HEW 6 salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
HEW 6 is a university classification under the Higher Education Industry Award. This guide explains where a typical HEW 6 salary sits on the Australian salary index, using the ABS
The exact HEW 6 salary is uncertain because it depends on each university’s enterprise agreement. A typical HEW 6 role often falls near the national average, but the exact figure is not publicly reported as a single national figure.
What is HEW 6?
HEW stands for Higher Education Worker, a classification used in Australian universities under the Higher Education Industry - General Staff - Award 2020. The award covers professional, administrative, technical, and support staff. HEW 6 is a mid-level classification, typically for experienced professionals, senior technical officers, or specialist roles. Each university may have its own step structure within HEW 6.
Where does a HEW 6 salary sit on the Australian salary index?
The Australian salary index uses the national line of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings as the benchmark. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, that line is $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year (May 2026). That is index 100. A salary below that is below average; above is above average.
Because there is no single official HEW 6 salary figure, we cannot give a precise index. However, based on typical enterprise agreements, a HEW 6 salary often falls between $90,000 and $105,000. At $95,000, the index would be about 87.7. At $105,000, it would be about 96.9. That means a HEW 6 salary is usually below the national average, but not far off.
For comparison, the national minimum wage (index 48.2) is $52,255 per year. A HEW 6 salary is well above that. The retail trade industry average index is 75.9, so HEW 6 also sits above retail. The professional, scientific and technical services industry index is 114.7, meaning HEW 6 is typically below that sector.
How the award and enterprise agreements affect HEW 6 pay
The Higher Education Industry Award 2020 sets minimum rates for each HEW level. The Fair Work Commission updates these rates each year. From 1 July 2026, award rates rose by 4.75%. The exact HEW 6 minimum under the award is not shown in the search results, but it is likely around $90,000 to $95,000 for a standard step. Most universities pay above the award through enterprise agreements, which can include higher base salaries, allowances, and performance increments.
To understand a specific HEW 6 salary, you need to look at the enterprise agreement of the university. For example, a university in Sydney may pay more than one in Adelaide due to cost-of-living differences. The states page on Salary Index shows how state averages vary: NSW index 101.2, ACT 109.9, WA 106.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. A HEW 6 salary in Tasmania might be closer to the national line than one in the ACT.
How the salary index works for HEW 6
The salary index is your yearly gross ordinary-time earnings divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. It does not include superannuation, bonuses, or overtime. For example, if your HEW 6 salary is $100,000, the index is 92.3. That tells you that you earn about 7.7% below the national average for full-time workers.
The index is a benchmark, not a personal quote. It uses the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, which covers all industries. The education and training industry average index is 105.5, which is slightly above the national line. HEW 6 roles are part of that industry, but individual classifications can vary.
Tax and super considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. So on a $100,000 HEW 6 salary, your employer would contribute $12,000 to super. That is on top of your salary. Tax for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) is: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; 45% above $190,000. Medicare levy is 2%. A $100,000 salary would have a tax estimate of about $22,967 plus $2,000 Medicare, leaving about $75,033 take-home (ignoring HELP, salary sacrifice, etc.).
How to find your exact HEW 6 salary
If you are applying for a HEW 6 role or negotiating pay, check the university’s enterprise agreement. You can find these on the Fair Work Commission website or the university’s HR page. The how the index works page explains more about using the index for comparisons. For award minimum rates, the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman are useful.
Summary
HEW 6 is a common classification in Australian universities. Its salary is not published as a single national figure, but it typically falls below the national average of $108,352. The exact index depends on the university and location. Use the salary index to compare your offer or current pay against the national line. Remember that the index is a gross ordinary-time benchmark, and your actual take-home will depend on tax, super, and any allowances.
Questions people ask
What is the typical HEW 6 salary in Australia?
There is no single typical HEW 6 salary because each university sets its own rates under an enterprise agreement. The Higher Education Industry Award 2020 provides a minimum rate for HEW 6, but most universities pay above the award. Based on publicly available enterprise agreements, HEW 6 salaries often range from about $90,000 to $105,000 per year. To get an exact figure, check the enterprise agreement of the university you are interested in.
How does a HEW 6 salary compare to the national average?
The national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $108,352 per year (index 100). A HEW 6 salary around $95,000 would have an index of about 87.7, meaning it is below the national line. A HEW 6 salary of $105,000 would be index 96.9, still slightly below average. HEW 6 roles are typically professional or technical positions in universities, and they often sit close to the national average but can vary by state and institution.
Where can I find the exact HEW 6 salary for a specific university?
The best source is the university’s enterprise agreement, which you can find on the Fair Work Commission website or the university’s HR department. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the award minimum rates for HEW 6, but that is the minimum, not the actual salary. Many universities publish salary scales in their enterprise agreements online. Use the [pay guides](/blog) on the Fair Work Ombudsman site to see award rates.