What Is the Average Salary in Perth? A Guide for Job Seekers

Understanding the average salary in Perth

When you see a job ad in Perth and wonder how the pay stacks up, the first thing to know is that there is no single official "average salary perth" published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The closest reliable benchmark is the state-level figure for Western Australia. According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary-time earnings in WA are $2,227 per week, which annualises to $115,825. On the Salary Index, that gives WA an index of 106.9—meaning the typical full-time worker in WA earns about 6.9% more than the national line of 100 ($108,352).

Perth, as the capital and economic hub, likely mirrors or slightly exceeds this state average. But averages hide a lot. A mining engineer in the Pilbara will earn far more than a retail assistant in the CBD. That's why the index is useful: it gives you a ruler to measure any offer against.

How to read a job ad in Perth

Start by looking at the base annual salary. Many ads quote a range like "$80,000–$95,000 plus super". Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026, so add that to compare total remuneration. But the Salary Index uses gross ordinary-time earnings before super, so keep that consistent.

Next, check the industry. WA has a strong mining sector, which drives up the state average. The mining industry index nationally is 154.7, but in WA it's even higher. If you're in professional, scientific or technical services, the national index is 114.7—well above average. On the other hand, retail trade (75.9) and accommodation and food services (72.5) are far below. So a job in a Perth café will likely pay less than the state average, while a role in mining or engineering will pay more.

Comparing offers using the index

Let's say you're offered $110,000 a year in Perth. Divide by $108,352 and multiply by 100: you get an index of 101.5. That's just above the national line but below the WA state index of 106.9. So the offer is slightly above the typical Australian job but below the typical WA job. That might be fine if the role is in a lower-paying industry, but if it's in mining, you'd expect more.

Now consider a $130,000 offer. Index = 120. That's well above both the national and state averages. It's a strong offer, likely from a high-paying industry or senior role.

Awards, minimum wage, and take-home pay

Every job in Perth must meet the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (index 48.2) or the relevant modern award rate. From 1 July 2026, award minima rose 4.75%. For example, the entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour. If you're under 21, junior rates apply—check the percentages in the National Minimum Wage Order.

Your take-home pay will be less after tax. For 2026–27, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are: nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Add the 2% Medicare levy. So on a $115,825 salary, you'd pay roughly $27,000 in tax and Medicare, leaving about $88,800 take-home. Use the pay guides to estimate for your situation.

Why the state index matters for Perth

Western Australia's index of 106.9 is the third-highest among states and territories, behind only the ACT (109.9). That reflects the mining boom and higher cost of living. When you see a job ad in Perth, compare the offered index to 106.9. If it's lower, ask why—maybe the role is in a low-paying industry or the employer is offering below-market rates. If it's higher, you're likely getting a competitive deal.

Remember that the index is a benchmark, not a promise. Your actual pay depends on your skills, experience, and negotiation. Use the industries page to see typical indices for your field, and check the states page for comparisons across Australia.

Final tips for job seekers in Perth

• Always clarify whether the salary includes super. If an ad says "$120,000 package", that might include 12% super, meaning the base is about $107,143 (index 98.9).
• Look for enterprise agreements or award classifications that guarantee higher rates.
• Use the Salary Index to normalise offers from different cities. A $110,000 job in Perth (index 101.5) is worth more than the same salary in Melbourne (index 98) because WA's average is higher.
• Don't forget casual loading: if the role is casual, you should get at least $33.05 per hour (national minimum wage plus 25% loading).

The average salary in Perth is a moving target, but with the index you can make sense of any offer. Start with the WA state figure of $115,825 (106.9), adjust for your industry, and compare. That's the smart way to read a job ad.