The average salary in Australia is A$100,000 per year (USD 64,000), reflecting the country’s strong economy and high standard of living. This figure puts Australia in context as a market that offers attractive employment opportunities to professionals cutting across all fields of endeavour. In this blog post, we will discuss more about salaries in Australia, such as average and median salary, minimum wage, and annual income increments. Additionally, we’ll explore the key factors that influence salaries and highlight some of the top-paying industries in the country.
What is the Average Salary in Australia
Australia ranks highly in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index, with its cities recognized for excellent infrastructure, education, and healthcare. These reasons make it have a strong economy and competitive wages. Below, we explore average, median, and minimum salaries, showing the strength of the nation’s labour market.
Average Salary
In 2024, the gross average salary in Australia is A$100,000 per year. This comes to roughly A$1,923.40 per week or A$7,694 per month. Thus, the average hourly wage was around A$50.6, primarily signifying the high earning capacity within different sectors for employed workers. This aligns with the fact that workers will likely earn attractive earnings in various industries.
Median Salary
The median salary in Australia is about A$65,000 a year, translated to about US$44,000 a year. The median salary shows what most workers typically earn because it reflects the middle point of earnings. It is slightly lower than the average, as the average can be pushed higher by a small number of very high earners.
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Australia is A$24.10 per hour and A$915.90 per week, amounting to A$47,626 annually for full-time employees. The Fair Work Commission of Australia sets its minimum wage, which is the second-highest in the world, and its workers benefit from paid leave and holidays.
Average Salary Increment Rate
Salaries in Australia go up according to the overall economy, the industry, and individual performance. Employees can see an average 3-5% rise every year. However, some of the high-growth industries could offer higher percentages, whereas some slow-growth industries would offer lesser percentage increments.
Factors Influencing Salaries in Australia
Salaries in Australia are determined by the numerous factors that involve experience, education, location, as well as industry trends. Those aspects have proven the level of variation in remunerations among employees. The following factors form the essentials involved in salary levels:
By Education
Higher qualifications for higher education have a big influence on salary levels in Australia. Advanced degrees lead often to higher earnings because they deliver specialized skills and minimize the competition for high-level positions. Here is an overview of median weekly earnings by education level:
| Education Level | Median Weekly Earnings ( AUD ) |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate qualifications | $1,893 |
| Graduate diploma/certificate | $1,726 |
| Bachelor’s degree | $1,578 |
| Certificate III/IV | $1,342 |
| Advanced diploma/diploma | $1,300 |
| Certificate I/II or other | $1,174 |
| No post-school qualifications | $998 |
Source: Australian Bureau of StatisticsÂ
By Experience
Experience is a determining factor of salaries in Australia. The more expertise professionals acquire, the higher their potential earnings. Here is a breakdown of salaries based on experience levels:
| Experience Level | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $92,608 per year |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | $111,445 per year |
| Senior (6-10 years) | $125,000 per year |
| Executive (10+ years) | $140,000 per year |
Source: Talent. com
By State
Salaries vary from country to country in Australia through its states and territories, caused by regional industries and differing economic factors. Below are the average weekly earnings figures for full-time workers according to state and territory, respectively.
| State/Territory | Average Weekly Earnings (AUD) | Male Weekly Earnings (AUD) | Female Weekly Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $1,935.70 | $2,013.00 | $1,814.90 |
| Victoria | $1,882.00 | $1,962.70 | $1,757.40 |
| Queensland | $1,901.00 | $2,002.10 | $1,750.60 |
| South Australia | $1,776.90 | $1,843.20 | $1,662.20 |
| Western Australia | $2,094.30 | $2,257.60 | $1,819.70 |
| Tasmania | $1,710.80 | $1,741.60 | $1,654.70 |
| Northern Territory | $1,845.80 | $1,976.30 | $1,712.10 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $2,126.50 | $2,215.30 | $2,027.30 |
Source: Forbes
By City
Salaries in the cities of Australia vary and are usually determined by local markets, industries, and living costs. Big cities like Sydney and Perth have higher average salaries, because of their economic significance. Smaller cities like Hobart normally have lower averages. The table below gives a general idea of average annual salaries in Australian cities:
| City | Average Annual Salary ( AUD ) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $82,000 |
| Melbourne | $78,000 |
| Brisbane | $76,000 |
| Adelaide | $72,000 |
| Perth | $80,000 |
| Hobart | $67,000 |
| Darwin | $74,000 |
| Canberra | $80,000 |
Source: Forbes
By Industry
Australian industries vary according to the roles, qualifications, and demand within them. Earnings ranges are different according to these major industry groups. Australian Mining has the highest weekly average earnings, and the accommodation and food services sectors have the lowest. Below is a summary of the average weekly salaries in Australia across key industries:
In Australia salaries also vary based on the sector, public sector employees in Australia earn more than those working in the private sector.
