What is the average aus salary and where does it sit on the salary index?

What does "average aus salary" really mean?

When people search for the "average aus salary", they usually want a single number that represents typical pay in Australia. But there isn't one perfect figure – the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes several measures. The most commonly cited is full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings, which was $2,083.70 per week in May 2026 (annualised $108,352). This is the mean (average) for full-time adults, and it's the benchmark the Salary Index uses as 100.

However, the median – the middle point where half earn more and half earn less – is often more representative. In August 2025, the median weekly earnings for all employees in their main job was $1,425 (annualised $74,100). That's an index of about 68.4. The median for full-time employees only was $1,741 (index 80.4). So the "average aus salary" depends on which group you look at.

Where the average sits on the salary index

The Salary Index is a simple tool: divide your yearly gross salary by the national line ($108,352) and multiply by 100. The national line itself is index 100. Here's how other key benchmarks compare:

• National minimum wage (from 1 July 2026): $26.44/hr, $1,004.90/week, annualised $52,255 – index 48.2.
• Entry-level award floor (Clerks – Private Sector Level 1): $25.74/hr – index roughly 47.
• Median employee earnings (all employees, Aug 2025): $1,425/week – index 68.4.
• Full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70/week – index 100.

So the "average aus salary" as measured by the ABS full-time adult mean sits exactly at the index line. But if you're earning the median, you're about two-thirds of the way to that line.

State and industry variations

Where you live and what you do makes a big difference. The ABS provides state-level full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. Here are the indices for each state and territory (based on May 2026 data):

• ACT: $2,290.20/week – index 109.9
• WA: $2,227.40/week – index 106.9
• NSW: $2,108.80/week – index 101.2
• VIC: $2,041.10/week – index 98.0
• QLD: $2,039.70/week – index 97.9
• NT: $1,984.10/week – index 95.2
• SA: $1,970.20/week – index 94.6
• TAS: $1,846.30/week – index 88.6

For a full breakdown, see our states page.

Industry also matters. The ABS table shows average weekly ordinary time earnings by industry. Selected indices:

• Mining: $3,224.20/week – index 154.7
• Electricity, gas, water & waste: $2,546.00 – index 122.2
• Professional, scientific & technical: $2,389.60 – index 114.7
• Education & training: $2,197.90 – index 105.5
• Health care & social assistance: $2,037.20 – index 97.8
• Retail trade: $1,581.60 – index 75.9
• Accommodation & food services: $1,509.90 – index 72.5

These are averages for full-time adults in each industry. Your own pay may differ based on role, experience, and award coverage. Visit our industries page for more.

How awards, super, and tax affect take-home pay

The "average aus salary" is gross – before tax and super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830 (the maximum contribution base). So on the average salary of $108,352, your employer would contribute $13,002 to super.

Most employees are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Award minimums rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr, but many awards pay more. For example, a retail employee Level 1 might get around $25.74/hr as a base, plus casual loading if applicable.

For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) are:

• $0–$18,200: nil
• $18,201–$45,000: 15%
• $45,001–$135,000: 30%
• $135,001–$190,000: 37%
• Over $190,000: 45% Plus a 2% Medicare levy. On the average salary of $108,352, the tax (including Medicare) would be roughly $25,000–$26,000, leaving about $82,000–$83,000 after tax. But this ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge.

Using the salary index to compare your pay

The Salary Index is designed to help you see where your pay sits against the national line. If you earn $80,000 a year, your index is 73.8 – below the average. If you earn $130,000, your index is 120. You can compare across states and industries: for instance, a teacher in NSW earning $95,000 (index 87.7) might be below the state average for education ($2,197.90/week, index 105.5).

To calculate your own index, use our how the index works page. And if you're negotiating a pay rise, knowing where you stand against the "average aus salary" can be a useful reference point.

The bottom line

The "average aus salary" is not one number. The most authoritative benchmark is the ABS full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (index 100). But your personal situation – state, industry, award coverage, and hours – will determine where you sit. Use the Salary Index to get a clear picture, and remember that median earnings are often a better guide for typical workers.

For more on award rates and pay guides, check our pay guides page. And explore topics for deeper dives into Australian pay.