What a 6 figure salary really means in Australia: state and industry differences
A 6 figure salary in Australia sits near the national average of $108,352. See how state and industry benchmarks affect whether $100,000 is above or below the line.
A $100,000 gross salary gives an index of 92.3, slightly below the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of 100 ($108,352).
What a 6 figure salary really means in Australia
A "6 figure salary" is any annual gross pay of $100,000 or more. In Australia, that number is a common benchmark, but it doesn't tell the full story. The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (the line we call index 100) is $108,352 a year, based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026. So a flat $100,000 is actually slightly below the national average. To understand where a six-figure salary sits, you need to look at state and industry differences.
The salary index: a simple comparison
The Salary Index works like this: take your yearly gross pay, divide it by the national line ($108,352), and multiply by 100. A $100,000 salary gives an index of 92.3. That means it is 7.7% below the average full-time adult worker. A $110,000 salary gives an index of 101.5, just above the line. The index is a benchmark, not a quote for a specific job or award classification.
State differences
Where you work matters. The on-site reference shows state indices based on average weekly earnings:
- New South Wales: index 101.2 ($109,658) – a $100,000 salary is below the state average.
- Victoria: index 98 ($106,137) – $100,000 is slightly below.
- Queensland: index 97.9 ($106,064) – similar to Victoria.
- South Australia: index 94.6 ($102,450) – $100,000 is just below the state average.
- Western Australia: index 106.9 ($115,825) – $100,000 is well below the state average, reflecting the mining and resources economy.
- Tasmania: index 88.6 ($96,008) – $100,000 is above the state average.
- Northern Territory: index 95.2 ($103,173) – $100,000 is slightly below.
- Australian Capital Territory: index 109.9 ($119,090) – $100,000 is well below the state average, driven by public service and professional roles.
So a six-figure salary in Tasmania goes further relative to local earnings than in WA or the ACT. Check the states page for more detail.
Industry differences
Your industry changes the picture even more. The on-site reference lists these industry indices:
- Mining: index 154.7 – average around $167,600. A six-figure salary is common and below the industry average.
- Professional, scientific and technical services: index 114.7 – average $124,300. $100,000 is below average.
- Education and training: index 105.5 – average $114,300. $100,000 is slightly below.
- Health care and social assistance: index 97.8 – average $97,800. $100,000 is above average.
- Retail trade: index 75.9 – average $82,200. $100,000 is well above average.
- Accommodation and food services: index 72.5 – average $78,600. $100,000 is significantly above average.
If you work in retail or hospitality, a six-figure salary is exceptional. In mining or professional services, it is closer to the starting point. See the industries page for more comparisons.
How common is a six-figure salary?
The ABS reports that median weekly earnings for all employees were $1,436 in August 2025, which annualises to $74,672. That means half of all employees earn less than that. A six-figure salary is well above the median. For full-time adults, the median is higher but still below $100,000 for many roles. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $52,255 (index 48.2), so a six-figure salary is nearly double that.
Tax and super on a six-figure salary
For the 2026–27 financial year, a $100,000 salary falls into the 30% tax bracket (from $45,001 to $135,000). Using the tax-free threshold and a flat 2% Medicare levy, the estimated tax is $20,520 plus $2,000 Medicare, leaving about $77,480 take-home. That is roughly $1,490 per week. Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so your employer contributes $12,000 on top, making the total package $112,000.
The high income threshold
The Fair Work Commission sets a high income threshold for unfair dismissal protection. From 1 July 2026 it is $190,100. A six-figure salary is well below that, so most employees on $100,000 are still covered by unfair dismissal laws if they are not on a modern award or enterprise agreement.
Putting it together
A six-figure salary is a useful milestone, but it is not a universal measure of success. In some states and industries, it is above average; in others, it is below. The Salary Index helps you see where your pay sits against the national line. Use the pay guides to check award rates, and explore topics for more on Australian pay benchmarks.
Remember that modern awards can set higher minimum rates than the national minimum wage. The figures here are benchmarks, not a quote for a specific job. Always check the relevant award or agreement for your role.
Questions people ask
Is a 6 figure salary a good salary in Australia?
A 6 figure salary ($100,000 or more) is above the national median for all employees ($74,672) but slightly below the full-time adult ordinary-time average of $108,352. Whether it is 'good' depends on your industry, state, and lifestyle. In Tasmania, $100,000 is above the state average; in Western Australia it is below. In Mining it is below average; in Retail it is well above. After tax and Medicare, a $100,000 salary leaves about $77,480 take-home per year.
Which industries typically pay 6 figure salaries?
Industries with average earnings above $100,000 include Mining (index 154.7, ~$167,600), Professional, scientific and technical services (index 114.7, ~$124,300), and Education and training (index 105.5, ~$114,300). Health care and social assistance averages $97,800 (index 97.8), so many roles there are below six figures. Retail trade (index 75.9, ~$82,200) and Accommodation and food services (index 72.5, ~$78,600) rarely reach six figures without management or overtime.
How does a 6 figure salary compare to the national average using the salary index?
The salary index sets the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at 100 ($108,352 annualised). A $100,000 salary gives an index of 92.3, meaning it is 7.7% below the national line. A $110,000 salary gives an index of 101.5, slightly above. You can calculate your own index by dividing your yearly gross by $108,352 and multiplying by 100. This helps you see where you stand relative to the Australian average.