How to Use a Salary Survey Australia to Compare Job Offers
Learn how to read a salary survey Australia to benchmark job offers against national averages, state medians, and industry indexes. Make informed pay decisions.
The national line for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, setting the index at 100.
How to Use a Salary Survey Australia to Compare Job Offers
When you see a job ad with a salary figure, it's natural to wonder: is that good pay? A salary survey Australia helps you answer that by putting the number against a benchmark. The Salary Index uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Earnings data to set a national line. For May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year. That's index 100. Any salary above that is above the national average; below it is below.
Reading a Job Ad
A job ad might say "$120,000 plus super" or "$95,000 package." The first step is to separate the base salary from super and other benefits. Super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so a $120,000 base salary means the employer pays an extra $14,400 into your super fund. That's part of your total compensation but not cash in hand. The Salary Index compares gross ordinary-time earnings, so use the base salary before super.
Next, check if the role is covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates and conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award. For example, the Health Services Award changed from 1 October 2026, and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award will increase by up to 15% from 1 December 2026. Even if the ad offers more than the award minimum, knowing the floor helps you gauge how competitive the offer is.
Using the Index to Benchmark
Take the annual base salary from the ad and divide by $108,352. Multiply by 100. For $120,000: (120,000 / 108,352) × 100 = 110.8. That's an index of about 111, meaning 11% above the national line. For $95,000: (95,000 / 108,352) × 100 = 87.7, or about 12% below the national average.
But the national average hides a lot. A salary survey Australia worth its salt breaks down pay by state and industry. The states page shows that the ACT has an index of 109.9 (annualised $119,090), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). A $95,000 offer in Hobart is close to the state average; the same offer in Canberra would be well below. Similarly, industries vary: Mining indexes at 154.7, Retail trade at 75.9, and Professional, scientific and technical services at 114.7. A $120,000 salary in professional services is slightly above the industry average; in retail it would be far above.
State and Industry Variations
Let's say you're comparing two offers: one in Sydney for $130,000 in professional services, another in Brisbane for $115,000 in health care. The Sydney offer: index 120 (130,000 / 108,352 × 100). NSW state index is 101.2, so this is well above the state average. The professional services industry index is 114.7, so it's also above that benchmark. The Brisbane offer: index 106.1. Queensland state index is 97.9, so it's above the state average. Health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, so this offer is above the industry average too. Both look good, but the Sydney offer is higher relative to its market.
Remember that the index is a gross ordinary-time benchmark. It doesn't include overtime, bonuses, or penalty rates. If the health care role includes shift penalties, the total earnings could be higher than the base suggests. Also, the index uses full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. If the role is part-time or casual, the comparison is less direct. Casual employees get a loading (typically 25% on top of the base rate), which the index doesn't capture.
Beyond the Base Salary
A salary survey Australia is a starting point, not the whole picture. Consider the total package: super, bonuses, leave entitlements, and flexible work. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week. That's an index of 48.2. Most professional roles pay well above that, but awards can set higher minimums. For example, the Supported Employment Services Award had changes from 30 June 2026 and 1 July 2026.
Tax also matters. For a resident in 2026–27, the first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above. Plus the 2% Medicare levy. A $120,000 salary would have a marginal rate of 30% on most of it, but the effective rate is lower. The how the index works page explains how we estimate take-home pay.
Junior rates apply for employees under 21. The national minimum wage order sets percentages: under 16 get $9.73 per hour, 16 years $12.51, 17 years $15.28, 18 years $18.06, 19 years $21.81, 20 years $25.83. But a modern award can set different junior rates, so always check the relevant award.
Putting It All Together
When you read a job ad, don't just look at the number. Use a salary survey Australia to see where it sits on the index. Compare to your state and industry. Factor in super, award minimums, and tax. The Salary Index gives you a consistent way to compare offers across different roles and locations. For more detail, explore the topics page or the industries breakdown.
Remember, the index is a benchmark, not a guarantee. Your actual pay depends on your experience, the employer's budget, and the market. But with the national line as your reference, you can make a more informed decision.
Questions people ask
What is a salary survey Australia and how is it used?
A salary survey Australia is a collection of pay data from employers, industry bodies, or government agencies that shows typical earnings for different roles, industries, and locations. The Salary Index uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Earnings as its national line (index 100). You can use a salary survey to see how a job offer compares to the market, adjust for state or industry differences, and decide whether the pay is fair.
How do I compare a job offer to the national average?
Take the annual salary from the job ad and divide it by the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings). Multiply by 100 to get the index number. For example, a $120,000 salary gives an index of 111. That means it's 11% above the national average. Then check the state and industry indexes to see if the offer is above or below typical pay in your area and field.
What factors should I consider beyond the salary figure?
Look at the total remuneration package: super guarantee (12% from July 2026), bonuses, allowances, and penalty rates. Check the applicable modern award or enterprise agreement, as minimum rates may be higher than the national minimum wage. Consider location – pay in the ACT or WA is generally higher than in Tasmania or South Australia. Also factor in tax: resident tax rates for 2026–27 start at nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above, plus the 2% Medicare levy.