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Average Salary in Sydney: $109,658 (NSW Index 101.2)
Find out the average salary in Sydney using the NSW state index of 101.2. Compare with national benchmarks and see how industry and role affect pay.
The average salary in Sydney is uncertain, but the NSW state index of 101.2 points to around $109,658 per year for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.
Average Salary in Sydney: What the Numbers Say
When people ask about the average salary in Sydney, they usually want a straightforward figure. The short answer is that the NSW state index sits at 101.2, which annualises to about $109,658 for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. That is slightly above the national line of 100 ($108,352). But the real story is more nuanced, because Sydney is not a single economy—it is a collection of industries, suburbs, and career stages.
How the Salary Index Works
Salary Index uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings as its benchmark. An index of 100 equals $108,352 per year (or $2,083.70 per week). If your pay is above that, your index is above 100; if below, it is under 100. For example, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $52,255, which gives an index of 48.2. The NSW index of 101.2 means the typical full-time worker in New South Wales earns 1.2% more than the national average. Because Sydney is the state's economic engine, its average is likely higher still, but the ABS does not publish a separate Sydney figure.
Industry Differences in Sydney
Sydney's economy leans heavily on Professional, scientific and technical services (index 114.7), Finance and insurance (not separately listed but closely related), and Education and training (105.5). These sectors push the city's average up. On the other hand, Retail trade (75.9) and Accommodation and food services (72.5) are well below the national line. A barista in Surry Hills and a lawyer in the CBD may both live in Sydney, but their salaries sit on opposite sides of the index.
To see how your industry compares, visit our industries page. You can also check how the index works for a deeper explanation.
How Sydney Compares to Other States
Sydney is in NSW, which has an index of 101.2. That is higher than Victoria (98), Queensland (97.9), and South Australia (94.6), but lower than Western Australia (106.9) and the ACT (109.9). The gap reflects different industry mixes and cost structures. For a full state-by-state breakdown, see our states page.
What About Awards and Minimums?
If you are covered by a modern award, your minimum pay is set by Fair Work Ombudsman, not the average. Award rates rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour, and the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). Casual workers get a loading of $33.05 per hour. These figures are far below the Sydney average, but many award workers in Sydney earn above the minimum due to enterprise agreements or market pressure.
Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. That means on a $109,658 salary, your employer adds $13,159 in super. Tax is progressive: for 2026–27, the first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that. Add the 2% Medicare levy. A resident earning $109,658 would take home about $79,000 after tax and Medicare (ignoring HELP, salary sacrifice, or surcharges).
Why the Average Isn't Everything
Averages hide a lot. The NSW index of 101.2 is a benchmark for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, but it does not include part-time or casual workers, overtime, or bonuses. It also does not reflect the huge range between entry-level and senior roles. A graduate in accounting might start on $65,000 (index 60), while a partner in a law firm could earn $300,000+ (index 277). The average sits somewhere in the middle, but few people actually earn that exact figure.
If you want to see where your pay sits on the index, use our Salary Index tool. You can also browse pay guides for award-specific rates.
Practical Takeaways
- If you earn $109,658 or more, you are at or above the NSW average. Your index is 101.2 or higher.
- If you earn less, you are below the state average, but that may be normal for your industry or role.
- Sydney's cost of living means that even an average salary can feel tight, especially with high rents. The take-home of $79,000 leaves about $6,583 per month before housing costs.
For more topics related to pay in Australia, visit our topics page.
Final Word
The average salary in Sydney is best understood through the lens of the NSW index and the industries that drive the city. While the benchmark figure is $109,658, your own pay depends on your occupation, experience, and employer. Use the index to compare your earnings against the national line, and remember that awards and minimums set the floor, not the ceiling.
Questions people ask
What is the average salary in Sydney compared to the national average?
The NSW state index is 101.2, meaning Sydney's average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are about 1.2% above the national line of $108,352. That works out to roughly $109,658 per year. However, Sydney's actual average may be higher due to its concentration of high-paying industries like finance and professional services.
How does the average salary in Sydney vary by industry?
Industry makes a big difference. For example, the Professional, scientific and technical services index is 114.7 (about $124,300), while Retail trade is 75.9 ($82,300) and Accommodation and food services is 72.5 ($78,600). In Sydney, you'll find more people in the higher-index industries, which pushes the city average above the state figure.
Is the average salary in Sydney enough to live on?
It depends on your lifestyle and housing costs. The NSW index of $109,658 gives a take-home pay of roughly $79,000 after tax and Medicare (assuming no HELP debt or surcharge). Sydney's high rents and living costs mean that figure may feel tighter than in other states. Award-covered workers on the national minimum wage ($52,255) would find it very difficult.