Accounting salary in Australia: state and industry differences

What does ‘accounting salary’ mean?

When people ask about an accounting salary, they usually want to know what a typical accountant earns in Australia. The answer depends on where you work, which industry you’re in, and whether you’re covered by an award. This guide uses the latest public data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Fair Work Ombudsman to give you a clear picture of accountant pay, and how it compares to the national line.

The national benchmark for accounting salary

The Salary Index sets 100 as the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). For accountants, the median weekly earnings are $2,003 (Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). That gives an index of about 96 – meaning the typical accountant earns 4% below the national average. But that’s just the middle point. Half of accountants earn more, half earn less.

How the index works

The index is simply your yearly gross pay divided by the national line, multiplied by 100. For example, an accountant earning $104,000 a year would have an index of 96 ($104,000 ÷ $108,352 × 100). If you earn $120,000, your index is about 111. You can use the Salary Index to compare any role against the national benchmark.

State differences in accounting salary

Accountants are not spread evenly across Australia. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the largest share works in New South Wales (35.2%), followed by Victoria (28.5%), Queensland (16.0%), Western Australia (11.2%), South Australia (5.2%), and the ACT (2.0%). While we don’t have state-specific median pay for accountants, the overall state indices give a strong clue. Western Australia has an index of 106.9, the ACT 109.9, and New South Wales 101.2. Tasmania is lowest at 88.6. So an accountant in Perth or Canberra is likely to earn more than one in Hobart or Adelaide, reflecting the broader cost of living and labour market conditions. For a full breakdown, see our states page.

Industry differences in accounting salary

Accountants work across many industries, but three dominate: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Financial and Insurance Services; and Public Administration and Safety. The industry indices from the Salary Index show Professional, Scientific and Technical Services at 114.7 – well above the national line. Financial and Insurance Services is not separately listed, but it typically pays above average. Public Administration and Safety is around the national average. So an accountant in a professional services firm (like a big accounting or consulting firm) will often earn more than one in government or retail. See the industries page for more.

Award coverage and minimum pay

Most accountants are not covered by a modern award. The Fair Work Ombudsman states that accountants working for an accounting firm have no award coverage – they rely on the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) and the National Employment Standards. Accountants in other industries may be covered by awards like the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award, the Black Coal Award, or the Rail Award, if their duties match the classifications. In practice, accountants almost always earn well above award rates. The entry-level award floor for other roles is $25.74 per hour, but a graduate accountant might start at $60,000 to $70,000, which is well above that.

Superannuation and tax

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if you earn $100,000, your employer pays an extra $12,000 into your super fund. For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. An accountant earning $104,000 would pay about $23,467 in tax plus $2,080 Medicare levy, leaving around $78,453 take-home (excluding HELP or other deductions).

How to use this information

If you’re negotiating an accounting salary, start with the median of $2,003 per week (index 96). Adjust for your state: add a few points if you’re in WA or ACT, subtract if in TAS or SA. Adjust for industry: professional services will pay above the median, while public sector may be closer to it. And remember that experience, qualifications (like CA or CPA), and firm size all matter. The Salary Index has more guides on specific roles and industries.

Key takeaways

• The median accounting salary index is about 96, slightly below the national average.
• State indices suggest accountants in WA and ACT earn more; those in TAS and SA earn less.
• Industry matters: professional services pays above average.
• Most accountants are award-free and earn above the minimum.
• Super is 12%, and tax brackets are progressive.

For a deeper dive, explore our topics page or read about how the index works.