Property management salary: award rates, super and tax explained

What is a property management salary?

A property management salary is the pay earned by professionals who supervise the leasing of rental properties on behalf of owners. Under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), property managers are classified under code 612112 within the Real Estate Sales Agents group. Their duties include listing properties, conducting inspections, collecting rent, and managing tenancy compliance. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 39,200 property managers employed nationally, with 67% being women and a median age of 43. Most work full-time, averaging 42 hours per week.

Because property managers are covered by the Real Estate Industry Award 2020, their minimum pay is set by the Fair Work Commission. However, actual earnings can vary widely depending on experience, location, and whether the role includes commission or bonuses. This article explains the award minimums, how they compare to the national earnings line, and what you can expect after super and tax.

Award minimum rates for property managers

The Real Estate Industry Award 2020 (MA000106) applies to employers in the real estate industry, including property management. It sets minimum weekly wages for four classification levels:

• Real Estate Employee Level 1 (Associate) – first 12 months: $1,010.60 per week
• Real Estate Employee Level 1 (Associate) – after 12 months: $1,063.90 per week
• Real Estate Employee Level 2 (Representative): $1,119.10 per week
• Real Estate Employee Level 3 (Supervisory): $1,231.00 per week
• Real Estate Employee Level 4 (In-Charge): $1,287.30 per week

These rates are effective from 1 July 2026, following a 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review. Annualised, they range from $52,551 (Level 1 first year) to $66,940 (Level 4). For comparison, the national minimum wage is $52,255 per year (index 48.2), so even the lowest property management award rate sits slightly above the minimum. The award also allows commission-only arrangements, provided the employee earns at least 125% of the annualised minimum for their level.

How property management salary compares to the national line

The Salary Index measures gross annual earnings against the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). Using the award minima, property management salaries fall well below this line:

• Level 1 (first 12 months): $52,551 – index 48.5
• Level 1 (after 12 months): $55,323 – index 51.1
• Level 2: $58,193 – index 53.7
• Level 3: $64,012 – index 59.1
• Level 4: $66,940 – index 61.8

These figures are the legal floor. Many property managers earn above award, especially those with several years’ experience or working in high-demand areas. For context, the industries with the highest index include Mining (154.7) and Professional Services (114.7), while Retail Trade (75.9) and Accommodation (72.5) are lower. Property management sits closer to the lower end of the scale when relying on award rates alone.

Location also matters. State indices from the ABS show that Western Australia (106.9) and the Australian Capital Territory (109.9) have above-average earnings, while Tasmania (88.6) is below. A property manager in Perth or Canberra may command a higher salary than one in Hobart, even at the same award level.

Superannuation and tax on a property management salary

Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of the salary from 1 July 2026. For a property manager on the Level 2 rate of $58,193, the employer adds $6,983 in super, making a total package of $65,176. The super is paid into a fund and taxed at 15%, not the employee’s marginal rate.

Income tax for the 2026–27 year is progressive. Using the Level 2 example:

• Gross salary: $58,193
• Tax-free threshold: $18,200
• Tax on $18,201–$45,000 (15%): $4,020
• Tax on $45,001–$58,193 (30%): $3,958
• Total tax: $7,978
• Medicare levy (2%): $1,164
• Net take-home: $49,051 per year (about $943 per week)

This is a resident estimate assuming the tax-free threshold and no other deductions. The net index for this salary would be around 45.3 after tax, compared to the gross index of 53.7. For a property manager on Level 4 ($66,940), the net would be approximately $55,700 (index 51.4).

Factors that affect property management pay

Beyond the award, several factors influence a property management salary:

• Experience and tenure: Senior property managers or those with a portfolio of properties often negotiate above-award rates.
• Commission and bonuses: Many roles include performance-based pay, such as a share of leasing commissions or management fees.
• Location: As noted, state indices vary. A property manager in NSW (index 101.2) or WA (106.9) may earn more than the national average for the role.
• Employer size: Large agencies or real estate groups may offer higher salaries and better benefits.
• Award coverage: Some property managers may be covered by enterprise agreements or individual contracts that exceed the award.

For a deeper look at how pay is structured across different roles, see the pay guides section. You can also explore topics related to real estate and property.

Conclusion

A property management salary in Australia is governed by the Real Estate Industry Award, which sets minimum rates between $52,551 and $66,940 per year (index 48.5 to 61.8). While these figures are below the national full-time ordinary-time earnings line of 100, many property managers earn more through experience, location, and commission. Superannuation of 12% is mandatory, and tax is progressive with a 2% Medicare levy. Understanding the award floor and how it compares to the Salary Index helps both employees and employers benchmark pay fairly.