Average Salary Aus: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index

What Does 'Average Salary Aus' Mean?

When people search for 'average salary aus', they usually want to know the typical full-time earnings in Australia. The most reliable benchmark is the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. As of May 2026, that figure is $108,352 per year – which we set as index 100 on the Salary Index. This means any pay figure can be compared by dividing it by $108,352 and multiplying by 100.

For example, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 annualised – that's index 48.2. A casual worker on that rate with the 25% loading gets $33.05 per hour, which works out to about $65,319 if full-time (index 60.3). But remember, the index is a gross ordinary-time benchmark, not a quote for a specific job.

How the Average Varies by State

Australia's states and territories have different economic profiles, which show up in their average earnings. The states page breaks down each one. Here's how they compare to the national line:

• ACT: index 109.9 ($119,090) – highest, driven by public sector and professional services.
• WA: index 106.9 ($115,825) – mining and resources push it above average.
• NSW: index 101.2 ($109,658) – slightly above the national line.
• VIC: index 98.0 ($106,137) – just below.
• QLD: index 97.9 ($106,064) – similar to Victoria.
• NT: index 95.2 ($103,173) – below average despite mining.
• SA: index 94.6 ($102,450) – lower due to less high-paying industry.
• TAS: index 88.6 ($96,008) – the lowest, reflecting a smaller economy.

If you're earning $100,000 in Tasmania, your index is about 92.3 – below the national line. The same salary in the ACT would be index 92.3 as well, but relative to the local average you'd be further behind.

Industry Differences

Your industry matters a lot. The industries page shows how sectors stack up:

• Mining: index 154.7 – well above average, reflecting high wages for fly-in fly-out and skilled trades.
• Professional, scientific and technical: index 114.7 – includes lawyers, engineers, IT consultants.
• Education and training: index 105.5 – teachers and academics slightly above the line.
• Health care and social assistance: index 97.8 – just below average, despite high demand.
• Retail trade: index 75.9 – many part-time and award-level roles.
• Accommodation and food services: index 72.5 – the lowest, with many casual and junior positions.

So if you work in retail on $60,000, your index is 55.4 – well below the national average. But that doesn't mean you're underpaid; it's just the nature of the industry. Awards set minimums, and many employers pay above.

How Super and Tax Affect Take-Home Pay

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your gross salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. That means if you earn the average $108,352, your employer puts in $13,002.24 extra. But super isn't included in the index – the index is gross ordinary-time earnings only.

For tax, using 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare):

• Nil on first $18,200
• 15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
• 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
• 37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
• 45% above $190,000 Plus a 2% Medicare levy (flat). So on the average $108,352, tax and Medicare would be roughly $26,000–$28,000 depending on deductions. Take-home is around $80,000–$82,000.

Using the Salary Index for Your Own Pay

To find where your salary sits, just calculate: (your annual gross ÷ $108,352) × 100. For example, $80,000 gives index 73.8; $150,000 gives 138.5. You can compare to state and industry benchmarks on the how the index works page.

Remember, the index is a snapshot of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. It doesn't include overtime, bonuses, or part-time work. And it's an average, not a median – half of full-time workers earn less than about $85,000–$90,000 (the median is lower).

Common Misunderstandings

Some people think 'average salary aus' means the typical wage for any worker. But the ABS figure only covers full-time adults. Part-time, casual, and junior workers earn less. For example, junior rates under the national minimum wage start at $9.73 per hour for under-16s. Awards can set different junior rates too.

Also, the index doesn't reflect cost of living. A salary of $96,000 in Tasmania (index 88.6) might go further than $109,000 in NSW (index 101.2) because housing is cheaper. The index is about earnings, not purchasing power.

Where to Find More

If you want to see how your industry compares, check the industries page. For state-by-state breakdowns, visit states. And to understand the methodology behind the index, read how the index works.

In summary, the average salary in Australia is $108,352 per year (index 100). Your own salary may be higher or lower depending on where you live, what you do, and your experience. Use the Salary Index to get a clear picture of where you stand.