Mechanic salary in Australia: gross pay, super, and tax in 2026
Find out the typical mechanic salary in Australia, how it compares on the Salary Index, and what you take home after super and tax.
The median full-time mechanic salary sits at about 78 on the Salary Index, based on weekly earnings of $1,622 before tax.
What is a mechanic salary in Australia?
When people search for "mechanic salary", they usually want to know what a typical motor mechanic earns before and after tax, how that compares to other jobs, and what super is worth. The most reliable public data comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) via Jobs and Skills Australia. For Motor Mechanics (ANZSCO 3212) – which includes general mechanics, diesel mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, and small engine mechanics – the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial adult employees are $1,622 before tax. That's based on the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025.
Annualised, that median mechanic salary is about $84,344 (52 weeks). On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026), a mechanic salary scores roughly 78. That's well above the national minimum wage (index 48.2) but below the all-occupations median of $1,852 per week (index 88.9).
How mechanic salary compares on the Salary Index
The index helps you see where a pay figure sits against the national line. For mechanics, the index of 78 means the typical mechanic earns about 78% of the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. Compare that to:
- Retail trade industry: index 75.9 – very close to mechanics, which makes sense since many mechanics work in retail trade.
- Accommodation and food services: index 72.5 – lower.
- Professional, scientific and technical services: index 114.7 – higher.
- All occupations median: index 88.9.
State differences also matter. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. A mechanic in WA might earn above the national median, while one in TAS might earn less. However, the ABS data for mechanics is national, so local variations are not captured in the $1,622 figure.
Gross pay, super, and tax for mechanics
Let's break down the median mechanic salary into gross pay, super, and estimated take-home.
Gross annual salary: $84,344 (based on $1,622 per week).
Super guarantee: From 1 July 2026, the super rate is 12%. That adds $10,121 per year, paid by the employer on top of the gross salary. The how the index works page explains that the index uses ordinary-time earnings before super, so the super is extra.
Tax estimate (2026–27 resident with tax-free threshold):
- Nil on first $18,200
- 15% on $26,800 ($45,000 – $18,200) = $4,020
- 30% on $39,344 ($84,344 – $45,000) = $11,803
- Total income tax: $15,823
- Medicare levy (2%): $1,687
- Total tax and Medicare: $17,510
- Take-home pay: $66,834 per year, or about $1,285 per week.
This is a rough estimate. It ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, the Medicare levy reduction, and the Medicare levy surcharge. Your actual take-home will differ.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Most mechanics are covered by the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for classifications under this award. From 1 July 2026, award rates increased by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for qualified mechanics are higher. For example, a Level 1 tradesperson under the award would have a minimum hourly rate above $30 (exact figures vary by classification and are updated in the database).
The median earnings of $1,622 per week are well above award minima, reflecting experience, overtime, and market demand. The pay guides page can help you find the latest award rates for your specific classification.
Regional differences
While the national median is $1,622, location matters. The state indices from the on-site reference show:
- Western Australia: 106.9 – likely higher mechanic salaries due to mining and resources.
- New South Wales: 101.2 – slightly above national.
- Victoria: 98.0 – close to national.
- Queensland: 97.9 – similar.
- South Australia: 94.6 – below.
- Tasmania: 88.6 – significantly below.
- Northern Territory: 95.2 – below.
- Australian Capital Territory: 109.9 – highest, but fewer mechanic jobs.
These indices reflect overall state earnings, not specifically mechanics, but they give a clue. A diesel mechanic in the Pilbara (WA) will earn more than a light vehicle mechanic in Hobart.
The bottom line on mechanic salary
The keyword "mechanic salary" points to a solid, above-minimum-wage occupation with a median around $84,000 gross. After super and tax, a typical mechanic takes home about $66,800 per year. The Salary Index of 78 shows it's a middle-ground occupation – not as high as professional services but comfortably above retail and hospitality. For more comparisons, see the industries page or explore topics related to trade salaries.
Questions people ask
What is the average mechanic salary in Australia?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025), the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial Motor Mechanics are $1,622 before tax. That works out to about $84,344 per year. On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, a mechanic salary sits at roughly 78. This is above the national minimum wage (index 48.2) but below the all-occupations median (index 88.9).
How much super do mechanics get?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary-time earnings. For a mechanic earning the median $84,344 per year, that means an additional $10,121 in super contributions paid by the employer. The super is on top of the gross salary shown on the Salary Index. Note that the superannuation guarantee maximum contribution base for 2026–27 is $270,830, so most mechanics will have the full 12% applied to their entire wage.
What is the take-home pay for a mechanic after tax?
Using the 2026–27 tax rates and a flat 2% Medicare levy, a mechanic earning the median $84,344 per year would pay approximately $15,823 in income tax and $1,687 in Medicare levy, leaving a take-home of about $66,834 per year, or $1,285 per week. This estimate assumes no HELP debt, salary sacrifice, or other adjustments. Actual take-home will vary based on individual circumstances.