How Australian average salaries compare by state and industry – and what 'average salary UK' means for Australian workers

What is the 'average salary UK' search really about?

When Australian workers search for 'average salary UK', they are often comparing living standards or considering overseas opportunities. But the data behind that search is entirely British. In Australia, we have our own benchmarks – and they vary significantly by state and industry. This article uses the Salary Index to show where Australian pay sits against the national line, using the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The national benchmark: index 100

The ABS measures average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults. In May 2026, that figure was $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year. That is our index 100 – the national line. Every salary can be compared to this line: divide the yearly gross by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, annualised to $52,255 – an index of 48.2.

State differences: from Tasmania to the ACT

Where you live in Australia makes a big difference to average pay. The ABS publishes state-level full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. Here are the annualised figures and their index scores:

• Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20/week, $119,090/year – index 109.9
• Western Australia: $2,227.40/week, $115,825/year – index 106.9
• New South Wales: $2,108.80/week, $109,658/year – index 101.2
• Victoria: $2,041.10/week, $106,137/year – index 98.0
• Queensland: $2,039.70/week, $106,064/year – index 97.9
• Northern Territory: $1,984.10/week, $103,173/year – index 95.2
• South Australia: $1,970.20/week, $102,450/year – index 94.6
• Tasmania: $1,846.30/week, $96,008/year – index 88.6

These are averages, not a guarantee for any job. But they show the broad pattern: the ACT and WA lead, while Tasmania and South Australia lag. If you are searching 'average salary UK' to compare cost of living, remember that Australian states also have big internal differences. See our states page for more detail.

Industry differences: mining vs retail

Industry is an even bigger driver of pay than location. The ABS breaks down full-time adult ordinary-time earnings by industry. Here are selected annualised figures and indices:

• Mining: $3,224.20/week, $167,658/year – index 154.7
• Information media & telecommunications: $2,714.10/week, $141,133/year – index 130.2
• Professional, scientific & technical services: $2,389.60/week, $124,259/year – index 114.7
• Education & training: $2,197.90/week, $114,291/year – index 105.5
• Health care & social assistance: $2,037.20/week, $105,934/year – index 97.8
• Retail trade: $1,581.60/week, $82,243/year – index 75.9
• Accommodation & food services: $1,509.90/week, $78,515/year – index 72.5

A miner earns more than double a hospitality worker on average. That gap is far larger than the gap between states. If you are looking at 'average salary UK' to see how your industry pays, the Australian industry breakdown is more relevant. Explore our industries page for more.

How the index helps you

The Salary Index lets you compare any salary to the national line. For example, if you earn $80,000 a year, your index is 73.8 – below the national average. If you earn $130,000, your index is 120.0. The index works for any gross annual salary. It is not a quote for a specific job; modern awards and enterprise agreements can set higher rates. But it gives a quick sense of where you sit.

What about awards and the minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. Most employees are covered by a modern award, which sets minimum pay rates above the national minimum. Award minima rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. For example, the entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. Junior rates apply for under-21s, based on percentages of the adult minimum. Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Tax on a full-time average salary of $108,352 (2026–27) would be roughly $24,000 plus 2% Medicare levy, leaving about $82,000 take-home – but this ignores HELP, salary sacrifice, and other adjustments. See our pay guides for more on award rates.

Why 'average salary UK' searchers should look at Australian data

If you are in Australia and searching 'average salary UK', you might be curious about international comparisons. But the UK's average salary is not directly comparable due to different tax systems, cost of living, and industry mix. The UK median full-time salary was around £35,000 in 2025, but we do not have precise comparable data. Instead, use the Australian benchmarks above to understand your own market. The Salary Index is designed to make sense of Australian pay. Learn how the index works for more.

Summary

• National benchmark: $108,352/year (index 100).
• Highest state: ACT (index 109.9).
• Highest industry: Mining (index 154.7).
• Lowest industry: Accommodation & food (index 72.5).
• National minimum wage index: 48.2.

When you search 'average salary UK', remember that Australian salaries vary enormously by where you live and what you do. Use the index to benchmark your own pay. For more topics, visit our topics page.