What a data analyst salary looks like when you compare job offers

Reading a job ad for a data analyst salary

When you see a salary figure in a data analyst job ad, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against the market. The trouble is that job ads rarely tell you the full story. They might quote a range, leave out superannuation, or use vague terms like “negotiable”. This guide helps you cut through the noise using the Salary Index, industry benchmarks, and award minimums.

What the Salary Index tells you

The Salary Index is a simple tool. It takes a yearly gross salary and divides it by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, then multiplies by 100. The national line is $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). An index of 100 means you’re earning exactly the national average. An index of 120 means 20% above average; an index of 80 means 20% below.

For a data analyst role, you can use this index to compare offers across different states and industries. For example, if you’re offered $115,000 in Sydney, that’s an index of 106. In Melbourne, the same salary would be index 108 because Victoria’s state index is slightly lower (98 vs NSW 101.2). The index lets you compare apples with apples.

Industry benchmarks for data analysts

Data analysts work across many industries, but the most common is Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. That industry has a salary index of 114.7, which annualises to about $124,000. If your offer is below that, it might be because you’re in a different industry. For instance, retail trade has an index of 75.9 (about $82,000), and health care and social assistance sits at 97.8 ($106,000).

A data analyst in mining could expect a much higher index – mining is 154.7 ($167,600) – but those roles are rarer and often require specialised skills. Always check the industry of the employer, not just the job title.

Award coverage and minimums

Many data analyst roles are covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020, which sets minimum salaries for degree-qualified professionals. However, not all data analysts have a degree, and some roles fall under the Clerks Award or the Information Technology Industry Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award, but you need to know which award applies.

From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75%. The national minimum wage is now $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year (index 48.2). Entry-level data analyst roles often pay above award, but if you’re starting out, check that the offer at least meets the relevant award classification.

State differences

Where you work matters. The states page shows indexes for each state and territory. The ACT has the highest index at 109.9 ($119,090), followed by Western Australia at 106.9 ($115,825). Tasmania is lowest at 88.6 ($96,008). If you’re comparing a job in Hobart with one in Canberra, the index helps you see the real difference in purchasing power.

Superannuation and tax

Remember that the salary in a job ad is usually gross – before tax and super. 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 $120,000 salary actually costs the employer $134,400 including super. Your take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy (2%) depends on your tax bracket. For a $120,000 salary, the estimated take-home is about $87,000 (excluding HELP or salary sacrifice).

How to use this when comparing offers

1. Convert each offer to a Salary Index: (annual gross ÷ $108,352) × 100.
2. Compare that index to the industry benchmark (e.g., 114.7 for Professional Services).
3. Adjust for your state using the state index.
4. Check the relevant award minimum to ensure the offer is legal.
5. Factor in super and tax to get a realistic take-home figure.

For example, Offer A: $125,000 in Sydney, Professional Services industry. Index = 115. That’s slightly above the industry benchmark. Offer B: $115,000 in Brisbane, Retail Trade industry. Index = 106, but retail benchmark is 75.9, so it’s actually well above average for that industry. Which is better? It depends on your career goals and cost of living.

Where to find more information

The Salary Index, industries, and how the index works pages have more detail. For award rates, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes Average Weekly Earnings data that underpins the index.

Caveats

No guide can replace personalised advice. The figures here are benchmarks, not quotes for a specific job. Data analyst salaries vary by experience, skills (e.g., Python, SQL, Tableau), and the employer’s size. A senior data analyst at a tech company might earn index 150 or more. A junior in a small firm might earn index 80. Always research the specific role and company.

FAQs

What is the average data analyst salary in Australia?

There is no single published average for data analysts from the sources used. However, the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (where many data analysts work) has a salary index of 114.7, which annualises to about $124,000. Entry-level roles may pay closer to $60,000–$70,000, while senior roles can exceed $150,000. Always compare offers using the national line of $108,352 (index 100).

How does the salary index help me compare data analyst job offers?

The salary index converts a yearly gross salary into a number where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352). For example, a data analyst offer of $120,000 gives an index of 111 (120,000 ÷ 108,352 × 100). You can then compare that index to industry benchmarks: Professional Services index 114.7, or your state index (e.g., NSW 101.2, VIC 98). A higher index means above-average pay for that industry or location.

Which award covers data analysts in Australia?

Data analysts are often classified under the Professional Employees Award 2020 if they hold a relevant degree and perform professional duties. Alternatively, they may fall under the Clerks Award (for administrative data work) or the Information Technology Industry Award 2020 (for IT-focused roles). Check the job description and duties to determine the correct award. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help identify the applicable award and minimum rates.