Marketing salary in Australia: what to expect when comparing job ads

What does 'marketing salary' mean in Australia?

When you see a job ad for a marketing role, the advertised salary is often a range or a figure like "$80,000–$95,000 plus super." But how does that compare to what other marketing professionals earn? And where does it sit against the national benchmark? This guide uses official data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to help you interpret a marketing salary offer.

The official data on marketing salaries

Jobs and Skills Australia publishes earnings data for occupations grouped by ANZSCO. The closest grouping is Advertising and Marketing Professionals (2251), which includes Advertising Specialists, Market Research Analysts, and Marketing Specialists. According to their latest survey (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for this group is $1,957. That's before tax and excludes managers and part-time workers.

To put that in perspective, the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (the Salary Index line of 100) is $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 annualised. So the marketing professional median sits at index 94 — slightly below the national average.

For Sales and Marketing Managers (131112), the median earnings figure is not available (N/A) due to a high standard error in the survey. However, we know that 87% of these managers work full-time, averaging 44 hours per week. Their earnings are likely well above the national line, but we can't pin down an exact index.

How to use the index when reading a job ad

The Salary Index converts any annual gross salary into a number relative to the national line. The formula is simple: (your salary ÷ $108,352) × 100. For example:

• A marketing salary of $85,000 gives an index of 78.
• $100,000 gives 92.
• $120,000 gives 111.

If you're comparing two offers, the index tells you instantly which one is higher relative to the market. But remember: the index is a benchmark, not a target. Some industries and states pay above or below the line. For instance, the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry has an index of 114.7, while Retail Trade is 75.9. A marketing role in a tech consultancy will likely pay more than one in a retail chain.

State also matters. Western Australia has an index of 106.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. If you're looking at roles in Perth versus Hobart, the same job title can have very different real purchasing power. Check the states page for more detail.

What about awards and minimum rates?

Marketing roles can be covered by different modern awards depending on duties and qualifications. The two most common are:

• Professional Employees Award 2020 – for roles requiring a university degree, such as Marketing Specialist or Market Research Analyst.
• Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020 – for administrative marketing tasks like coordinating campaigns or managing social media.

If you're a manager (e.g., Marketing Manager, Head of Marketing), you may be award-free and your salary is negotiated directly. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), but award rates are higher. For example, a Marketing Specialist under the Professional Employees Award might have a minimum rate around $30–$35 per hour depending on classification. Always check the specific award or enterprise agreement.

Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026, and it's paid on top of your salary. So a $90,000 salary means your employer contributes $10,800 to super. That's not included in the index, which uses gross ordinary-time earnings.

Tax and take-home pay

If you earn a marketing salary of $100,000, your estimated take-home pay (after tax and Medicare levy, using 2026–27 rates) is about $74,000. That's assuming the tax-free threshold and no HELP debt or salary sacrifice. The marginal tax rate for that income is 30% up to $135,000. For a more detailed breakdown, see the topics page.

Putting it all together

When you read a job ad for a marketing role, start by noting the base salary (excluding super). Compare it to the median of $1,957/week (index 94) for marketing professionals. If the role is in a high-paying industry like professional services or mining, expect a higher index. If it's in retail or hospitality, a lower index is normal.

Also consider the level of experience. The median age for marketing professionals is 36, so entry-level roles will pay less. Junior rates under the national minimum wage are lower (e.g., $18.06/hr at 18 years). Use the pay guides for more context on award rates.

Finally, remember that the Salary Index is a tool for comparison, not a guarantee. Your actual offer depends on your skills, the company, and negotiation. But with the data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS, you can make an informed decision.

Key takeaways

• The median full-time marketing salary is $1,957/week, index 94.
• Sales and Marketing Managers have no published median, but likely earn above the national line.
• Industry and state indices help contextualise an offer.
• Award coverage varies; check the Professional Employees Award or Clerks Award.
• Use the how the index works page to calculate any salary's index.

Whether you're a graduate or a seasoned professional, knowing where your offer sits on the index gives you confidence in your next career move.