What the 482 salary requirement means for your pay in Australia
Understand the 482 salary requirement for sponsored workers, how state and industry differences affect market salary rates, and where your pay sits on the national index.
The 482 salary requirement sets a floor at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, but actual pay varies widely by state and industry, with indices from 72.5 (accommodation) to 154.7 (mining).
What is the 482 salary requirement?
The 482 salary requirement refers to the minimum pay conditions that an employer must meet when sponsoring a worker under the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa. It is not a single number; it combines the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and the market salary rate for the nominated occupation. The employer must pay whichever is higher, and the pay must be at least equal to what an Australian worker in the same role at the same workplace would earn.
This requirement exists to ensure sponsored workers are not exploited and that local labour conditions are respected. The Fair Work Ombudsman states that 482 visa holders have the same workplace rights as any other employee, including the National Employment Standards and modern award coverage where applicable.
How the salary index helps you understand the 482 salary requirement
The Salary Index benchmarks gross annualised ordinary-time earnings against a national line of 100, which equals $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). If your 482 salary is, say, $80,000, your index is 73.8. That tells you where your pay sits relative to the average full-time worker.
State and industry differences matter greatly for the market salary rate. The index shows that a 482 worker in Western Australia (state index 106.9) would typically need a higher market salary than one in Tasmania (88.6) because ordinary-time earnings are higher in WA. Similarly, an occupation in mining (industry index 154.7) will command a much higher market rate than one in accommodation and food services (72.5).
State differences in the 482 salary requirement
The market salary rate for a 482 visa is not set nationally; it reflects local labour markets. The states page on Salary Index shows the variation:
- New South Wales: index 101.2 – slightly above the national line.
- Victoria: index 98 – close to the national average.
- Queensland: index 97.9 – similar to Victoria.
- South Australia: index 94.6 – below average.
- Western Australia: index 106.9 – well above, driven by mining and resources.
- Tasmania: index 88.6 – the lowest, reflecting a smaller economy.
- Northern Territory: index 95.2 – below average.
- Australian Capital Territory: index 109.9 – the highest, due to public sector and professional services.
For a 482 visa holder, the market salary rate must be at least the TSMIT, but in a state like WA or ACT, the market rate for many skilled occupations will be higher than the TSMIT. An employer cannot pay the TSMIT alone if the local market rate for that job is higher.
Industry differences in the 482 salary requirement
Industry also drives the market salary rate. The industries page shows indices that reflect ordinary-time earnings by sector:
- Mining: 154.7 – the highest, so a 482 worker in mining (e.g., a mining engineer) will have a high market salary.
- Professional, scientific and technical services: 114.7 – above average, common for IT, engineering, and consulting roles.
- Education and training: 105.5 – slightly above average.
- Health care and social assistance: 97.8 – close to the national line.
- Retail trade: 75.9 – well below average.
- Accommodation and food services: 72.5 – the lowest.
If you are a 482 visa holder in retail, your market salary rate might be close to the TSMIT, but in mining it could be well above $120,000. The Salary Index helps you see where your occupation's typical pay sits.
Example: comparing a 482 chef in Tasmania vs a 482 engineer in WA
A chef in Tasmania (accommodation and food services industry index 72.5, state index 88.6) might have a market salary around $65,000–$75,000. The TSMIT floor would apply if the market rate is lower, but the employer must still pay at least the TSMIT. That $70,000 salary gives an index of 64.6, well below the national line.
A mining engineer in Western Australia (mining index 154.7, state index 106.9) could have a market salary of $150,000 or more, index 138.5. The 482 salary requirement here is easily met, but the employer must still prove the rate is market-consistent.
How the 482 salary requirement interacts with awards and super
If a modern award covers the occupation, the award minimum wage applies. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($52,255 annualised, index 48.2), but most skilled 482 occupations fall under awards with higher rates. The employer must pay at least the award rate, the TSMIT, or the market salary rate – whichever is highest.
Superannuation is also part of the total employment cost. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. The 482 salary requirement refers to gross salary excluding super, but the employer must still pay super on top.
What to do if your 482 salary seems wrong
If you suspect your employer is not meeting the 482 salary requirement, you have protections. The Fair Work Ombudsman can investigate pay and conditions, and the Department of Home Affairs handles sponsorship obligations. You cannot be penalised for asking about your rights. The topics page on Salary Index has more on visa holder rights.
Remember, the 482 salary requirement is not just a number – it's a principle that your pay must reflect the local market and not undercut Australian workers. Use the Salary Index to benchmark your salary against state and industry averages, and if something seems off, seek advice.
Questions people ask
What is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for the 482 visa?
The TSMIT is the minimum annual salary that an employer must pay a 482 visa holder. While the exact figure is not provided in the search results, it is set by the Department of Home Affairs and is currently $70,000 (as of 2024–25, but check the latest). The market salary rate for the occupation must also be at least this amount.
How does the market salary rate work for a 482 visa?
The employer must pay the sponsored worker at least the market salary rate for the occupation in that location. This means the pay cannot be lower than what an Australian worker doing the same job in the same workplace would receive. The market rate is influenced by state and industry benchmarks, such as those shown in the Salary Index.
What happens if my 482 salary is below the requirement?
If your employer does not meet the 482 salary requirement, they may be in breach of their sponsorship obligations. You can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and protection. The Department of Home Affairs may also take action, including cancelling the sponsorship. Your visa cannot be cancelled by your employer.