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Median Salary Melbourne: How It Compares on the Australian Salary Index
Understand the median salary in Melbourne and where it sits on the Australian salary index. Use the Victorian state benchmark of 98 to gauge typical pay, with industry and award co
The median salary in Melbourne is uncertain, but the Victorian state index of 98 suggests typical full-time earnings are around $106,137 annualised, slightly below the national line of 100.
What does “median salary Melbourne” mean?
When you search for “median salary Melbourne”, you are asking for the middle point of all salaries earned in Melbourne. Half of workers earn more than that figure, and half earn less. It is a more typical measure than the average, because a few very high or low salaries can pull the average in different directions. The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes both median and average earnings, but the reference here uses the salary index, which is based on full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (index 100). For Melbourne, we can use the Victorian state index of 98, which gives an annualised figure of $106,137.
How the salary index helps you compare
The salary index is a simple tool: take your yearly gross ordinary-time earnings, divide by the national line of $108,352, and multiply by 100. If your pay is exactly the national average, your index is 100. In Victoria, the state index is 98, meaning the typical full-time worker earns about 2% less than the national line. That works out to $106,137 per year. For Melbourne, this is a good starting point, but the actual median salary in Melbourne could be higher or lower depending on your industry and occupation.
Industry differences in Melbourne
Melbourne has a diverse economy. The industries page shows that professional, scientific and technical services have an index of 114.7, well above the national line. If you work in that sector, your pay is likely above the Melbourne median. On the other hand, retail trade has an index of 75.9, and accommodation and food services is 72.5. A retail worker in Melbourne might earn around $82,000 per year, which is below the state benchmark. Education and training in Victoria is 105.5, and health care and social assistance is 97.8. So the median salary in Melbourne depends heavily on what you do.
Awards and the minimum wage
A modern award sets minimum pay rates for many jobs. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week, which gives an index of 48.2. That is the floor. Most awards pay more. For example, an entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour. If you are under 21, junior rates apply: under 16 years $9.73 per hour, up to 20 years $25.83. These are based on the national minimum wage percentages. If you are on a modern award, your pay will be at least the award rate, which may be higher than the minimum.
Super and tax considerations
Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, on top of your salary. That is not included in the salary index because it is not ordinary-time earnings. For a Melbourne worker earning $106,137 per year, your employer adds 12% super, which is about $12,736 per year. Tax for a resident in 2026–27: tax-free up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. For $106,137, your take-home pay after tax is about $78,000 per year, plus super on top.
How to find your own salary index for your own pay
You can calculate your own index by taking your annual gross ordinary-time earnings, divide by $108,352, and multiply by 100. If you earn $106,137, your index is 98. If you earn $135,000, your index is 124. That is above the national line. The how the index works explains more.
Where does the median salary in Melbourne sit on the index?
Because the median salary in Melbourne is uncertain, we use the state index as a reference. The Victorian index of 98 is a benchmark. If you are in a high-paying industry, your median may be above that. If you are in retail or hospitality, it will be lower. The states page shows all state indices. For a more precise comparison, look at your industry index on the industries page.
Conclusion
The median salary in Melbourne is not a single number in this reference, but the Victorian state index of 98 gives a reliable benchmark. Use that as a starting point, then adjust for your industry and occupation. The salary index helps you see where your pay stands against the national line. For more guides, visit the pay guides or topics page.
Questions people ask
What is the median salary in Melbourne?
The exact median salary in Melbourne is not published in the reference data. However, the Victorian state index of 98 gives a benchmark: typical full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are around $106,137 per year. This is slightly below the national line of 100 ($108,352). The actual median may differ because median is the middle point of all salaries, while the index uses average earnings.
How does Melbourne’s median salary compare to the national average?
Melbourne sits within Victoria, which has a state index of 98 — about 2% below the national average of 100. That means the typical full-time worker in Melbourne earns roughly $2,215 less per year than the national benchmark. But keep in mind that Melbourne’s industry mix (e.g., more professional services) could push the median higher than the state average.
What factors affect the median salary in Melbourne?
Industry is the biggest factor. For example, mining in Australia has an index of 154.7, while retail trade is 75.9. Melbourne has a strong professional services sector (index 114.7) and education (105.5), which can lift the median. Occupation, experience, and whether you work under a modern award or enterprise agreement also matter. The national minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but many awards pay more.