. Designs regional environmental strategies, leads research teams, and acts as primary liaison with regulators.
  • Principal Scientist / Environmental Manager: Earns $150,800 to $182,500+. Leads multi-million dollar environmental rehabilitation programs, directs corporate ESG policy, or manages government scientific divisions.

Sector Comparison:The Federal Government (e.g. DCCEEW, CSIRO) offers structured pay scales and a generous 15.4% superannuation package. State environmental protection agencies (EPAs) provide similar structured ranges. Private environmental consulting firms offer fast-paced career advancement but lower starting packages. The highest salaries are found in the mining, oil and gas, and resources sectors, where principal compliance managers and remediation directors frequently command packages from $180,000 to over $240,000.

Australian Government Ecologist Salary

In the Australian Public Service (APS), ecologists operate across policy, research, and regulatory enforcement streams. Salaries are mapped directly to APSC classification bands, which dictate responsibilities and career progression:

  • APS 3 & APS 4 (Ecology Officer): Base Salary: $67,875 – $86,500. Entry-level scientific roles focusing on database maintenance, simple compliance inspections, and policy support.
  • APS 5 & APS 6 (Ecologist / Senior): Base Salary: $88,085 – $118,780. Managing independent environmental assessments, drafting scientific policy briefs, and auditing regional compliance.
  • EL 1 (Team Leader / Senior Specialist): Base Salary: $120,750 – $143,200. Leading science teams, coordinating national environmental programs, and drafting statutory regulations.
  • EL 2 (Program Manager / Principal Scientist): Base Salary: $150,800 – $182,500. Managing national scientific initiatives, directing regional warning systems, and acting as senior policy advisors.

Advancement through these levels requires demonstrating technical expertise, project leadership during severe environmental events, and strategic policy coordination.

Major Employers Hiring Ecologists

Australia’s public sector features several world-class agencies employing ecologists:

CSIRO (Land & Water / Biodiversity)

Salary Range: $77,865 – $185,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Senior Ecologist, Restoration Scientist, Landscape Ecologist

Agreement: CSIRO Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027

Official EA Mapped

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

Salary Range: $77,865 – $145,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Conservation Officer, Biodiversity Policy Officer

Agreement: DCCEEW Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027

Official EA Mapped

Parks Australia

Salary Range: $77,865 – $145,000

Key Roles: Conservation Ecologist, Ranger, Threatened Species Officer

Agreement: Parks Australia (DCCEEW) Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027

Official EA Mapped

Geoscience Australia (Environmental Geosciences)

Salary Range: $73,500 – $182,000

Key Roles: Environmental Geoscientist, Landscape Analyst, Spatial Ecologist

Agreement: Geoscience Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027

Official EA Mapped

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

Salary Range: $72,000 – $155,000

Key Roles: Field Ecologist, Threatened Species Officer, Fire Ecology Specialist

Agreement: NSW Public Service Award and Agency Agreements

Official EA Mapped

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Salary Range: $70,000 – $150,000

Key Roles: Conservation Ecologist, Wildlife Officer, Protected Area Manager

Agreement: Queensland Public Service Officers Award

Official EA Mapped

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (WA)

Salary Range: $71,000 – $152,000

Key Roles: Conservation Ecologist, Flora & Fauna Officer, Fire Management Ecologist

Agreement: Government Officers General Agreement 2024 (WA)

Official EA Mapped

Jacobs (Environmental Consulting)

Salary Range: $75,000 – $175,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Senior Ecologist, EIA Specialist, Principal Consultant

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Official EA Mapped

AECOM (Environmental & Ecology)

Salary Range: $72,000 – $170,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Aquatic Ecologist, Fauna Specialist, Technical Director

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Official EA Mapped

GHD (Ecology & Environmental)

Salary Range: $70,000 – $165,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Flora & Fauna Consultant, Senior Technical Lead

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Official EA Mapped

WSP (Ecology & Biodiversity)

Salary Range: $72,000 – $168,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Environmental Scientist, Principal Ecologist

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Official EA Mapped

SMEC (Infrastructure Ecology)

Salary Range: $70,000 – $160,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Fauna Spotter, Environmental Impact Assessment Lead

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Official EA Mapped

ERM (Environmental Resources Management)

Salary Range: $78,000 – $180,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Principal Consultant, Mining Ecology Specialist

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Official EA Mapped

SLR Consulting (Ecology)

Salary Range: $68,000 – $155,000

Key Roles: Ecologist, Aquatic Ecologist, Senior Consultant

Agreement: Market salary estimates (varies by experience)

Official EA Mapped

Local Government (Bushland & Conservation)

Salary Range: $65,000 – $125,000

Key Roles: Bushland Officer, Environmental Officer, Natural Areas Ecologist

Agreement: Local Government Enterprise Agreements (varies by council)

Official EA Mapped

Australian Universities (Ecology Research)

