Home > Salary > Australia > Principal Scientist
The occupation of a principal scientist is a highly specialized and senior-level position within the scientific field. Principal scientists are responsible for leading and managing research projects, developing innovative scientific strategies, and providing technical expertise to solve complex problems. They are often involved in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Principal scientists also play a crucial role in mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 301,220 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 25,102 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,793 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 145 AUD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 24,262 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,599 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 140 AUD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 150,583 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,549 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,896 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 72 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
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: 301,220 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 25,102 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,793 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 145 AUD per hour
By working as Principal Scientist a person can save up to 10,131 USD per month or 121,577 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 Scientist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Scientist salary in Australia
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Scientist in Australia is approximately 301,220 AUD (150,583 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 Scientist do?
The occupation of a principal scientist is a highly specialized and senior-level position within the scientific field. Principal scientists are responsible for leading and managing research projects, developing innovative scientific strategies, and providing technical expertise to solve complex problems. They are often involved in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Principal scientists also play a crucial role in mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
Skills: Principal Scientist, Research Projects, Scientific Strategies, Technical Expertise, Data Analysis, Problem Solving
Job industry: Research and development
Job industry: Research and development
How much does Principal Scientist make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Scientist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 301,220 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 25,102 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,793 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 145 AUD per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 291,140 AUDEstimated Monthly Salary: 24,262 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,599 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 140 AUD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05Principal Scientist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 150,583 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,549 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,896 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 72 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %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
Compare salary to other countries
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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 Scientist job salary compared to average salary in Australia.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Scientist in Australia earns on average:
3.58 times the average salary (or 358% 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 Scientist job salary compared to average salary in Australia.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Scientist in Australia earns on average:
3.58 times the average salary (or 358% of average salary).
Is Principal Scientist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Scientist 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 Scientist?
High salary for Principal Scientist would be somewhere between 331,342 AUD and 436,769 AUD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Scientist 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: 301,220 AUD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 25,102 AUD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,793 AUD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 145 AUD per hour
By working as Principal Scientist a person can save up to 10,131 USD per month or 121,577 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 Scientist
Indonesia is 26,454 USD
East Timor is 111,966 USD Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Salary 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
+12% salary increase- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
+25% salary increase- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
+16% salary increase- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
+9% salary increase- more than 25 years of experience yields
+10% salary increaseTop 10 highest salaries in Australia
(1,263,730 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
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Data as of 2025Random salary:
Talent acquisition administrator (131,273 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
National sales representative (97,648 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
Retail cashier (52,694 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
Economic analysis manager (178,180 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
Oil rig tool pusher (105,621 AUD per year, pre-tax.)
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