Cyber Security Salary Australia: Where It Sits on the Salary Index in 2026

What does 'cyber security salary australia' mean?

When people search for "cyber security salary australia", they usually want to know what a cyber security specialist can expect to earn. This guide uses the latest public data to show where that pay sits on the Australian salary index – a simple way to compare any salary against the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line.

The salary index sets the national line at 100. That line is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Earnings figure of $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (May 2026). Any salary above that gives an index above 100; below gives an index below 100.

The median cyber security salary in Australia

According to Jobs and Skills Australia's Occupation Profiles (using ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025), the median annual salary for a cyber security specialist is $127,972. That works out to $2,461 per week or about $66 per hour for a full-time worker.

On the salary index, $127,972 divided by $108,352 equals index 118. That means the typical cyber security specialist earns 18% more than the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark. It's also above the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry index of 114.7, which is the sector where many cyber security roles sit.

How the salary compares across states and industries

The salary index varies by state. For example, the ACT has an index of 109.9 (annualised $119,090), while Tasmania is at 88.6 ($96,008). A cyber security specialist earning the national median of $127,972 would be well above the state average in every state and territory. states

By industry, the index for Mining is 154.7, Retail trade 75.9, and Accommodation and food services 72.5. Cyber security roles are most common in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (index 114.7), Financial and Insurance Services, and Public Administration. The median cyber security salary of index 118 is higher than the average for those industries, suggesting it's a well-paid specialisation. industries

Award coverage for cyber security specialists

Award coverage for IT security specialists is not straightforward. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that if you work for an employer in the IT industry or telecommunications services industry, you may be covered by the Professional Employees Award. This award requires qualifications such as a university degree in IT accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

If you work outside those industries, you might be covered by another industry award (like the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award if you work for a bank) or be award-free. Award-free employees are entitled to the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) and the National Employment Standards.

Note that the Security Services Industry Award 2020 does not typically cover IT security specialists. That award applies to security officers performing guarding, patrolling, or monitoring duties. Its rates range from $28.42 per hour (Level 1) to $31.20 per hour (Level 5) – well below the median cyber security salary.

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a cyber security specialist earning $127,972, that means an extra $15,356.64 in super each year.

For income tax in 2026–27 (resident, excluding Medicare), the brackets 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 single resident earning $127,972 would pay roughly $29,467 in tax plus $2,559 Medicare levy, leaving a take-home of about $95,946 (excluding super). These are estimates and don't account for HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

How the salary index helps you benchmark

The salary index is a tool to compare any pay figure against the national line. If you're negotiating a cyber security role, you can use the index to see how an offer stacks up. For example, an offer of $110,000 would be index 101.5 – just above the national line. An offer of $140,000 would be index 129.2, well above the median for the occupation. how the index works

You can also compare across roles. A junior cyber security analyst might start around $75,000 (index 69), while a senior security architect could earn $180,000 (index 166). The median of $127,972 gives a solid reference point.

Where to find more information

For the most current award rates and coverage, check the Fair Work Ombudsman website. For salary benchmarks, the ABS and Jobs and Skills Australia publish regular updates. The Salary Index also tracks changes to the national line and industry indices. pay guides

If you're looking at cyber security roles in a specific state, remember that cost of living and average earnings vary. The state indices show that Western Australia (106.9) and the ACT (109.9) have higher average earnings, while Tasmania (88.6) is lower. A cyber security salary of $127,972 would be strong in any state, but especially so in lower-index states.

Final thoughts

Cyber security remains a high-demand, well-paid profession in Australia. The median salary of $127,972 (index 118) reflects the specialised skills required. Whether you're entering the field or negotiating a raise, knowing where that figure sits on the salary index gives you a clear, objective benchmark. topics