Average Salary in Australia 2025–26 — By State, Occupation and Age
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Contents
The average full-time adult ordinary time earnings in Australia is $100,568 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, November 2024). The median full-time salary — the midpoint at which half of workers earn more and half earn less — is closer to $84,000 per year.
These figures cover full-time adult employees only. Average weekly earnings across all employees (including part-time and casual) are lower, at approximately $1,406 per week ($73,112 per year).
Key Takeaways
- Average full-time earnings: $100,568/year ($1,934/week) — ABS Average Weekly Earnings, Nov 2024
- Median full-time salary: approximately $84,000/year
- Average all-employee earnings: $73,112/year (includes part-time and casual)
- Highest-paying state: ACT ($126,200/year average full-time earnings)
- Lowest-paying state: Tasmania ($88,700/year)
- The national minimum wage in 2025–26 is $24.10/hour ($915.90/week for 38 hours)
Average Full-Time Earnings by State (2024–25)
| State / Territory | Average Full-Time Earnings (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | $126,200 |
| Western Australia (WA) | $113,500 |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $104,400 |
| Victoria (VIC) | $100,200 |
| Queensland (QLD) | $97,800 |
| South Australia (SA) | $90,100 |
| Northern Territory (NT) | $101,700 |
| Tasmania (TAS) | $88,700 |
| Australia (national) | $100,568 |
Source: ABS Average Weekly Earnings, November 2024. Figures rounded to nearest $100.
The ACT consistently records the highest average earnings, driven by the high concentration of federal government and professional services workers in Canberra. WA is elevated by the mining sector. Tasmania and SA record the lowest average wages, reflecting a higher share of agriculture, tourism, and retail employment.
Average Salary by Occupation (2025)
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Specialist medical practitioner (doctor) | $180,000–$350,000 |
| Mining engineer | $145,000–$200,000 |
| Lawyer / solicitor | $90,000–$180,000 |
| Software engineer | $100,000–$160,000 |
| Registered nurse | $80,000–$105,000 |
| Accountant | $75,000–$130,000 |
| Teacher (primary/secondary) | $75,000–$110,000 |
| Electrician | $85,000–$120,000 |
| Plumber | $80,000–$115,000 |
| Retail manager | $65,000–$90,000 |
| Administration officer | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Hospitality / food service | $50,000–$65,000 |
Source: SEEK Salary Insights, LinkedIn Salary, Hays Australia Salary Guide 2025. Ranges reflect typical base salary excluding super.
Average Salary by Age Group (2024–25)
| Age Group | Average Weekly Earnings | Annualised |
|---|---|---|
| 15–24 years | $803/week | $41,756/year |
| 25–34 years | $1,432/week | $74,464/year |
| 35–44 years | $1,715/week | $89,180/year |
| 45–54 years | $1,680/week | $87,360/year |
| 55–64 years | $1,590/week | $82,680/year |
| 65 and over | $1,050/week | $54,600/year |
Source: ABS Characteristics of Employment survey, 2024. Figures include all employment types.
Earnings typically peak in the 35–44 age bracket, reflecting accumulated experience and seniority. The 55–64 group records slightly lower earnings on average as some workers transition to part-time roles ahead of retirement.
Gender Pay Gap in Australia
The national gender pay gap in Australia was 11.5% in May 2024, according to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). This means men earn approximately $200 more per week than women in full-time roles on average.
The gap is widest in construction (31.6%), financial services (25.8%), and professional services (23.1%). It is narrowest in healthcare (3.4%), education (4.1%), and public administration (5.7%).
WGEA now requires large employers (250+ employees) to publicly report their gender pay gaps annually, which is expected to gradually reduce the gap over time.
Average vs Median: Why Both Matter
The average salary is pulled upward by high earners in sectors like mining, finance, and medicine. The median is a better measure of what a typical Australian earns.
| Measure | Full-Time | All Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Average (mean) | $100,568/year | $73,112/year |
| Median (midpoint) | ~$84,000/year | ~$62,400/year |
If your salary is around $84,000, you are broadly in the middle of the full-time workforce. If you earn $100,000+, you are in the top third of full-time earners.
How Much Tax Do Australians Pay on Average Wages?
On the average full-time salary of $100,568 in FY2025–26:
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Gross salary | $100,568 |
| Income tax | $24,183 |
| Medicare levy | $2,011 |
| Total deductions (no HECS) | $26,194 |
| Net take-home | $74,374/year ($6,198/month) |
Assumes no HECS-HELP debt, no salary packaging, and resident tax rates. See the income tax calculator for your personal figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Australia in 2025?
The average full-time adult ordinary time salary in Australia is $100,568 per year, based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings data from November 2024. The median full-time salary is approximately $84,000 per year.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Australia?
Yes — $100,000 puts you at roughly the average for full-time workers. Among all workers including part-time, $100,000 is above the 70th percentile. In Sydney and Melbourne, $100,000 is broadly considered comfortable but not affluent, given high housing costs.
What is the average salary in Sydney vs Melbourne?
Average full-time earnings in New South Wales (where Sydney is located) are $104,400/year. Victoria (Melbourne) averages $100,200/year. Both are above the national average, reflecting the higher cost of living and concentration of professional industries.
What percentage of Australians earn over $100,000?
Approximately 20–25% of full-time adult workers earn over $100,000/year. Among all taxpayers, the ATO reports roughly 16% have total income above $100,000.
How does Australia’s average salary compare internationally?
Australia’s average wage ranks among the top 10 globally. In USD purchasing power terms, Australia’s average wage is broadly comparable to Canada and the UK, and above most European OECD countries, though below the United States.
Related Guides
- What Is a Good Salary in Australia?
- Minimum Wage Australia 2025–26
- Average Salary by Occupation Australia
- Income Percentile Calculator Australia
- Average Salary in Sydney
- $80,000 Salary After Tax Australia
Salary data sourced from ABS Average Weekly Earnings (November 2024), WGEA, and ATO Tax Statistics. Figures are indicative — individual pay varies by employer, experience, location, and industry. For personalised salary advice, speak with a career coach or recruitment consultant.