What is a HEW 7 salary in Australia? Gross pay, super and tax explained
Understand the HEW 7 salary classification for university professional staff, how it compares to national average earnings, and what you take home after super and tax.
HEW 7 salaries vary by university enterprise agreement but generally fall near or above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark of $2,083.70 per week (index 100).
What does HEW 7 mean?
HEW stands for Higher Education Worker. It is a classification used in Australian universities for professional (general) staff under the Higher Education Industry - General Staff Award. The award sets minimum pay rates for each HEW level, from HEW 1 (entry-level) up to HEW 10 (senior management). HEW 7 is a mid-level classification, typically for experienced professionals such as senior administrators, project officers, or technical specialists.
Most universities do not pay the bare award rate. Instead, they have enterprise agreements that set higher salaries for each HEW step. A HEW 7 salary can therefore vary significantly between institutions. Common ranges are from about $90,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on the step (e.g., HEW 7.1, 7.2, 7.3) and the university.
Where does a HEW 7 salary sit on the national index?
The Salary Index uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics' full-time adult ordinary-time earnings as its benchmark (index 100). As of May 2026, that benchmark is $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352. To find where a HEW 7 salary sits, divide the yearly gross by $108,352 and multiply by 100.
For example:
- A HEW 7 salary of $95,000 gives an index of 87.7.
- A HEW 7 salary of $105,000 gives an index of 96.9.
- A HEW 7 salary of $110,000 gives an index of 101.5.
Most HEW 7 roles fall between index 85 and 100, meaning they are slightly below or close to the national average for full-time workers. By comparison, the national minimum wage (index 48.2) is far lower. The index helps you see how a specific pay figure compares to the broader workforce, not just to award minimums.
Gross pay, super, and tax on a HEW 7 salary
When you see a HEW 7 salary advertised, it is almost always the gross annual figure. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee on top of that. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on a $100,000 HEW 7 salary, your employer contributes an extra $12,000 into your super fund. That money is not part of your take-home pay but grows for retirement.
Income tax for the 2026–27 year (resident, claiming the tax-free threshold) is:
- Nil on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy (no surcharge or reduction assumed here).
For a $100,000 HEW 7 salary, the estimated tax is about $22,967, plus Medicare of $2,000, leaving a take-home of roughly $75,033. That is about $1,443 per week. If you have a HELP debt, salary sacrifice arrangements, or a Medicare levy surcharge (if single and earning over $93,000 without private hospital cover), your take-home will be lower.
How to find the exact HEW 7 rate for your university
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for the Higher Education Industry - General Staff Award. These show the minimum rates for each HEW level. However, most universities pay above these minimums through enterprise agreements. Your best source is your employer's enterprise agreement, which is usually available on the Fair Work Commission website or your university's HR page.
If you are comparing job offers, remember that the salary index is a useful tool. You can use the how the index works page to calculate your own index. Also note that salaries also vary by state and industries. For example, a HEW 7 role in the ACT (index 109.9) may pay more than one in Tasmania (index 88.6) due to market factors.
Common misconceptions about HEW 7 salaries
Some people assume HEW 7 is a fixed national rate. It is not. The award sets a floor, but enterprise agreements and individual contracts set the actual pay. Also, HEW 7 is not the same as an academic level (which uses a different classification, e.g., Level A, B, C). HEW is for professional staff only.
Another misconception is that the salary index reflects your personal spending power. It does not. The index is a benchmark for gross ordinary-time earnings. Your actual financial position depends on tax, super, and cost of living.
Summary
A HEW 7 salary in Australia typically ranges from $90,000 to $110,000 per year, sitting near or just below the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). The exact figure depends on your university's enterprise agreement. Super of 12% is paid on top, and income tax plus Medicare reduces take-home pay. To understand where your pay stands, use the Salary Index and consult your employer's agreement or the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides.
Questions people ask
What is the current HEW 7 salary under the award?
The exact HEW 7 minimum rate is not available from the provided search results. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for the Higher Education Industry - General Staff Award, which includes HEW levels. However, most universities pay above the award rate through enterprise agreements. To find the precise figure for your workplace, check your university's enterprise agreement or use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.
How does a HEW 7 salary compare to the national average?
A typical HEW 7 salary of around $95,000 to $105,000 per year sits close to or slightly below the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). For example, a $100,000 salary gives an index of about 92.3. Actual comparisons depend on the specific step and university. The index is calculated as yearly gross salary divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100.
What super and tax apply to a HEW 7 salary?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of your gross salary. For a $100,000 salary, that's an extra $12,000 into super. Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold) 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. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay on $100,000 is roughly $75,000 after tax and Medicare, excluding HELP or other deductions.