SA Grant Funded Scientist Salary Scales
Scientists
Scientists stream
7 bands · $71,046–$170,363
Notes
- ·Rates are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2025, under the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026, approved by the South Australian Employment Tribunal on 4 March 2026.
- ·Further increases are scheduled from 1 July 2026 and 1 July 2027 under the same agreement.
- ·ASO Level 1 rates shown are adult rates only.
- ·MAS 3 is closed to new appointments following SAET approval on 4 March 2026; existing MAS 3 employees retain their classification.
- ·Dental Officers and Grant Funded Scientists are specialist streams covered by separate schedules within this agreement.
Salaries are indicative and based on publicly available data. Verify with your agency HR for accurate, role-specific information.
Salary Snapshot
SA Grant Funded Scientists salary bands, shown per year.
Entry salary
$71,046
GFSc 1
Top salary
$170,363
GFSc 6B
Midpoint band
$123,859
GFSc 4
Classifications
7
Grant Funded Scientists stream
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Grant Funded Scientists — South Australia
The Grant Funded Scientists stream covers research scientists employed in SA Government agencies whose remuneration is wholly or partially funded through research grants. Classifications span GFSc 1 for early career researchers through to GFSc 6B for distinguished scientists. These rates are set under the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried.
Source: SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026
Superannuation: South Australian public sector employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
Key Information
SA salary facts, agreement context and conditions to check before comparing pay.
Effective date
Rates are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2025, under the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026, approved by the South Australian Employment Tribunal on 4 March 2026.
Scheduled change
Further increases are scheduled from 1 July 2026 and 1 July 2027 under the same agreement.
Classification note
ASO Level 1 rates shown are adult rates only.
Classification note
MAS 3 is closed to new appointments following SAET approval on 4 March 2026; existing MAS 3 employees retain their classification.
Classification note
Dental Officers and Grant Funded Scientists are specialist streams covered by separate schedules within this agreement.
Compare Pay Scales
Switch classification streams or compare public service salary scales across jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GFSc 1 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 1 earns $71,046 to $86,729 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $58,000–$68,000 per year. This classification covers early career scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 2 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 2 earns $91,565 to $105,083 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $71,000–$80,000 per year. This classification covers research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 3 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 3 earns $108,087 to $114,847 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $82,000–$86,000 per year. This classification covers senior research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 4 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 4 earns $118,601 to $129,116 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $88,000–$95,000 per year. This classification covers principal research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 5 salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 5 earns $132,121 to $144,504 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $97,000–$105,000 per year. This classification covers chief research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 6A salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 6A earns $158,668 to $158,668 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $113,000–$113,000 per year. This classification covers distinguished research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What is the GFSc 6B salary?
A Grant Funded Scientists GFSc 6B earns $170,363 to $170,363 per year as set by the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026. After income tax and Medicare levy, take-home pay is approximately $120,000–$120,000 per year. This classification covers senior distinguished research scientist roles. SA employees receive 12% employer superannuation.
What qualifications are needed to enter the SA Grant Funded Scientist stream?
Entry to GFSc 1 requires a 3 or 4 year science degree. The GFSc 1 pay point for a 3-year degree starts at $71,046, while a 4-year degree (honours) starts at $74,052. GFSc 2 and above typically require a PhD or equivalent postdoctoral experience.
What is the salary range for SA Government research scientists?
Grant Funded Scientists range from $71,046 (GFSc 1, 3-year degree entry) to $170,363 (GFSc 6B). Most career researchers progress through GFSc 2–5 ($91,565–$144,504) over their working life.
Can SA grant funded scientists negotiate their salary?
Yes — the SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2026 allows a Grant Funded Scientist and their agency to agree on remuneration arrangements having regard to the salary basis of a relevant research grant, provided the salary is no less than the minimum rate applicable under the agreement.