Salary Range: $72,000 – $165,000

Key Roles: Research Fellow, Lecturer (Ecology), Postdoctoral Ecologist

Agreement: University Enterprise Agreements (varies by institution)

Official EA Mapped

APS Salary Levels for Ecologists

Public sector salaries are set under standard APSC levels. The table below outlines how typical roles map to these levels:

APS LevelTypical RoleSalary Range (Base)
APS 3Graduate Ecology Officer$67,875 – $74,980
APS 4Ecology Officer$77,865 – $86,500
APS 5Ecologist$88,085 – $97,400
APS 6Senior Ecologist$100,190 – $118,780
EL 1Ecology Team Leader$120,750 – $143,200
EL 2Principal Ecologist$150,800 – $182,500

Environmental Science Specialisations

Ecology covers a wide array of specialisations, each with unique project duties and pay rates:

Conservation Ecology

Designs threatened species recovery plans, habitat restoration programs, and protected area management strategies for national parks and conservation reserves.

Salary Potential: $75,000 – $135,000
Key Employers: Parks Australia, NSW NPWS, DBCA WA

Aquatic Ecology

Studies freshwater ecosystems, fish populations, wetland health, and riparian vegetation for water authorities and infrastructure projects.

Salary Potential: $78,000 – $140,000
Key Employers: MDBA, state water corporations, consultancies

Marine Ecology

Monitors reef health, seagrass meadows, and coastal biodiversity for marine park authorities and offshore development approvals.

Salary Potential: $82,000 – $150,000
Key Employers: GBRMPA, AIMS, CSIRO

Fire Ecology

Assesses bushfire impacts on vegetation communities, designs prescribed burning programs, and advises on post-fire recovery.

Salary Potential: $80,000 – $145,000
Key Employers: State fire agencies, Parks services, consultancies

Wildlife Ecology

Conducts fauna surveys, telemetry studies, and population modelling for threatened species and offset management.

Salary Potential: $72,000 – $130,000
Key Employers: Consultancies, mining, state wildlife agencies

Restoration Ecology

Plans mine site rehabilitation, revegetation programs, and ecosystem recovery following land disturbance.

Salary Potential: $78,000 – $145,000
Key Employers: Mining companies, ERM, SLR Consulting

Urban Ecology

Manages biodiversity in cities through green corridors, urban tree canopy studies, and council bushland programs.

Salary Potential: $65,000 – $115,000
Key Employers: Local government, urban planning consultancies

Landscape Ecology

Analyses habitat connectivity, corridor planning, and regional-scale biodiversity patterns using GIS and spatial modelling.

Salary Potential: $85,000 – $140,000
Key Employers: CSIRO, state planning agencies, GHD

Plant Ecology

Surveys native vegetation, classifies ecological communities, and maps flora distributions for biodiversity offsets.

Salary Potential: $70,000 – $125,000
Key Employers: Consultancies, state environment departments

Environmental Impact Assessment (Ecology)

Leads flora and fauna chapters of EIAs for mining, renewable energy, and major infrastructure approvals.

Salary Potential: $88,000 – $165,000
Key Employers: Jacobs, AECOM, WSP, SMEC

Qualifications & Pathways

Securing a role as an ecologist requires completing a relevant academic degree and gaining technical skills.

  • Bachelor of Environmental Science: The primary qualification, covering ecology, hydrology, climate modeling, and environmental law.
  • Related Fields: Degrees in Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Geology, Biology, or Chemistry also provide viable entry points.
  • Honours, Masters or PhD: Essential for research roles (like CSIRO or universities) and highly valued for senior technical consulting positions.
  • Professional Accreditation: Accreditation from bodies like the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) or becoming a Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) significantly improves promotion prospects.

Career Progression

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

Graduate Ecology Officer
↓
Ecology Officer
↓
Ecologist
↓
Senior Ecologist
↓
Principal Scientist
↓
Environmental Manager
↓
Executive Leadership (e.g. SES)

Salary by Experience

Earning potential increases steadily as scientists build field competencies, project leadership, and regulatory navigation skills:

Graduate Ecologist

$62,000 – $78,000

Experience: 0–2 years | APS Equivalent: APS 3 / APS 4 equivalent

Ecologist

$78,000 – $105,000

Experience: 2–5 years | APS Equivalent: APS 5 equivalent

Senior Ecologist

$105,000 – $135,000

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

Principal Ecologist

$135,000 – $165,000

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

Technical Director / Environmental Manager

$160,000 – $220,000

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

Highest Paying Employers

Certain sectors and organizations stand out for offering premium salary structures:

  • Mining & Resources: Mining corporations pay top rates (often $120k to $240k+) for site environmental compliance officers and mine rehabilitation managers.
  • Oil & Gas Sector: High-risk offshore operations pay significant packages to offshore environmental specialists.
  • Renewable Energy Developers: Wind, solar, and hydrogen projects offer highly competitive salaries for planning approvals and wildlife impact specialists.
  • Federal Government (DCCEEW, CSIRO): Structured EAs provide excellent job security, 15.4% superannuation, and clear salary progression.
  • Environmental Consulting & Infrastructure: Major engineering and planning firms pay competitive rates for senior project managers overseeing EIA processes.

