55 per hour annual salary: How it compares across states and industries
Find out what a $55 per hour annual salary means in Australia, how it stacks up against the national average, and how state and industry differences affect your take-home pay.
A $55 per hour annual salary sits near the national average, but varies significantly by state and industry.
What does $55 per hour annual salary mean?
A rate of $55 per hour is a common benchmark for skilled trades, technical roles, and some professional positions in Australia. When annualised for full-time work (38 hours per week, 52 weeks), it comes to $108,680. That is almost exactly the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, as measured by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in its Average Weekly Earnings series (May 2026). On the Salary Index, where 100 equals the national line, $55 per hour scores about 100.3 – right on the average.
But averages hide a lot. Where you live and which industry you work in can make $55 per hour feel very different. In some states and sectors, it is above the local norm; in others, it is below.
State differences
The states page shows how average earnings vary across Australia. The national index of 100 is an overall figure, but each state has its own benchmark:
- Western Australia (index 106.9, annualised $115,825) – $55/hr is below the state average. The mining and resources boom pushes WA earnings higher.
- Australian Capital Territory (index 109.9, $119,090) – $55/hr is also below the ACT average, driven by public sector and professional services.
- Tasmania (index 88.6, $96,008) – $55/hr is well above the state average. A worker earning $55/hr in Tasmania is earning roughly 13% more than the typical full-time earner there.
- Victoria (index 98.0, $106,137) and Queensland (index 97.9, $106,064) – $55/hr is slightly above their state averages.
- South Australia (index 94.6, $102,450) and Northern Territory (index 95.2, $103,173) – $55/hr is above average.
- New South Wales (index 101.2, $109,658) – $55/hr is very close to the NSW average.
These differences matter when comparing job offers or negotiating pay. A $55/hr role in Perth might be considered average, while the same rate in Hobart would be seen as very good.
Industry differences
Industries show even wider gaps. The index for full-time ordinary-time earnings by industry ranges from 72.5 to 154.7:
- Mining (index 154.7) – $55/hr is far below the industry average. Typical mining earnings are around $167,000 annualised, so $55/hr is more like a junior or support role.
- Professional, scientific and technical services (index 114.7) – $55/hr is below average. Many professionals in this sector earn above $124,000.
- Education and training (index 105.5) – $55/hr is close to the industry average. Experienced teachers and trainers often earn around this level.
- Health care and social assistance (index 97.8) – $55/hr is slightly above average. Registered nurses and allied health professionals may earn $55/hr or more depending on experience and classification.
- Retail trade (index 75.9) – $55/hr is well above average. Most retail workers earn much less, so $55/hr would be a senior management or specialist role.
- Accommodation and food services (index 72.5) – $55/hr is far above the industry norm. Only executive chefs or hotel managers might reach that rate.
How the index works
The how the index works page explains that the Salary Index compares your gross annual salary to the national line. If your salary is $108,352, your index is 100. If it is $54,176, your index is 50. If it is $162,528, your index is 150. The index makes it easy to see where you stand relative to the typical Australian full-time worker.
For $55 per hour, the index is about 100.3 – essentially average. But as we have seen, average is not the same everywhere.
Awards, super and tax
A $55 per hour rate is well above the national minimum wage ($26.44/hr from 1 July 2026) and above most modern award minimums. However, awards can set higher rates for specific classifications, and enterprise agreements may pay more. Always check the relevant award or agreement.
Superannuation at 12% is paid on top of your salary, so total remuneration including super is about $121,722. This is important when comparing total compensation packages.
Tax on $108,680 in 2026–27 (resident, tax-free threshold, 2% Medicare levy) would be roughly $28,000, leaving a take-home of about $80,680 per year, or $1,550 per week. This ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.
Putting it together
A $55 per hour annual salary is a solid, average income nationally. But its real value depends on your state and industry. In Tasmania or retail, it is a high earner's wage. In WA or mining, it is closer to the starting point. Use the pay guides and topics pages to explore how your specific role compares.
Remember that these figures are benchmarks, not quotes for a particular job. Your actual pay will depend on your award, experience, and employer. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for award rates and the Australian Taxation Office for tax calculations.
Questions people ask
How is the annual salary for $55 per hour calculated?
For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, $55 per hour gives an annual salary of $55 × 38 × 52 = $108,680. This is just above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100).
What is the take-home pay for a $55 per hour salary?
Using 2026–27 tax rates (tax-free threshold, 2% Medicare levy, no other deductions), the estimated weekly take-home pay on $108,680 is around $1,550, depending on exact tax calculations. This is a rough estimate and does not include HELP repayments or salary sacrifice.
How does $55 per hour compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 annualised). At $55 per hour, you earn more than double the minimum wage, placing you well above the lowest award floors.