Day trader salary: no standard figure, but here's how it compares to Australian benchmarks
Day trader salary is not a fixed wage. We explain how trading income compares to national average earnings, state differences, and industry benchmarks using the Salary Index.
Day trader salary is uncertain and highly variable; the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings index is 100, but day traders' income depends on market performance and is not covered by awards.
What does 'day trader salary' mean?
'Day trader salary' is a tricky term because day traders are not employees. They are self-employed individuals who buy and sell financial instruments within the same trading day. Unlike a typical job, there is no employer paying a set wage, no award classification, and no guaranteed minimum. The income is entirely dependent on market movements, trading skill, and capital. So when we talk about a 'day trader salary', we are really asking: how much can a day trader expect to earn, and how does that compare to the Australian average?
Where does the data come from?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes detailed earnings data for employees, but not for self-employed traders. The Fair Work Commission sets minimum wages and award rates for employees, which do not apply to day traders. The Fair Work Ombudsman's P.A.C.T tool is for employees only. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) collects income data from tax returns, but does not publish a specific 'day trader' category. So we cannot give a precise figure. Instead, we use the Salary Index to benchmark against national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.
The national line: index 100
The Salary Index sets 100 as the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week, annualised $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the benchmark. For comparison, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, annualised $52,255, which gives an index of 48.2. A day trader earning, say, $150,000 per year would have an index of about 138. But remember, that income is not guaranteed.
State differences for context
Even though day traders are not tied to a location, the cost of living and average earnings vary by state. The states page shows indices: ACT 109.9 ($119,090 annualised), WA 106.9 ($115,825), NSW 101.2 ($109,658), VIC 98.0 ($106,137), QLD 97.9 ($106,064), SA 94.6 ($102,450), NT 95.2 ($103,173), TAS 88.6 ($96,008). A day trader living in Tasmania might need a lower income to match the local average, but trading profits are not adjusted for location.
Industry comparisons
The closest industry to day trading is Finance and Insurance Services. The ABS data for all employees in that industry shows average weekly total cash earnings of $2,181.20 (May 2025). That's an index of about 104.7 if we use the 2026 national line? Actually careful: the on-site reference gives industry indices: Professional, scientific and technical index 114.7; Education and training 105.5; Health care 97.8. Finance is not listed, but we can approximate. However, day traders are not employees, so these are only rough guides. The industries page has more detail.
How to think about day trader income
If you are a day trader, your 'salary' is your net trading profit after costs and taxes. There is no award, no super guarantee (though you can contribute voluntarily), and no leave. The tax rates for 2026–27 apply: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above, plus 2% Medicare levy. You may also need to register for GST if turnover exceeds $75,000.
Conclusion
'Day trader salary' is not a standard figure. The best we can do is compare to the national line (index 100) and note that state and industry benchmarks provide context. For a more detailed explanation of how the index works, see how the index works. For pay guides for employees, see pay guides. If you are considering day trading, remember that income is variable and not protected by minimum wage laws.
Questions people ask
What is the average salary of a day trader in Australia?
There is no official average salary for day traders because they are self-employed and income varies widely based on trading strategy, capital, and market conditions. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not collect data on day trader earnings. For comparison, the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $108,352 per year (index 100), but day traders may earn much more or less.
Do day traders have to pay tax and super?
Yes, day traders must declare trading profits as income and pay tax at their marginal rate (2026–27 rates: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above, plus 2% Medicare levy). Superannuation is not compulsory for self-employed individuals, but voluntary contributions may be tax-deductible up to concessional caps.
How does a day trader's income compare to state and industry benchmarks?
Day traders are not tied to a specific state or industry, but their income can be compared to state indices: e.g., ACT index 109.9 ($119,090 annualised) or Tasmania index 88.6 ($96,008). The closest industry is Finance and Insurance Services (index not given in on-site reference, but ABS shows average weekly earnings $2,181.20 for all employees). However, day traders are not employees, so these are rough comparisons.