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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?

occupation personasThe 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.

Skills: Principal Researcher, Research Project Leader, Data Analysis, Research Methodology, Research Design, Research Findings
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
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 308,266 AUD
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



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 up arrow 4 %

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.

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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).

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

Indonesia is 28,002 USDdown arrow 82%
Details on Principal Researcher salary in Indonesia
East Timor is 118,415 USDdown arrow 26%
Details on Principal Researcher salary in East Timor
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

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 up arrow+12% salary increase
    6 to 10 years of experience yields up arrow+25% salary increase
    11 to 15 years of experience yields up arrow+16% salary increase
    16 to 25 years of experience yields up arrow+9% salary increase
    more than 25 years of experience yields up arrow+10% salary increase
NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in Australia

(1,263,730 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(1,046,644 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(1,011,540 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(985,848 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(982,803 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(961,472 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(960,386 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(959,337 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(958,953 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
(958,802 AUD per year, pre-tax.)

Data as of 2025

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