ESSA launches salary guide for Accredited Sports Scientists

Mindful of the variance in the terms and conditions of employment for Accredited Sports Scientists, Exercise and Sports Science Australia has launched a salary guide for the profession.

ESSA Chief Executive, Anita Hobson-Powell notes “Accredited Sports Scientists are highly qualified and experienced professionals with the vast majority holding post-graduate credentials, dedicating years supporting athletes, teams and coaches to enhance the nation’s sporting performance.

“Similar to Australia’s elite athletes, the nation’s sports science industry is highly competitive. The current scenario with COVID-19 has added a layer of complexity with funding cuts leading to downward pressure on salaries and tightly-held workforce opportunities.”

Aware of major salaries secured by some while others are expected to work for free - the latter clearly against the rules set out by the Fair Work Commission - the purpose of the guide is to provide suggested wage grades with associated salary ranges for Accredited Sports Scientists based on the complexity and seniority of a role. The information has been drawn from a range of sources including people working in the sport sector and organisations currently employing Accredited Sports Scientists.

Hobson-Powell advised "It is rare to find a professional group without specific award coverage and ESSA aims for the salary guide to be used across a variety of settings to assist employers in providing fair and reasonable remuneration for sports science employees and contractors.”

To compound the issue, there is no Industrial Award that covers Accredited Sports Scientists and employers are left to work out which award is the best fit. Many turn to the Sporting Organisations Award 2020, Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 or the Fitness Industry Award 2020. Some sports scientists are employed under the Miscellaneous Award. Yet none of these adequately meet the terms and conditions practical for the employment of Accredited Sports Scientists.

“While ESSA explores the development of an award that is fit for purpose, we will promote the salary guide to better support the industry and ensure the profession who has helped Australia’s recent Olympic teams achieve the nation’s best Olympic outcomes since 2004 is acknowledged, valued and fairly remunerated,” added Hobson-Powell.

To obtain a copy of the Accredited Sports Scientist Salary Guide visit the ESSA website 

For further information regarding pay salary advocacy for Accredited Sports Scientists, please contact Judy Powell, ESSA Policy and Advocacy Advisor