What Is the Average Salary in Brisbane? A Look at the Salary Index

What Does ‘Average Salary in Brisbane’ Really Mean?

When people ask for the average salary in Brisbane, they usually want a single number that sums up what a typical full-time worker earns. In Australia, the best benchmark is the national salary index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 a year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). For Brisbane, the closest reference is Queensland’s state index of 97.9, which annualises to $106,064. That’s about 2.1% below the national line.

But averages can be misleading. The figure is a gross ordinary-time benchmark—it doesn’t include overtime, bonuses, or part-time work. And it’s a state average, not a city one. Brisbane’s economy is different from the rest of Queensland: it has more professional services, government jobs, and a growing tech scene. So the real average salary in Brisbane could be a bit higher or lower than the state number.

How the Salary Index Works

The Salary Index compares any pay figure to the national line. To calculate it, take the yearly gross salary, divide by $108,352, and multiply by 100. For example, if you earn $80,000 a year, your index is about 73.8—well below the average. If you earn $130,000, your index is 120. The index makes it easy to see where you stand.

For Brisbane, the state index of 97.9 means the typical full-time worker is just under the national average. But that’s only a starting point. Your own index depends on your industry, occupation, and employer.

Industry Differences in Brisbane

Brisbane has a mix of industries, each with its own index. According to the reference:

• Professional, scientific and technical services: index 114.7 (about $124,300 a year)
• Education and training: index 105.5 ($114,300)
• Health care and social assistance: index 97.8 ($106,000)
• Retail trade: index 75.9 ($82,200)
• Accommodation and food services: index 72.5 ($78,600)

So if you work in a professional services firm in Brisbane, your salary is likely above the state average. If you work in retail, say, a café, you’re likely below. The [industries](/industries] page has more detail on these benchmarks.

Comparing Brisbane to Other States

Brisbane sits in Queensland, which ranks below the national average. For context:

• Australian Capital Territory: 109.9 ($119,090)
• Western Australia: 106.9 ($115,825)
• New South Wales: 101.2 ($109,658)
• Victoria: 98 ($106,137)
• Queensland: 97.9 ($106,064)
• South Australia: 94.6 ($102,450)
• Northern Territory: 95.2 ($103,173)
• Tasmania: 88.6 ($96,008)

Brisbane is often compared to Sydney and Melbourne. While Sydney’s index is higher, Brisbane’s lower cost of housing can make the same salary go further. But the states page shows that averages don’t tell the whole story—your actual pay depends on your role.

Awards, Super, and Tax

The average salary in Brisbane is gross pay before tax and super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, so an employer must add that on top. For a $106,064 salary, that’s an extra $12,728 into your super fund.

Tax for a resident in 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) is:

• Nil up to $18,200
• 15% from $18,201 to $45,000
• 30% from $45,001 to $135,000
• 37% from $135,001 to $190,000
• 45% above $190,000 Plus a 2% Medicare levy. So on $106,064, the tax (including Medicare) is roughly $24,000–$25,000, leaving a take-home of about $81,000–$82,000.

Awards set minimum pay for many jobs. The national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour ($52,255 a year, index 48.2). Most Brisbane workers earn above that, but awards can also set higher rates. For example, a hospitality award might pay $28 an hour for a level 2 employee. The how the index works page explains how awards relate to the index.

Why the Average Salary in Brisbane Matters

Knowing the average helps you negotiate, budget, or compare job offers. But it’s just one number. If you’re looking at a specific role, say a software developer in Brisbane, the average might be $120,000–$140,000—well above the state index. For a retail assistant, it might be $55,000–$65,000. The index gives you a quick check: is the offer above or below the line?

If you’re unsure, the topics page covers common pay questions. And remember, the average salary in Brisbane is a benchmark, not a guarantee. Your own index depends on your skills, experience, and employer.

Final Thoughts

The average salary in Brisbane, using Queensland’s index of 97.9, is about $106,064 a year. That’s slightly below the national average, but Brisbane’s industry mix and lower cost of living can make it a good place to earn and save. Use the salary index to compare any pay figure, and always check award rates if you’re in a covered role.

For more, see the Salary Index home page or the pay guides for industry-specific benchmarks.