Benefits of Environmental Science 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 policy, planning, and modeling roles allow work-from-home options.
  • Generous Leave: Standard 4 weeks annual leave, flex-time credits, and paid parental leave.
  • Field Allowances: Loadings, travel coverage, and hazard pay when conducting remote regional or marine surveys.
  • Professional Development: Agency funding for software training (like GIS or Python) and scientific research courses.
  • Conference Support: Financial support for presenting research at national or global environmental symposiums.
  • Study Assistance: Subsidies and paid study leave for obtaining postgraduate masters or doctoral qualifications.

Job Outlook

The employment outlook for ecologists is strong, driven by:

  • Net Zero Transitions: Urgent demand for climate advisors, emissions auditors, and renewable energy planning approvals.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Stricter state and federal legislation requiring detailed environmental compliance audits.
  • Corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Compliance: Corporations require internal specialists to catalog environmental impacts and disclose sustainability indicators.
  • Infrastructure Growth: Expanding road, rail, and urban development projects that require mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs).
  • Biodiversity Initiatives: Government investment in habitat restoration, invasive pest containment, and water security programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an ecologist earn in Australia?
Ecologist salaries in Australia typically range from about $62,000 for graduates to over $220,000 for technical directors. Mid-career ecologists in consulting and government commonly earn $78,000 to $105,000 base salary, plus superannuation.
What is the average ecologist salary Australia?
The average base salary for a mid-career ecologist in Australia is approximately $92,000 per year. Government roles at APS 5–6 equivalent levels and senior consulting positions align closely with this range.
What is graduate ecologist salary Australia?
Graduate ecologists typically earn $62,000 to $78,000 in environmental consulting firms and $68,000 to $78,000 in government graduate programs at APS 3–4 equivalent levels.
What is entry level ecologist salary Australia?
Entry-level ecologists with 0–2 years experience commonly earn $62,000 to $78,000 in consulting and $68,000 to $82,000 in state parks and wildlife agencies.
What is senior ecologist salary Australia?
Senior ecologists commonly earn $105,000 to $135,000 base salary, with principal ecologists and technical directors reaching $135,000 to $220,000+ in mining and major infrastructure projects.
What is government ecologist salary?
Government ecologist salaries follow APS classifications at federal agencies or state public service awards. APS 5–6 roles typically earn $88,000 to $119,000 base, while EL 1 team leaders earn $120,750 to $143,200.
What is consultant ecologist salary Australia?
Consultant ecologists at firms like Jacobs, AECOM, and GHD typically earn $72,000 to $105,000 at mid-career, with principal consultants and technical directors reaching $140,000 to $175,000.
What is conservation ecologist salary Australia?
Conservation ecologists in parks agencies and NGOs typically earn $70,000 to $128,000, with senior threatened species officers at state national parks services reaching $130,000+.
What is the difference between an ecologist and an environmental scientist?
Ecologists specialise in the study of organisms, habitats, and ecosystem interactions — flora, fauna, biodiversity, and conservation. Environmental scientists have a broader remit covering pollution, contamination, climate, water quality, and compliance. Many job titles overlap, but ecologists are more field-survey and species-focused.
What qualifications do ecologists need?
A Bachelor of Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Science, Zoology, or Botany is standard. Honours, Masters, or PhD qualifications improve access to research, senior consulting, and threatened species specialist roles.
What is field ecologist salary Australia?
Field ecologists conducting fauna surveys and vegetation mapping typically earn $65,000 to $95,000, with FIFO mining ecology roles paying $100,000 to $150,000+ including allowances.
What is aquatic ecologist salary Australia?
Aquatic ecologists in water authorities, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, and consulting firms typically earn $78,000 to $140,000 depending on experience and project complexity.
What is fire ecologist salary Australia?
Fire ecologists in state fire agencies and parks services typically earn $80,000 to $145,000, with growing demand for post-bushfire recovery and prescribed burning expertise.
Is ecology a good career in Australia?
Yes. Demand is supported by biodiversity conservation policy, renewable energy project approvals, mining offset requirements, nature repair initiatives, and infrastructure environmental assessments.
Where are ecology jobs in Australia?
Major employers include DCCEEW, Parks Australia, CSIRO, state parks and wildlife services, Jacobs, AECOM, GHD, WSP, ERM, mining companies, and universities.
What is APS ecologist salary?
Federal ecologists at CSIRO and DCCEEW at APS 5–6 typically earn $88,000 to $119,000 base salary plus 15.4% superannuation. EL 1 ecology team leaders earn $120,750 to $143,200.
Do ecologists work in mining?
Yes. Mining and resources companies employ ecologists for fauna surveys, biodiversity offset management, and mine rehabilitation at salaries often 20–40% above equivalent government roles.