Is $80k a good salary in Australia?

What does $80,000 mean on the salary index?

When someone asks “is 80k a good salary in australia”, the first thing to do is hold it up against the national line. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings in May 2026 were $2,083.70 per week, which works out to $108,352 a year. That figure is the benchmark for the Salary Index, where 100 equals the national average.

An $80,000 gross salary gives an index of about 74. That means it is 26% below the national line. On its own, that might sound low, but the index is a broad measure. It includes everyone from chief executives to entry-level workers. To decide whether $80,000 is “good”, you need to compare it to the floor set by awards and the minimum wage, and to the typical pay in your industry and state.

How does $80k compare to the national minimum wage and awards?

The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, which is $1,004.90 per week or $52,255 a year. That gives an index of 48.2. So $80,000 is more than 50% above the legal minimum. For someone working a standard 38-hour week, $80,000 is roughly $40.50 per hour – well above the minimum.

Most Australian employees are covered by a modern award, not the national minimum wage. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries and occupations. The Fair Work Commission’s 2026 annual wage review increased award rates by 4.75%, with the entry-level award floor at $25.74 per hour. Many award classifications for experienced workers sit between $27 and $35 per hour, which translates to $53,000 to $69,000 a year. An $80,000 salary is therefore above most award minimums, though some senior classifications (like a qualified tradesperson with leading hand duties) can reach or exceed $80,000.

It is important to remember that awards are minimums, not ceilings. Many employers pay above the award rate to attract and retain staff. If you are covered by an award, check your classification and the applicable pay guide. The pay guides on this site can help you see where your salary sits relative to the award.

Where does $80k sit by industry and state?

The industries page shows index values for different sectors. For example:

• Retail trade has an index of 75.9 (average $82,200).
• Accommodation and food services has an index of 72.5 (average $78,600).
• Health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8 (average $106,000).
• Professional, scientific and technical services has an index of 114.7 (average $124,300).

So $80,000 is close to the average in retail and hospitality, but well below the average in professional services and health care. That does not make it a bad salary – it depends on the industry norm.

Location also matters. The states page shows that the cost of living and average earnings vary. In Tasmania (index 88.6, average $96,008), $80,000 is above the state average. In the ACT (index 109.9, average $119,090), it is below. In Western Australia (index 106.9, average $115,825), $80,000 is also below the state average, but still a solid wage for many roles.

What about take-home pay and super?

Gross salary is only part of the story. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%, so on $80,000 your employer must contribute $9,600 to your super fund (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). That boosts your total remuneration to $89,600, but you cannot access that money until retirement.

For take-home pay, a resident earning $80,000 in 2026–27 pays roughly $16,267 in income tax plus a 2% Medicare levy of $1,600, leaving about $62,133 after tax. That ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. If you are single with no dependents, that take-home is around $1,195 per week – enough for a comfortable lifestyle in most areas, though housing costs in Sydney or Melbourne will take a big chunk.

So, is $80k a good salary in Australia?

Yes, for most people $80,000 is a good salary. It is well above the national minimum wage and above most award minimums. It gives you an index of 74, which means you are earning more than many workers in retail, hospitality, and administration. However, it is below the national average and below the average in high-paying industries like mining (index 154.7) or professional services.

Whether it feels “good” depends on your circumstances: your industry, your location, your experience, and your financial obligations. If you are starting out in a trade or an office role, $80,000 is a strong wage. If you are a senior professional in Sydney, it might feel tight. The how the index works page explains how to compare any salary to the national line.

Ultimately, $80,000 is a solid middle-income salary in Australia. It gives you room to save, invest, and live comfortably in most parts of the country, especially if you are not supporting a family on a single income. And because it is above the award floor, you have some bargaining power when negotiating your next pay rise.