Salary by Occupation Australia 2025–26 — What Do Different Jobs Pay?

Updated

How much different occupations pay in Australia varies enormously — from $47,000 at the national minimum wage to $300,000+ for senior surgeons and mining executives. Below is an overview of average salaries across Australia’s major occupational groups, followed by in-depth guides for each.

Average Salary by Occupation Group (2025–26)

Occupation GroupAverage Annual Salary
Managers$145,000
Professionals$110,000
Technicians and trades workers$90,000
Community and personal service workers$70,000
Clerical and administrative workers$67,000
Sales workers$62,000
Machinery operators and drivers$78,000
Labourers$58,000

Source: ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, 2024.

Healthcare

OccupationAverage Salary Range
Nurse (registered) — Australia$80,000–$105,000
Doctor / Specialist — Australia$180,000–$350,000
Pharmacist — Australia$85,000–$115,000
Physiotherapist — Australia$75,000–$105,000
Psychologist — Australia$80,000–$130,000
Dentist — Australia$120,000–$250,000

Education

OccupationAverage Salary Range
Teacher (primary / secondary) — Australia$75,000–$110,000

Law and Finance

OccupationAverage Salary Range
Lawyer / Solicitor — Australia$90,000–$200,000
Accountant — Australia$75,000–$130,000

Engineering and Technology

OccupationAverage Salary Range
Software Engineer — Australia$100,000–$160,000
Engineer (civil / structural / mining) — Australia$90,000–$160,000

Trades

OccupationAverage Salary Range
Electrician — Australia$85,000–$120,000
Plumber — Australia$80,000–$115,000
Tradie salaries overview — Australia$75,000–$130,000

Other Occupations

OccupationAverage Salary Range
Real estate agent — Australia$65,000–$130,000
Police officer — Australia$75,000–$110,000
Social worker — Australia$70,000–$95,000
Truck driver — Australia$65,000–$100,000
Pilot — Australia$80,000–$250,000
Chef — Australia$55,000–$90,000