| Industry | Average Weekly Salary ( AUD ) | Male Weekly Salary ( AUD ) | Female Weekly Salary ( AUD ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining | $3,015.30 | $3,107.00 | $2,651.20 |
| Manufacturing | $1,706.70 | $1,746.30 | $1,562.00 |
| Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services | $2,243.80 | $2,307.10 | $2,033.30 |
| Construction | $1,821.80 | $1,840.00 | $1,701.30 |
| Wholesale Trade | $1,790.60 | $1,863.80 | $1,625.20 |
| Retail Trade | $1,454.50 | $1,503.70 | $1,386.70 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $1,421.00 | $1,494.30 | $1,324.10 |
| Transport, Postal & Warehousing | $1,893.20 | $1,930.00 | $1,753.60 |
| Information Media & Telecommunications | $2,437.20 | $2,582.90 | $2,144.00 |
| Financial & Insurance Services | $2,283.20 | $2,497.90 | $2,048.20 |
| Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services | $1,789.60 | $1,911.00 | $1,630.00 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $2,245.40 | $2,448.60 | $1,926.90 |
| Administrative & Support Services | $1,723.70 | $1,857.40 | $1,513.40 |
| Public Administration & Safety | $2,036.10 | $2,078.80 | $1,984.80 |
| Education & Training | $2,026.40 | $2,127.10 | $1,974.60 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $1,902.40 | $2,226.80 | $1,765.10 |
| Arts & Recreation Services | $1,797.30 | $1,931.20 | $1,616.90 |
| Other Services | $1,457.80 | $1,497.30 | $1,401.00 |
| Total Across All Industries | $1,923.40 | $2,014.30 | $1,782.80 |
Source: Australian Bureau of StatisticsÂ
By Gender
The gender pay gap in Australia remains a significant issue despite progress in recent years. The revealing gender pay gap for the financial year ending 2023-24 is an average total remuneration of 21.8% in which women earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. On average, this amounts to women earning $28,425 less annually than men. Even though 56% of employers have made positive changes and have narrowed their GPG, a disparity still exists with stringer differences being evident within the higher-paying roles and especially in the senior management positions.
Encouragingly, several organizations have been working hard to solve problems relating to the gender pay gap. About 68% of employers now monitor pay equity, and initiatives by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) are promoting transparency. Particularly, wage growth in female employment areas and a rise in employer contribution have shown further improvement in gender pay disparity in Australia.
Highest Paying Jobs in Australia
Australia provides diversified lucrative careers in all types of industries, with salary impacts on skills, demand, and type of work. The following is an overview of the top-paying jobs in 2024, highlighting roles in the legal, executive, and technical fields.
| Industry Role | Average Annual Salary ( AUD ) | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Legal: Equity Partner | $850,000 | Top firms in Sydney dominate with high earnings; salaried partners earn $400,000+. |
| Executive: CEO/Managing Director | $700,000 | For organizations with turnovers of $50M-$500M; include COO and executive general managers. |
| Finance: Head of Treasury | $510,000 | Key finance roles like head of tax and risk earn $400,000+, while group controllers make $315,000. |
| Logistics: Chief Procurement Officer | $450,000 | Supply chain directors also earn high salaries, up to $260,000. |
| Human Resources: Head of HR | $400,000 | HR roles in large organizations, especially with 1,000+ employees, are in high demand. |
| Property: Development Director | $388,000 | High salaries were reported for project directors and experienced acquisition specialists. |
| Sustainability: Project Development Director | $357,000 | Rising demand for sustainability professionals in roles like ESG heads. |
| Mining: Jumbo Operator | $330,000 | High-paying operational roles for skilled workers in excavation and heavy machinery. |
| Construction: Construction Manager | $320,000 | Top roles include project managers ($250,000) and senior estimators ($200,000). |
| Technology: Project Director | $280,000 | Leadership roles in data architecture and software management command competitive salaries. |
The above-described figures are anchored on the actual offers within the Australian market to show the value of specialized skills, especially in leadership positions within given industries. Promotion to higher positions in these positions entails technical skills, business, and people skills. The shifting trend of Australian job markets is signified by such areas as sustainability and mining, which are currently highly in demand.
Through the right skills, certifications, and experience people can benefit from these opportunities thus making Australia a place for an ambitious career.
Source: Forbes
High-Potential Industries in Australia
Australia’s economy is led by a mix of various industries, and most significantly impacts national revenues. The financing sector comes at the number one spot followed closely with government administration and professional services. Industries like health service, mining, and also consumer goods retailing give significant contributions as well showing the broad nature of growth in this economy and the large array of contributing sectors.
| Industry | Revenue for 2024 ( AUD ) |
|---|---|
| Finance | $422.9B |
| State Government Administration | $365.4B |
| Professional Services | $324.5B |
| Superannuation Funds | $289.3B |
| Consumer Goods Retailing | $246.9B |
| National and Regional Commercial Banks | $231.3B |
| Health Services | $218.3B |
| Financial Asset Investing | $153.9B |
| Iron Ore Mining | $131.9B |
| Supermarkets and Grocery Stores | $131.7B |
Source: IBSWorld.com
Conclusion
The landscape of salary in Australia, shaped by factors such as education, experience, and industry dynamics, is reflective of a strong and dynamic economy in the nation. This kind of information will be helpful to both job seekers and employers, in making informed decisions about jobs in a competitive labour market.
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Signup for FreeBook DemoFrequently Asked Questions
A good salary in Australia depends on location and lifestyle. What was sufficient at A$75,000 previously is now not enough for most people, who feel they need A$100,000 to be stable, especially in expensive cities like Sydney, where rent and living costs are high. Of course, the ideal salary will vary, but A$100,000 is increasingly seen as a reasonable target for financial comfort.
Living in Australia is expensive, one single person would cost AU$ 4,312 monthly, and a family of four, on average, AU$ 7,786. Countries such as Australia rank in the top of more expensive countries, in over 87% of world rankings. The cost of living in different locations in Australia differs, but overall, it’s pretty pricey compared to many nations.
Indians working in Australia earn around $30.5 lakhs per annum in average salary. Salaries mainly range between $21.0 lakhs and $50.0 lakhs, considering specific job roles and cities to work in. Major cities have a higher salary offer while the cost of living has a higher value attached.
A salary of A$75,000 is close to the median in Australia. While it may provide a comfortable living in regional areas, it can be challenging in cities like Sydney or Melbourne due to the higher cost of living. Your quality of life will depend on where you live and your personal expenses.
