Average Yearly Salary Australia: How Your Pay Compares by State and Industry

What is the average yearly salary in Australia?

When people ask for the "average yearly salary Australia", they usually want a single number to measure their own pay against. The most reliable benchmark is the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). As of May 2026, that figure is $2,083.70 per week, which annualises to $108,352 (before tax and super). This is the index 100 on the Salary Index.

But the national average hides big differences. Where you live and what industry you work in can shift that number by tens of thousands of dollars. The Salary Index helps you see where your pay sits relative to the national line: divide your yearly gross salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100. A score of 110 means you earn 10% above the national benchmark; a score of 80 means 20% below.

State differences: from Tasmania to the ACT

State averages for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings vary significantly, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey. Here's how each state and territory compares:

State/Territory	Annualised earnings	Index
Australian Capital Territory	$119,090	109.9
Western Australia	$115,825	106.9
New South Wales	$109,658	101.2
Victoria	$106,137	98.0
Queensland	$106,064	97.9
Northern Territory	$103,173	95.2
South Australia	$102,450	94.6
Tasmania	$96,008	88.6

Why the spread? The ACT is dominated by public administration and professional services, which pay above-average wages. Western Australia's mining sector pushes its average up. Tasmania has a higher share of lower-paying industries like hospitality and retail. If you're comparing job offers across states, the states page on Salary Index lets you see how each location stacks up.

Industry differences: mining vs hospitality

Industry is an even bigger driver of pay differences. The ABS breaks down average weekly ordinary-time earnings by industry. Here are some key examples:

• Mining: $3,224.20 per week ($167,658 per year, index 154.7) – the highest-paying industry, driven by remote work and high commodity prices.
• Information media & telecommunications: $2,714.10 per week ($141,133, index 130.3).
• Professional, scientific & technical services: $2,389.60 per week ($124,259, index 114.7) – includes lawyers, accountants, engineers.
• Education & training: $2,197.90 per week ($114,291, index 105.5).
• Health care & social assistance: $2,037.20 per week ($105,934, index 97.8) – slightly below the national line.
• Retail trade: $1,581.60 per week ($82,243, index 75.9).
• Accommodation & food services: $1,509.90 per week ($78,515, index 72.5) – the lowest among major industries.

These are averages across all roles in the industry. A retail store manager will earn more than a sales assistant, but the industry average reflects the mix. For a deeper look, see the industries page.

How the national minimum wage fits in

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time worker. Annualised, that's $52,255 – an index of just 48.2. That means someone on the minimum wage earns less than half the national benchmark. Most modern awards set higher minimum rates. Award minima rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. For example, the entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour. Casual workers get a loading of 25%, taking the casual minimum to about $33.05 per hour.

What about super and tax?

When you see a salary figure, remember that superannuation is on top. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So an employer paying $108,352 in salary must also contribute $13,002.24 into super.

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

• $0–$18,200: nil
• $18,201–$45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
• $45,001–$135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
• $135,001–$190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
• Over $190,000: 45%

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay on the national benchmark of $108,352 would be roughly $82,600 after tax and Medicare (assuming no HELP or other adjustments).

Using the Salary Index

The Salary Index is a simple tool: your yearly gross salary divided by $108,352, times 100. It works for any full-time, part-time, or casual role – just annualise your earnings. For example, a part-time worker earning $60,000 per year has an index of 55.4. A mining engineer on $180,000 has an index of 166.1. You can read more about how the index works.

Where to find pay guides

If you're covered by a modern award, your minimum pay is set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The pay guides section on Salary Index links to official award rates. Enterprise agreements and individual contracts can pay more. Always check your award or agreement before assuming your salary is fair.

Key takeaways

• The national average yearly salary for full-time adults is $108,352 (index 100).
• State averages range from $96,008 (Tasmania) to $119,090 (ACT).
• Industry averages range from $78,515 (accommodation & food) to $167,658 (mining).
• The minimum wage is $52,255 per year (index 48.2).
• Use the Salary Index to benchmark your pay against the national line.

For more detailed breakdowns, visit the topics page or explore state and industry comparisons on the states and industries pages.