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Business analyst salary in Sydney: how it compares on the Australian salary index
Find out where a business analyst salary in Sydney sits on the Australian salary index. Based on national median earnings and NSW benchmarks.
The national median for ICT Business and Systems Analysts is around $2,697 per week, placing it well above the national line at an index of roughly 129.
Business analyst salary in Sydney on the Australian salary index
If you are looking at a business analyst salary in Sydney, the first thing to know is that no single figure applies to everyone. Pay depends on experience, industry, employer size, and whether you work as an employee or contractor. The best public benchmark comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics via Jobs and Skills Australia, which tracks the occupation group ICT Business and Systems Analysts (ANZSCO 2611).
National median earnings for business analysts
According to the latest data (May 2025), the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial ICT Business and Systems Analysts is $2,697. That works out to about $140,244 a year (52 weeks). To put that on the Salary Index, where 100 equals the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, the occupation index is roughly 129. That means a typical business analyst earns about 29% more than the average full-time worker.
For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, and the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (where many business analysts work) has an index of 114.7. So business analysts are comfortably above both the national line and their own industry average.
What about Sydney specifically?
Sydney is part of New South Wales, which has a state index of 101.2 – slightly above the national line. While no Sydney-specific median is published, it is reasonable to expect that a business analyst salary in Sydney is higher than the national median. Sydney has a high concentration of financial services, tech companies, and consulting firms, all of which tend to pay above the national average. The states page shows how each state compares.
If you are negotiating a salary in Sydney, the national median gives you a floor. A competitive offer for a mid-level business analyst in Sydney might range from $120,000 to $160,000, depending on the employer and your background. Senior roles or those in banking and insurance can go higher.
How the salary index works for business analysts
The index is simple: take your annual gross salary, divide by the national line ($108,352), and multiply by 100. For example, a business analyst earning $130,000 has an index of 120. That means they earn 20% above the average full-time worker. The how the index works page explains the calculation in detail.
Awards and minimum pay
Most business analysts are covered by the Professional Employees Award or are award-free because their salary exceeds the award threshold. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides with minimum rates. For example, a Level 1 professional employee under that award earns around $1,200 per week, but this is far below what qualified business analysts typically receive. If you are unsure about your award coverage, check the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Superannuation and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a business analyst earning $140,000 would have an additional $16,800 paid into super. For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates apply: the first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, and 37% up to $190,000. A $140,000 salary would have a tax bill (including 2% Medicare levy) of roughly $32,000, leaving a take-home of about $108,000. That is before any HELP repayments or salary sacrifice.
Industries that hire business analysts in Sydney
Business analysts work across many industries. The top sectors nationally are Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Financial and Insurance Services, and Public Administration and Safety. In Sydney, financial services and tech are especially strong. The industries page shows how each sector compares on the index. For example, Financial and Insurance Services has an index of around 110, while Professional Services is 114.7.
What the data does not tell you
The $2,697 median is for full-time non-managerial employees only. It excludes part-time workers, managers, and contractors. It also does not account for bonuses, commissions, or overtime. If you are a senior business analyst or in a lead role, your salary could be significantly higher. Conversely, entry-level or junior roles may be below the median.
How to use this information
When evaluating a business analyst salary in Sydney, start with the national median and adjust for your experience, industry, and location. Use the index to see where you sit relative to the average Australian worker. If you are offered $120,000, that is an index of 111 – still above average. If you are offered $150,000, that is index 138. The index is a useful tool for comparing offers across cities and industries.
For more detailed pay rates, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides or the Modern Awards Pay Database from the Fair Work Commission. These sources give minimum rates but are a good starting point if you are covered by an award.
Summary
A typical business analyst in Australia earns around $140,000 a year, which is 29% above the national average. In Sydney, salaries are likely higher due to the city's economic profile. Use the salary index to benchmark any offer and remember that super and tax affect your take-home pay. The topics page has more guides on specific occupations and pay comparisons.
Questions people ask
What is the average business analyst salary in Sydney?
There is no published average for Sydney specifically. Nationally, ICT Business and Systems Analysts earn a median of $2,697 per week (about $140,000 a year). Given Sydney's higher cost of living and concentration of professional services, salaries are likely above the national median, but exact figures vary by experience and employer.
How does a business analyst salary in Sydney compare to the national salary index?
The national index is 100, based on average full-time earnings of $108,352. The national median for business analysts is about $140,000, giving an index of roughly 129. Sydney sits in NSW, which has a state index of 101.2, so the occupation itself is well above the state average.
What award covers business analysts in Sydney, and what are the minimum pay rates?
Many business analysts are covered by the Professional Employees Award. Minimum rates depend on classification level. For example, a Level 1 employee might earn around $1,200 per week, but most business analysts are paid well above award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for current award rates.