Where a bookkeeper salary sits on the Australian salary index
See how the typical bookkeeper salary compares to the national line. We look at median earnings, award rates, and the salary index.
The median full-time bookkeeper salary of $1,400 per week gives an index of about 67, well below the national line of 100.
What a bookkeeper salary looks like on the Australian salary index
If you’re looking at a bookkeeper salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that it sits well below the national line. The salary index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (annualised $108,352), gives a quick way to see where any pay figure lands. For bookkeepers, the median full-time weekly earnings are $1,400, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. That works out to an index of about 67. In plain terms, the typical full-time bookkeeper earns roughly two-thirds of what the average Australian full-time worker earns.
Where the numbers come from
Jobs and Skills Australia publishes detailed occupation profiles. For bookkeepers (ANZSCO 5512), the most recent data (May 2025) shows 90,400 people employed in the role. The workforce is overwhelmingly female (89%) and older than average, with a median age of 52. Only 40% work full-time hours; the rest are part-time. That part-time share is important because it pulls down the overall average earnings. The median full-time weekly earnings of $1,400 are for non-managerial adult employees working at least 35 hours. The median hourly rate is $37, and full-timers average 41 hours per week.
How the index works
The salary index compares any gross annual salary to the national benchmark. The benchmark is $108,352 per year (index 100). To calculate an index, divide the annual salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For a bookkeeper on $1,400 per week, annualised over 52 weeks: $72,800. That gives an index of 67.2. For context, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week, index 48.2. So a bookkeeper on the median is about 40% above the minimum wage but still 33% below the national average.
Award rates for bookkeepers
Most bookkeepers are covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award (MA000002). The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for that award, effective from July 2026, sets minimum weekly rates for full-time and part-time adult employees. The lowest classification (Level 1, first year) pays $1,024.70 per week ($26.97 per hour). The highest clerical level (Level 5) pays $1,291.80 per week ($33.99 per hour). There is also a call centre technical classification at $1,415.10 per week ($37.24 per hour). These are minimums; many bookkeepers with experience or in specialised roles earn above award. The award rates themselves range from index 49 (Level 1) to 62 (Level 5) – all below the national line.
Part-time and casual work
Because 60% of bookkeepers work part-time, the typical annual income for all bookkeepers is lower than the full-time median. A part-time bookkeeper working 20 hours per week at the award Level 3 rate ($31.11 per hour) would earn about $622 per week, annualised to $32,344 – an index of 30. Casual bookkeepers get a 25% loading under the Clerks Award, so the same Level 3 casual rate would be $38.89 per hour. Even so, casual work often means fewer hours and less stability.
State and industry context
The salary index also varies by state and industry. For example, the ACT has an index of 109.9 (above the national line), while Tasmania is 88.6. A bookkeeper in Canberra might earn more than one in Hobart, but the occupation’s median still trails the local benchmark. In industries, professional services (index 114.7) pay above the line, but bookkeepers working in retail (index 75.9) or accommodation (72.5) are likely to earn less than the national median for their occupation.
What this means for your pay
If you’re a bookkeeper or hiring one, the salary index gives a reality check. A full-time bookkeeper on $1,400 per week is earning 67% of the national ordinary-time earnings. That’s not low – it’s above the minimum wage – but it’s below the average across all occupations. To reach the national line, a bookkeeper would need to earn about $2,084 per week, which is well above the top award rate. That’s possible in senior roles or with specialised skills, but it’s not typical.
For more context, see how other roles compare on the Salary Index, or check the latest pay guides for award rates. The how the index works page explains the calculation in more detail.
The takeaway
A bookkeeper salary in Australia is below the national line, with a median index around 67. Award rates sit between 49 and 62. Part-time work is common, so actual take-home pay varies widely. The index helps you see where any figure stands relative to the average – and for bookkeepers, that figure is clearly below 100.
Questions people ask
What is the average bookkeeper salary in Australia?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for bookkeepers are $1,400 before tax (May 2025 data). That annualises to about $72,800. However, 60% of bookkeepers work part-time, so the typical annual income for all bookkeepers is lower. The median hourly rate is $37.
How does a bookkeeper salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week (index 100). A bookkeeper earning the median $1,400 per week sits at an index of about 67. That means the typical bookkeeper earns roughly two-thirds of the national line. Even the top award classification (Level 5) at $1,291.80 per week gives an index of 62, still well below average.
Which award covers bookkeepers and what are the minimum rates?
Most bookkeepers are covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award (MA000002). From July 2026, the minimum weekly rates range from $1,024.70 (Level 1 year 1) to $1,291.80 (Level 5). Hourly rates start at $26.97 and go up to $33.99. A call centre technical classification pays $1,415.10 per week ($37.24/hr). These are minimums; actual pay can be higher.