Business Development Manager Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index
Understand the business development manager salary in Australia using the salary index. Compare with national benchmarks, industry data, and state variations.
Based on market data, a business development manager salary of $125,500 sits at an index of approximately 116, above the national line of 100.
What is a Business Development Manager?
A Business Development Manager (BDM) plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates business development and strategic partnership activities. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the role involves conceptualising business plans, implementing market expansion strategies, driving growth through networking, researching new opportunities, managing client relationships, cold calling, writing proposals, and negotiating contracts. ICT Business Development Managers are classified separately under ANZSCO 225212.
The Salary Index and the Business Development Manager Salary
The Salary Index measures how a yearly gross pay figure compares to the national line of 100, which represents full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. As of May 2026, that benchmark is $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352. A pay of $125,500 – the market average reported by people2people for a legal-sector BDM – gives an index of approximately 116. That means it sits 16% above the national line.
To calculate your own index: divide your annual gross salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, a BDM earning $90,000 would have an index of 83, while one on $150,000 would be at 138.
What the Official Data Shows
Jobs and Skills Australia provides a profile for ICT Business Development Managers (225212). As of February 2026, there were 4,600 employed, with 93% working full-time and an average of 43 hours per week. The median age is 42, and only 21% are women. However, median weekly earnings are not published for this 6-digit occupation because the sample is too small for reliable estimates. This is a common limitation: the ABS and JSA only release earnings for broader occupation groups.
For the generic Business Development Manager (112132), no official salary data is available from the ABS or Fair Work Ombudsman. The role is not covered by a specific modern award, so pay is determined by individual contracts and enterprise agreements.
Market Benchmarks and Industry Variations
The people2people figure of $125,500 is a useful market indicator, but it comes from a recruitment firm and reflects the legal sector specifically. Business Development Managers work across many industries, and pay varies accordingly. Using the industries index as a guide:
- Professional, scientific and technical services (index 114.7) – typical for BDM roles in consulting or tech.
- Mining (index 154.7) – BDMs in resources can earn well above the national line.
- Retail trade (index 75.9) – BDMs in retail may earn below the national average.
- Accommodation and food services (index 72.5) – generally lower pay.
State location also matters. The states index shows:
- ACT (109.9) and WA (106.9) have the highest overall earnings.
- NSW (101.2) and VIC (98.0) are near the national line.
- TAS (88.6) and SA (94.6) are lower.
A BDM in Perth working for a mining services company could expect a higher salary than one in Hobart working for a small retailer.
Putting It All Together
If you are researching a business development manager salary, start by identifying the industry and state. The national line of $108,352 gives you a reference point. A salary of $125,500 (index 116) is above average, but not exceptional for experienced BDMs in high-paying sectors. Entry-level roles might sit around $80,000–$90,000 (index 74–83), while senior BDMs in mining or professional services can exceed $180,000 (index 166).
Remember that the salary index uses gross ordinary-time earnings. Your take-home pay will be affected by tax and the Medicare levy. For a $125,500 salary in 2026–27, the estimated tax (including 2% Medicare) is about $31,500, leaving around $94,000 net. Superannuation at 12% adds $15,060 to your total remuneration package.
For more context, see our pay guides and topics on related roles like sales manager or account manager.
Caveats
- The $125,500 figure is from a single recruitment source and may not represent the entire profession.
- Official median earnings are not published for this occupation at the 6-digit level.
- Individual salaries depend on experience, negotiation, company size, and performance bonuses.
- The salary index is a benchmark, not a quote for a specific job.
Questions people ask
What is the average business development manager salary in Australia?
There is no single official average published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the generic Business Development Manager role. However, a 2026 market survey by people2people suggests a national average of $125,500 for legal-sector Business Development Managers. For ICT Business Development Managers, Jobs and Skills Australia does not report median weekly earnings at the 6-digit level. Actual pay depends on industry, location, and experience.
How does the business development manager salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 annualised), which gives a salary index of 48.2. A business development manager salary of $125,500 is more than double that, with an index of about 116. This reflects the higher skill and responsibility required for the role.
Which states pay the highest business development manager salaries?
State-level data specific to Business Development Managers is not published. However, the general salary index shows that the Australian Capital Territory (index 109.9) and Western Australia (index 106.9) have the highest overall earnings, while Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are lower. Business Development Managers in industries like professional services (index 114.7) and mining (154.7) tend to earn above the national line.