Paraplanner salary: how state and industry affect pay
Find out what influences a paraplanner salary in Australia, including state-by-state differences and industry benchmarks. No precise figures available, but use the salary index.
Precise paraplanner salary figures are not publicly available from official sources; however, the role typically falls under professional services where the national index is 114.7.
What is a paraplanner salary?
A paraplanner is a professional who supports financial advisers by researching products, preparing compliant advice documents, and maintaining client records. The Australian Bureau of Statistics classifies the role as OSCA 531932, with alternative titles including Financial Adviser Assistant and Financial Planning Assistant. But when it comes to a paraplanner salary, official published figures are scarce. No specific award classification or average earnings are available from the Fair Work Commission or ABS. This guide explains how to think about paraplanner pay using the salary index, state benchmarks, and industry data.
Using the salary index to gauge paraplanner pay
The Salary Index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week or $108,352 annualised (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). By comparing a role’s likely industry and location to this line, you can estimate where a paraplanner salary might sit. For example, the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry has an index of 114.7, meaning average full-time earnings of about $124,200. Many paraplanners work in this sector, so a typical salary could be above the national line. However, paraplanners in smaller firms or regional areas may earn less.
State differences in paraplanner salary
Where you work matters. The salary index varies significantly across states and territories, reflecting local labour markets and cost of living. Here are the state indices from the on-site reference:
- ACT: 109.9 (annualised $119,090)
- WA: 106.9 ($115,825)
- NSW: 101.2 ($109,658)
- VIC: 98.0 ($106,137)
- QLD: 97.9 ($106,064)
- NT: 95.2 ($103,173)
- SA: 94.6 ($102,450)
- TAS: 88.6 ($96,008)
A paraplanner in Canberra or Perth might earn more than one in Hobart or Adelaide, all else being equal. But these are averages across all occupations. Paraplanner roles in financial planning hubs like Sydney or Melbourne may also attract higher pay due to demand. For a detailed breakdown, visit the states page.
Industry benchmarks for paraplanners
Paraplanners are most commonly employed in financial and insurance services, which fall under the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (index 114.7). Other relevant industries include Financial and Insurance Services (not separately indexed here) and Administrative and Support Services. The industries page shows that Mining has an index of 154.7 and Retail Trade 75.9, but paraplanners rarely work in those sectors. The professional services index is a reasonable starting point for estimating a paraplanner salary.
Awards and minimum pay
Paraplanners are not covered by a specific modern award. They may fall under awards such as the Professional Employees Award or the Clerks Award, depending on duties. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week, index 48.2). Most paraplanners would earn well above this, given the skilled nature of the work. Award minima rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026, but paraplanners are often employed under individual contracts or enterprise agreements. Check the pay guides for related award information.
Superannuation and tax considerations
A paraplanner salary is typically quoted as gross, before super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For example, a salary of $100,000 would attract $12,000 in super. Take-home pay depends on tax: for 2026–27, resident rates are nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above, plus a 2% Medicare levy. These figures ignore HELP repayments or salary sacrifice. Use the topics page for more on tax and super.
How to research your own paraplanner salary
Because official data is limited, the best approach is to compare job advertisements, speak with recruiters, and use the salary index as a benchmark. If you are a paraplanner, your pay will depend on experience, qualifications (e.g., Diploma of Financial Planning), and the size of the firm. The index can help you see where your salary sits relative to the national line. For example, if you earn $90,000, your index is 83.1 (90,000 / 108,352 × 100). If you earn $130,000, your index is 120.0. This gives context beyond a raw dollar figure.
Final thoughts
A paraplanner salary is not published in official statistics, but you can estimate it using industry and state benchmarks. The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services index of 114.7 suggests many paraplanners earn above the national average. State differences are significant, with the ACT and WA leading. Remember that awards, super, and tax all affect your final take-home pay. For more guidance, explore the Salary Index, how the index works, and related topics.
Questions people ask
What is the average paraplanner salary in Australia?
There is no publicly available official average paraplanner salary from the Australian Bureau of Statistics or Fair Work Commission. The role is classified under OSCA 531932 but earnings data is not yet published. As a guide, paraplanners typically work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry, which has a salary index of 114.7 (annualised $124,200). Actual pay depends on experience, location, and employer.
How does state affect a paraplanner salary?
State differences in overall earnings are reflected in the salary index. For example, the ACT index is 109.9 (annualised $119,090) and Western Australia is 106.9 ($115,825), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). A paraplanner in a higher-index state may earn more, but individual roles vary. Use the [states](/states) page to compare benchmarks.
Does superannuation guarantee affect a paraplanner salary?
Yes, from 1 July 2026 the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, paid on top of the salary. For example, a paraplanner earning $100,000 would receive an additional $12,000 in super. The salary index figures are gross without super. Take-home pay is also affected by income tax and the 2% Medicare levy.