Business manager salary: How it compares to the national line
Understand where a business manager salary sits on the Salary Index using ABS data, award coverage, and industry benchmarks. Compare job offers with confidence.
Based on ABS data for Managers, a typical business manager salary indexes around 135, well above the national line of 100.
What is a business manager salary?
When you see a job ad for a 'business manager', the salary range can feel like a guessing game. The title covers everything from a small-office manager to a senior executive in a large firm. To make sense of offers, you need a benchmark. That's where the Salary Index comes in: it compares any gross annual salary to the national line of 100, which in May 2026 was $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings).
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average weekly total cash earnings for all Managers (including business managers) was $2,800.90 in May 2025. That annualises to about $146,000, placing it at an index of roughly 135. But that's an average across all manager roles – your specific business manager salary could be higher or lower.
Where business manager salaries sit on the index
The Salary Index uses a simple formula: (your yearly gross salary ÷ $108,352) × 100. A result of 100 is exactly the national line. For business managers, the index often falls between 120 and 160, depending on industry and seniority. For example:
- A business manager in mining might earn $170,000 (index 157), reflecting the industry's high earnings – the Mining industry index is 154.7.
- A business manager in retail trade might earn $85,000 (index 78), closer to the industry average of 75.9.
These figures are benchmarks, not quotes for a specific job. Use them to see where an offer sits relative to the market.
Industry and state variations
Business manager salaries vary significantly by industry. The ABS data for full-time non-managerial adult employees (a narrower group) shows:
- Mining: $3,319.20/week (index ~159)
- Professional, scientific and technical services: $2,303.90/week (index ~111)
- Retail trade: $1,526.10/week (index ~73)
- Accommodation and food services: $1,539.40/week (index ~74)
State also matters. The on-site reference shows state indices from 88.6 (Tasmania) to 109.9 (ACT). A business manager in Canberra might earn a premium, while one in Hobart might earn below the national line. Check the states page for more detail.
Reading a job ad: what to look for
When comparing offers, look beyond the base salary. The Salary Index uses gross ordinary-time earnings – it doesn't include superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026), bonuses, or allowances. A job ad might say '$120,000 plus super'. That's $120,000 gross, index 111. Add super and the total package is $134,400, but the index stays at 111 because it's based on gross earnings.
Also check if the role is covered by an award. Most business managers are not, but some lower-level roles fall under the Clerks Award or Business Equipment Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for these awards, but they set minimums only. If the ad says 'above award', the index will be higher.
Tax and super considerations
Your take-home pay depends on tax. For 2026–27, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are:
- $0–$18,200: nil
- $18,201–$45,000: 15%
- $45,001–$135,000: 30%
- $135,001–$190,000: 37%
- Above $190,000: 45%
Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A business manager earning $150,000 (index 138) would pay about $37,000 in tax and Medicare, leaving around $113,000 take-home. Super guarantee is 12%, so the employer contributes $18,000 on top.
Using the index to compare offers
The Salary Index is a tool to normalise pay across roles. If you have two offers – one in Sydney (NSW index 101.2) and one in Perth (WA index 106.9) – you can adjust for cost of living by looking at the state index. But remember, the index is a gross benchmark, not a living wage calculator.
For more on how the index works, see how the index works. To explore industry-specific data, visit industries. And if you're negotiating, the Salary Index home page has the latest national line.
The bottom line
A business manager salary in Australia typically sits above the national line, often between index 120 and 160. But the exact figure depends on industry, location, and seniority. Use the ABS data as a starting point, check award coverage if relevant, and always consider the total package. The Salary Index helps you compare apples with apples – or at least with a common benchmark.
Questions people ask
What is the average business manager salary in Australia?
There is no single official figure for 'business manager' because the role can span many industries and seniority levels. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics groups Managers as a broad occupation, with average weekly total cash earnings of $2,800.90 (May 2025). That annualises to roughly $146,000, giving a Salary Index around 135 – well above the national line of 100 ($108,352). Actual salaries can be higher or lower depending on industry, location, and experience.
Are business managers covered by a modern award?
Most senior business managers are award-free because their role involves managerial discretion and they earn above award rates. Some lower-level business manager positions, such as office managers, may fall under the Clerks Award or the Business Equipment Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for these awards, but they set minimum rates only. Always check the specific award classification if you think one applies.
How does the Salary Index help compare a business manager job offer?
The Salary Index converts a yearly gross salary into a number relative to the national line of 100 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings). For example, a business manager earning $150,000 would have an index of about 138. You can then compare that index across industries, states, or other job offers. The index accounts for base salary only, not super, bonuses, or allowances. Use it as a starting point to see how an offer stacks up against the market.