Assistant Accountant Salary: State and Industry Differences Explained
Understand how assistant accountant salary compares across Australian states and industries using the Salary Index. No precise award figure exists, but benchmarks show variation.
The assistant accountant salary is not explicitly defined in modern awards, but based on industry benchmarks it likely sits above the national line (index 100), with significant variation by state and industry.
Assistant Accountant Salary: State and Industry Differences
When you search for an **assistant accountant salary, the first thing to know is that there is no single figure set by the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Fair Work Commission. Unlike a named award classification, 'assistant accountant is not a standard award category. Instead, this role is typically falls under the Professional Employees Award or the Clerks Award. The actual pay depends on the employer, industry, and state.
How the Salary Index Helps Compare Pay
The Salary Index measures yearly gross pay against the national line of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $108,352 per year (index 100). For example, a national minimum wage earner at $52,255 has an index of 48.2. An assistant accountant on $75,000 would have an index of about 69. But this is only a rough guide because the role is not benchmarked in the award system.
Industry Differences
Industry indices from the on-site reference show wide variation. The professional, scientific and technical services industry has an index of 114.7, meaning average pay is about 14.7% above the national line. Mining is even higher at 154.7. In contrast, retail trade is 75.9 and accommodation and food services is 72.5. An assistant accountant working in a mining company in Western Australia is likely to earn more than one in a retail firm in Tasmania. The industry index provides a useful lens, but remember that assistant accountant roles may not exactly match the industry average.
State Differences
State indices also matter. The ACT has the highest index at 109.9 ($119,090 annualised), followed by Western Australia at 106.9 ($115,825). New South Wales is 101.2 ($109,658), Victoria 98.0 ($106,137), Queensland 97.9 ($106,064), South Australia 94.6 ($102,450), Northern Territory 95.2 ($103,173), and Tasmania 88.6 ($96,008). An assistant accountant in Canberra or Perth might command a higher salary than one in Hobart or Adelaide, reflecting overall wage levels. However, individual roles vary, and the cost of living also differs.
Award Coverage and Minimum Rates
If you are an assistant accountant covered by an award, the minimum rate is set by the classification under that award. The Professional Employees Award includes levels for professional staff, but 'assistant accountant' is not a named classification. Employers often classify the role under a clerical grade or a professional level. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for the Professional Employees Award and the Clerks Award list minimum rates for various levels. For example, a Level 1 professional employee under the Professional Employees Award might earn around $70,000 per year, but this is an estimate and not specific to assistant accountants. Always check the actual classification with your employer.
Using the Salary Index for Comparison
To use the Salary Index, take your annual gross salary and divide by $108,352, then multiply by 100. For instance, a salary of $80,000 gives an index of 73.8. This tells you where your pay sits relative to the national average. If you work in a high-index industry like mining (154.7), your pay might be above the industry average, but the index helps you compare across sectors. The states page shows how your location affects the benchmark, and the industries page shows sector averages.
Tax and Super Considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. An assistant accountant on $75,000 would receive $9,000 in super, making total remuneration $84,000. Income tax for 2026–27: no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, plus 2% Medicare levy. A $75,000 salary would have a tax bill of about $15,267 (including Medicare), leaving take-home pay of $59,733. These are estimates and ignore HELP or other deductions.
Where to Find More Information
For award rates, use the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Professional Employees Award pay guide and the Clerks Award pay guide are relevant. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database also provides detailed classification data. However, neither source lists 'assistant accountant' as a specific role. If you are negotiating a salary, consider the industry and state indices as benchmarks. The how the index works page explains the methodology in more detail.
Conclusion
An assistant accountant salary is not a fixed figure in Australian awards. It varies by industry, state, employer, and experience. The Salary Index provides a way to compare pay against the national line, but you need to know the specific classification and award coverage. Use the state and industry indices to gauge typical pay levels, but always check the actual award or enterprise agreement for minimum entitlements.
Questions people ask
What is the typical assistant accountant salary in Australia?
There is no single assistant accountant salary set by award. Most assistant accountants are covered by the Professional Employees Award or the Clerks Award, but rates vary by employer, industry, and location. Based on industry benchmarks, an assistant accountant in professional services might earn around $70,000 to $85,000 per year, but this is an estimate only. The Salary Index helps compare pay: the national line is $108,352 annualised. An assistant accountant on $75,000 would have an index of about 69, below the national average, but this can rise with experience.
How does assistant accountant salary differ by state?
State indices from the on-site reference show that pay levels vary. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). An assistant accountant in WA might earn more than one in TAS, reflecting overall wage differences. However, individual roles may not follow the state index exactly. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides apply nationally, but local labour markets influence actual offers.
Which award covers assistant accountants?
Assistant accountants are often covered by the Professional Employees Award [MA000065] or the Clerks Award, depending on duties. The Professional Employees Award includes classifications for technical and professional staff, but 'assistant accountant' is not a named classification. Employers may classify the role under a higher clerical grade or a professional level. Always check the specific award and classification with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for the correct minimum rate.