Account executive salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
Account executive salary in Australia: median $1,692/week for sales reps, index ~81. Covers Commercial Sales Award, Fair Work Ombudsman guides, and Jobs and Skills Australia data.
Based on the median full-time earnings for Sales Representatives ($1,692/week), an account executive salary annualises to about $87,984, placing it near index 81 on the Australian salary index, below the national line of 100.
What is an account executive salary in Australia?
An account executive is a sales role that manages client relationships and drives revenue. In Australia, the title appears across industries – from advertising and technology to wholesale trade and business services. Because the role varies so much, the **account executive salary can range from award-minimum to well above the national line. This article explains where a typical account executive pay sits on the Australian salary index, using public data from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and Jobs and Skills Australia.
The salary index: where does an account executive sit?
The Australian salary index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line of 100, which is the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. The national line is $108,352 per year (index 100). The national minimum wage from July 2026 is $52,255 (index 48.2). Most full-time workers fall somewhere between.
For account executives, the best public benchmark is the median weekly earnings for Sales Representatives (ANZSCO 6113), reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and published by Jobs and Skills Australia. The median is $1,692 per week for full-time non-managerial employees. Annualised: $1,692 × 52 = $87,984. That gives an index of about 81.
That means the typical account executive earns about 19% below the national line. But this is a median across all sales representatives, including building supplies, business services, motor vehicle parts, and personal goods. Account executives in professional services or technology often earn more, sometimes pushing above index 100.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Many account executives are covered by the Commercial Sales Award [MA000083]. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for this award, which sets minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates. The award minima rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026. For example, a Level 1 sales representative under the award might earn around $26–$28 per hour, which annualises to roughly $54,000–$58,000 (index 50–54). However, most account executives are paid above the award, often with a base salary plus commission or bonus.
Some account executives in banking or insurance fall under the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award [MA000019]. That award has higher minimum rates, reflecting the financial services industry. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for that award shows classification rates that can exceed $30 per hour for experienced roles.
Industry context
Where an account executive works matters a lot. The professional, scientific and technical services industry has an index of 114.7, meaning average earnings are 14.7% above the national line. Account executives in that sector – for example, selling software or consulting services – often earn well above the median. In contrast, retail trade (index 75.9) or accommodation and food services (index 72.5) pay less. The median for Sales Representatives already reflects a mix, but individual roles can vary widely.
State differences
State also affects pay. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest index at 109.9, followed by Western Australia at 106.9. An account executive in Perth or Canberra might earn more than one in Tasmania (index 88.6) or South Australia (index 94.6). The median figure of $1,692 is national; local markets can push pay up or down.
How the index works for an account executive
The index is simple: take your annual gross salary (before tax and super), divide by the national line ($108,352), and multiply by 100. For example, an account executive earning $90,000 has an index of 83. One earning $120,000 has an index of 111. The index helps you see where you sit relative to the average full-time worker.
Take-home pay estimate
On a $87,984 salary (index 81), the estimated take-home pay for a resident (2026–27 tax rates, including 2% Medicare levy) is roughly $67,500. That’s after tax but before any HELP repayments or salary sacrifice. The calculation uses the tax-free threshold of $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, then 30% up to $135,000. The index is a gross benchmark; your actual pay may differ.
Superannuation
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. An employer must pay this on top of your salary. So a $87,984 salary means an extra $10,558 in super, but that does not affect the index (which uses gross salary only).
Where to find more information
If you want to check award rates, use the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. For industry benchmarks, see the industries page. To understand the index calculation, read how the index works. For state comparisons, visit states. And for more topics related to sales roles, see topics.
Summary
The account executive salary in Australia typically sits around index 81, based on the median earnings for Sales Representatives. But many account executives earn more, especially in professional services or high-paying states. The index gives you a clear way to compare any salary to the national line.
Data sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for Commercial Sales Award and Banking, Finance and Insurance Award; Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for Sales Representatives (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025); Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (2026 data).
Questions people ask
What is the typical account executive salary in Australia?
There is no single figure, but the median for Sales Representatives (a broad category that includes account executives) is $1,692 per week, or about $87,984 per year before tax. This sits at an index of around 81, meaning it is about 19% below the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of $108,352. Many account executives earn above this median, especially in industries like professional services or technology.
Which award covers account executives in Australia?
Many account executives are covered by the Commercial Sales Award [MA000083], which sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for this award. However, some account executives in banking or insurance may fall under the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award [MA000019]. Always check the classification that matches the duties.
How does an account executive salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (index 100) is $108,352 per year. The median account executive salary (using Sales Representatives data) is about $87,984, or index 81. That means the typical account executive earns roughly 19% less than the national line. However, experienced account executives in high-paying industries can reach or exceed the national average.