Scott John Morrison was born on 13 May 1968 in Sydney, New South Wales, to John Morrison, a policeman, and his wife Marion.

He was educated at Sydney Boys High School, then attended the University of New South Wales, where he received an honours degree in applied economic geography.

Before entering politics, Morrison worked in the tourism sector, notably as Director of New Zealand's Office of Tourism and Sport. After 4 years as state director of the New South Wales Liberal Party between 2000 and 2004, he took up the position of managing director at Tourism Australia, then recently established by the Howard government.

Between 2006 and 2007, he was Principal of MSAS Pty Ltd.