Accountant salary Australia: what to expect when reading job ads
Understand the accountant salary Australia benchmark using median earnings data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the Salary Index. Compare offers across states and industries.
The median full-time accountant salary in Australia is $2,003 per week, giving a Salary Index of about 96 – slightly below the national average of 100.
Accountant salary Australia: reading job ads with the Salary Index
When you search for "accountant salary Australia" in a job ad, you'll see a range. But what does that range mean compared to the national line? The Salary Index helps you compare any pay figure to the benchmark of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $2,083.70 per week (index 100). For accountants, the median weekly earnings are $2,003 according to, giving an index of about 96. That means half of full-time accountants earn less than this, half earn more.
The data from Jobs and Skills Australia shows that 84% of accountants work full-time, averaging 43 hours per week. Median hourly earnings are $53. This is above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), but below the average for all professionals ($64.50 per hour from the Australian Bureau of Statistics). When reading a job ad, consider whether the advertised salary is for a graduate, experienced, or managerial role. The median age is 42, indicating a mature profession.
Award coverage matters. According to, accountants working for accounting firms are not covered by an award – they rely on the national minimum wage and the National Employment Standards. However, accountants in other industries may be covered by awards like the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award or the Black Coal Award. This affects minimum pay rates and conditions. If a job ad doesn't specify an award, check the industry.
Use the Salary Index to compare offers. For example, an accountant job in Western Australia (state index 106.9) might pay higher than one in Tasmania (88.6) due to cost of living and demand. The professional, scientific and technical services industry has an index of 114.7, above the national average, so accountants in that sector often earn more. You can explore states and industries on Salary Index to see benchmarks.
When you see a salary in a job ad, annualise it and divide by $108,352 (the national line) then multiply by 100 to get the index. For instance, a $90,000 salary gives an index of 83. That's below the accountant median. A $120,000 salary gives index 111, above median. Remember that superannuation (12% from July 2026) is on top of the salary. Tax and Medicare levy will reduce take-home pay. Use the how the index works page for more.
The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (May 2025) shows that the median weekly earnings for all employees is $1,436, but for full-time non-managerial accountants it's $2,003. This highlights that accountants are above the overall median. However, entry-level positions may be lower. The national minimum wage for a 21-year-old is $26.44 per hour, but accountants typically earn more. Check the pay guides for award rates if applicable.
In summary, when reading a job ad for an accountant, compare the offered salary to the median of $2,003 per week (index 96). Consider the industry, location, and your experience level. Use the Salary Index to make apples-to-apples comparisons. For more topics, visit topics.
Questions people ask
What is the average accountant salary in Australia?
The median full-time weekly earnings for accountants are $2,003, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. This translates to an annual salary of about $104,156 before tax, giving a Salary Index of 96. However, actual salaries vary by experience, industry, and location.
Are accountants covered by a modern award?
It depends. Accountants working for accounting firms are not covered by any award and are entitled only to the national minimum wage and National Employment Standards. Accountants in other industries may be covered by specific awards such as the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award if their duties match classifications.
How does location affect accountant pay?
State indices show differences: Western Australia (106.9) and ACT (109.9) have higher benchmarks, while Tasmania (88.6) is lower. An accountant's salary in Perth or Canberra may be higher than in Hobart, reflecting local labour markets and cost of living.