Chief of Staff Salary in Australia: Awards vs the National Minimum Wage
Understand the chief of staff salary in Australia. No award covers this role; market data shows a median near $142,000, well above the national line. Compare with awards and minimu
The chief of staff salary is not set by any modern award; market data suggests a median around $142,000, placing it well above the national line at an index of approximately 131.
What is a chief of staff?
A chief of staff is a senior role found in large organisations, government departments, and fast-growing companies. The position acts as a strategic advisor to the CEO or managing director, coordinating projects, managing communications, and ensuring the leadership team operates efficiently. It is not an entry-level job; it typically requires several years of management experience and a deep understanding of the organisation.
Because the role is senior and often sits outside traditional job classifications, there is no single pay rate set by an award or the national minimum wage. Instead, salaries are determined by the market, the organisation’s size, industry, and the individual’s experience. This makes understanding the chief of staff salary a matter of looking at market data rather than award schedules.
Chief of staff and modern awards
Modern awards in Australia cover specific industries and occupations, from hospitality to health care. They set minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates. However, the chief of staff role is almost never covered by an award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for hundreds of awards, but none list a chief of staff classification. Similarly, the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains minimum rates for award-covered roles only. A chief of staff is typically a senior executive or manager, and such roles are excluded from award coverage under the Fair Work Act.
This means the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, annualised to $52,255) is the only statutory floor. But in practice, a chief of staff earns far more. The role demands strategic thinking, leadership, and often direct reports, so the market pays a premium.
Market salary data for chief of staff
Because there is no official government figure for a chief of staff salary, we rely on market surveys. PayScale, a global compensation data provider, reports a median base salary of AU$142,482 per year for chief of staff in Australia, based on 38 salary profiles (last updated July 2025). The range is wide: from $87,000 at the 10th percentile to $212,000 at the 90th percentile. Bonuses can add $15,000 to $49,000, making total pay potentially much higher.
These figures are not from an Australian government source, but they are the most current market data available. Actual salaries vary by industry. For example, a chief of staff in mining (industry index 154.7) or professional services (index 114.7) may earn more than one in retail (index 75.9) or accommodation (index 72.5). Location also matters: a chief of staff in the ACT (state index 109.9) or Western Australia (106.9) might command higher pay than one in Tasmania (88.6) or South Australia (94.6).
Salary index comparison
The Salary Index benchmarks any gross annual salary against full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $108,352 per year (index 100). For the median chief of staff salary of $142,482, the index is:
142,482 ÷ 108,352 × 100 ≈ 131.5
This means the median chief of staff earns about 31.5% more than the average full-time worker. To put that in perspective, the national minimum wage has an index of 48.2, and the average retail trade worker has an index of 75.9. A chief of staff is comfortably above the national line, but still below some high-paying roles like mining (index 154.7) or professional services (index 114.7).
If you are considering a chief of staff role, your actual index will depend on your experience, industry, and location. Use the how the index works page to calculate your own.
Take-home pay considerations
Gross salary is only part of the picture. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%, meaning an employer must contribute an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830) into your super fund. For a chief of staff on $142,482, that adds about $17,098 in super contributions per year.
Tax also matters. For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are:
- Nil on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A chief of staff earning $142,482 falls into the 30% and 37% brackets. After tax and Medicare, the take-home pay is roughly $100,000 to $105,000, depending on deductions and the tax-free threshold. This is a rough estimate and does not account for HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.
Conclusion
The chief of staff salary in Australia is not governed by any modern award. It is a market-driven role that commands a median of around $142,000, well above the national minimum wage and the average full-time earnings. The salary index of 131.5 reflects its seniority. If you are hiring or negotiating for this role, look at industry benchmarks, location, and experience rather than award rates. For more on how salaries compare across states and industries, visit our states and industries pages. You can also explore topics related to executive pay and awards.
Questions people ask
Is a chief of staff covered by a modern award?
No. The chief of staff role is a senior managerial position and is not covered by any modern award in Australia. Awards apply to specific industries and occupations, typically for employees up to supervisory level. A chief of staff is usually classified as a senior executive or manager, meaning their minimum pay is not set by an award but by their employment contract. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) still applies as a floor, but actual salaries are far higher.
How does the chief of staff salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage annualises to $52,255 (index 48.2). A chief of staff earning the median market salary of $142,482 is nearly three times that amount, with an index of 131.5. Even the lower end of the PayScale range ($87,000) is well above the minimum wage. This reflects the seniority and responsibility of the role, which typically involves strategic planning, project management, and direct support to the CEO or board.
What is the salary index for a chief of staff?
Using the Salary Index benchmark of 100 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year), the median chief of staff salary of $142,482 gives an index of about 131.5. This means the median chief of staff earns roughly 31.5% more than the average full-time worker. However, individual results vary widely: a chief of staff on $87,000 would have an index of 80.3 (below average), while one on $212,000 would have an index of 195.7 (nearly double the average).