Home > Salary > Australia > Principal Researcher
The occupation of a principal researcher involves leading and overseeing research projects within an organization. They are responsible for designing research studies, developing research methodologies, and analyzing data to draw meaningful insights and conclusions. Principal researchers also collaborate with other team members, such as research assistants and analysts, to ensure the successful execution of research projects. They may be required to present research findings to stakeholders, write reports, and make recommendations based on their research.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 319,416 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,618 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,143 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 154 AUD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 25,689 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,928 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 148 AUD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 159,254 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,271 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,063 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 77 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 319,416 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,618 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,143 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 154 AUD per hour
By working as Principal Researcher a person can save up to 10,854 USD per month or 130,248 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Australia, see costs of living in Australia.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Researcher
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Researcher salary in Australia
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Researcher in Australia is approximately 319,416 AUD (159,254 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Principal Researcher do?

Skills: Principal Researcher, Research Project Leader, Data Analysis, Research Methodology, Research Design, Research Findings
Job industry: Research and development
Job industry: Research and development
How much does Principal Researcher make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Researcher make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 319,416 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,618 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,143 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 154 AUD per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 308,266 AUDEstimated Monthly Salary: 25,689 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,928 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 148 AUD per hour
Principal Researcher estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 159,254 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 13,271 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,063 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 77 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
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Salary comparison to National average
Australia is a vast country located in the southern hemisphere. It has a diverse population of approximately 25 million people. The country spans an area of about 7.7 million square kilometers, making it the sixth-largest country in the world. Australia is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the Outback.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 84,179 AUD (60,430 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Researcher job salary compared to average salary in Australia.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Researcher in Australia earns on average:
3.79 times the average salary (or 379% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 84,179 AUD (60,430 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Researcher job salary compared to average salary in Australia.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Researcher in Australia earns on average:
3.79 times the average salary (or 379% of average salary).
Is Principal Researcher a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Researcher is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Principal Researcher?
High salary for Principal Researcher would be somewhere between 351,358 AUD and 463,153 AUD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Researcher in Australia?
Living in Australia the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,417 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 319,416 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 26,618 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,143 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 154 AUD per hour
By working as Principal Researcher a person can save up to 10,854 USD per month or 130,248 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Australia, see costs of living in Australia.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Researcher
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
Procurement agent (146,394 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
Right of way agent (160,271 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
Reading instructor (119,882 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
Sales support supervisor (140,481 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
Team supervisor non-profit organization (75,761 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
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