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Where a data analyst salary in Sydney sits on the Australian salary index
How to interpret a data analyst salary in Sydney using the national salary index. Understand benchmarks from ABS, Fair Work, and industry averages.
A data analyst salary in Sydney likely sits above the national line of index 100 ($108,352), but a precise figure is not publicly available from official sources.
Understanding the salary index for a data analyst in Sydney
If you're looking at a data analyst salary Sydney and wondering how it stacks up, the Australian salary index is a useful tool. The index sets the national line at 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year (from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Your own salary, divided by that figure and multiplied by 100, gives your personal index. For example, a $120,000 salary gives an index of 111 — 11% above the national average.
But where does a data analyst in Sydney typically sit? Official sources don't publish a single number for this role in this city. The best we can do is look at related benchmarks.
Industry and location clues
The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry has an index of 114.7, meaning average earnings in that sector are about 14.7% above the national line. Many data analysts work in this industry, so it's a reasonable starting point. Sydney itself has a state index of 101.2, slightly above the national average. Combining the two suggests a typical data analyst in Sydney might earn around index 115–120, or roughly $125,000–$130,000. But this is a rough average, not a guarantee.
The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, available through how the index works, collects detailed data by occupation and industry, but it doesn't break down 'data analyst' for Sydney specifically. You can access the microdata via topics to explore further, but it requires some statistical work.
Award minimums and the national minimum wage
At the bottom end, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week, giving an index of 48.2. A data analyst would almost certainly earn more than that. Some data analyst roles may fall under the Professional Employees Award 2020, which sets minimum rates for professional classifications. For example, a Level 1 professional employee under that award earns around $1,100 per week (index ~53) after the 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026. However, most data analysts are employed under individual contracts or enterprise agreements that pay well above award rates.
You can check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for the Professional Employees Award or other relevant awards, but remember these are minimums, not market rates.
What about super and tax?
Super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so on a $120,000 salary, your employer adds $14,400 to your super. This isn't counted in the salary index, which uses gross ordinary-time earnings. For take-home pay, a resident earning $120,000 in 2026–27 would pay about $28,467 in income tax plus $2,400 Medicare levy (2%), leaving roughly $89,133 after tax, assuming no other deductions or offsets. The tax brackets are: nil up to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above. This is a rough estimate; your actual tax depends on your circumstances.
Comparing across states and industries
The salary index also lets you compare across Australia. For instance, a data analyst in Perth (WA index 106.9) might earn more on average than one in Hobart (TAS index 88.6). Similarly, industries like Mining (index 154.7) pay much higher, while Retail trade (75.9) pays lower. Data analysts in the finance or tech sectors often fall under Professional services (114.7) or Information media (not listed but likely similar). Use the states and industries pages to see how your location and sector compare.
The bottom line
A data analyst salary Sydney is likely above the national line, but without a precise official figure, you need to triangulate from industry and location indices. If you're negotiating, aim for at least the industry average of index 115. For entry-level roles, expect something closer to index 80–90, while senior analysts can exceed index 140. Always consider total remuneration including super, and remember that the salary index is a benchmark, not a promise.
For more on how the index is calculated, see Salary Index and how the index works.
Questions people ask
What is the salary index and how does it apply to a data analyst salary in Sydney?
The salary index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, set at index 100 ($108,352 as of May 2026). For a data analyst in Sydney, if you earn $120,000, your index is about 111. That means you earn 11% above the national average. The index helps you see where your pay sits relative to the broader workforce, adjusted for industry and location benchmarks.
Does the Professional Employees Award cover data analysts in Sydney?
The Professional Employees Award 2020 may cover some data analyst roles if they involve professional engineering or scientific duties, but it depends on the specific job and employer. The award sets minimum rates for classifications like 'Professional employee Level 1' or 'Level 2'. As of 1 July 2026, after a 4.75% increase, the minimum weekly rate for a Level 1 professional is around $1,100, giving an index of about 53. Most data analysts earn above award rates.
How does superannuation affect a data analyst salary in Sydney?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your data analyst salary in Sydney is $120,000, your employer must contribute an extra $14,400 into your super fund. This is not included in the salary index, which uses gross ordinary-time earnings before super. When comparing offers, consider total remuneration including super.