When evaluating a job offer in Australia, the base salary is only part of the picture. Superannuation, leave entitlements, flexibility, career progression, and workplace culture all affect the true value of an offer.
Two roles with the same base salary can differ by $15,000–$25,000 in total value once all components are accounted for.
Total Remuneration vs Base Salary
Always ask whether the salary quoted is:
- Base salary (excluding super) — more common in professional roles
- Total remuneration / Total Package Value (TPV) — includes the 11.5% super on top
- Total Cost to Company (TCC) — sometimes includes employer-funded benefits
Example:
- Role A: $100,000 base + 11.5% super = $111,500 total package
- Role B: $108,000 total package (inclusive of super) = $96,800 base + $11,200 super
Role A is worth significantly more despite the lower headline number.
The Job Offer Checklist
Salary and super
- Is super 11.5% on top of base, or included in the total?
- Is there any additional super offered above the legislated SG rate?
- Is there a salary review schedule and process?
Leave entitlements
- Annual leave: minimum is 4 weeks under the National Employment Standards (NES); does this offer more?
- Personal / sick leave: NES minimum is 10 days/year
- Parental leave: employer-funded parental leave above the government-funded minimum?
- Additional leave: RDOs, long service leave accrual, study leave?
Flexibility
- Work from home days (standard WFH vs fully flexible)?
- Flexible start/finish times?
- Part-time or job-share options if needed in future?
Benefits and allowances
- Car allowance or company vehicle?
- Phone / laptop (for personal use or work only)?
- Professional development budget (courses, conferences, certifications)?
- Health insurance contribution?
- Salary packaging / novated lease options?
- Gym or wellbeing allowance?
Career and growth
- Is there a clear promotion pathway?
- Who would you be reporting to and what’s their leadership style?
- Is this a growing or contracting team/company?
- What training and mentoring is available?
Location and commute
- What’s the daily commute in time and cost?
- Is there car parking (and who pays)?
- Is relocation required or supported?
Salary Packaging: Non-Profit and Health Sector
If the role is at a public benevolent institution (hospital, charity, aged care), ask specifically about salary packaging. Under ATO exemptions, PBI employees can package up to $15,900/year in general living expenses — effectively reducing taxable income by that amount.
The effective value of salary packaging on a $80,000 salary can be equivalent to a $5,000–$8,000 gross pay increase. Don’t overlook this when comparing a NFP offer against a corporate role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What questions should I ask before accepting a job offer?
Key questions: Is super included or on top? What’s the leave entitlement? Is there a performance review and salary increase cycle? What does a typical week look like? Why is the role vacant? What are the team and company growth plans?
Should I negotiate before signing?
Yes — once you sign, it becomes much harder to renegotiate. This is your point of maximum leverage. See How to Negotiate Salary in Australia for scripts and strategies.
How do I compare two job offers with different salaries?
Build a total package comparison: base salary + super + value of leave entitlements + benefit value + commute cost offset. A $95,000 role 10 minutes from home with extra super and WFH may be worth more than a $105,000 role an hour away.
Related Guides
- How to Negotiate Salary in Australia
- How to Ask for a Raise in Australia
- Salary vs Hourly Rate Australia
- Average Salary Australia 2025–26
This is general information only. For advice on your specific employment situation, consider speaking with a career coach or employment law professional.