Business analyst salary in Australia: where it sits on the national index

What does "business analyst salary" mean in Australia?

A business analyst salary in Australia refers to the typical earnings of professionals who analyse business needs, define system requirements, and help organisations improve processes and technology. The occupation is officially classified under ANZSCO 2611 – ICT Business and Systems Analysts, which includes ICT Business Analysts (261111) and Systems Analysts (261112). These roles are common in professional services, finance, insurance, and government.

When we talk about a business analyst salary, we are usually referring to full-time earnings before tax and superannuation. The most authoritative source is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, which provides median weekly figures for full-time non-managerial employees.

Where the business analyst salary sits on the salary index

The Salary Index compares any occupation’s annual gross earnings to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For business analysts, the median full-time weekly earnings of $2,697 annualise to $140,244. Dividing by the national line and multiplying by 100 gives an index of about 129. That means a business analyst earning the median is 29% above the average full-time worker.

To put that in perspective:

• The all-occupations median index is 100.
• The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry index is 114.7.
• The Retail Trade index is 75.9.

So business analysts are in a well-paid professional category, well above the national minimum wage (index 48.2) and above many other white-collar roles.

How the data is collected

The median figure of $2,697 per week comes from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised for Jobs and Skills Australia. It covers full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. This excludes part-time workers, managers, and those with unusually high or low pay, making it a reliable benchmark for typical employees.

Other useful data points:

• Median hourly earnings: $72 (compared to $47 for all occupations).
• Average full-time hours: 41 hours per week.
• 90% of business analysts work full-time.
• Median age: 44 years; female share: 38%.

Industries and locations that pay more

Business analysts are concentrated in:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (highest share)
• Financial and Insurance Services
• Public Administration and Safety

These industries tend to have higher salary indices. For example, the finance sector often pays above the professional services average. Location also matters: New South Wales employs 32.5% of business analysts, and the state index is 101.2. The Australian Capital Territory has an index of 109.9, reflecting higher public sector and consulting pay. Western Australia (index 106.9) also offers strong earnings, partly due to mining-related IT roles.

Awards, superannuation and tax

Most business analysts are not covered by a specific modern award, but some may fall under the Professional Employees Award if they meet the classification for a professional engineer or scientist. That award sets minimum rates, but market rates for business analysts are almost always above award.

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%, meaning employers must contribute an additional 12% of ordinary-time earnings into super. For a business analyst earning $140,244, that’s about $16,829 in super per year.

Tax on a $140,244 salary (2026–27 rates, excluding Medicare levy) would be:

• Nil on first $18,200
• 15% on $18,201–$45,000
• 30% on $45,001–$135,000
• 37% on $135,001–$190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. The take-home pay after tax and Medicare is roughly $100,000–$105,000 depending on deductions.

How experience and seniority affect pay

Entry-level business analysts (0–3 years) typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000, which is below the median but still above the national average. Mid-level analysts (3–7 years) earn $90,000–$120,000. Senior analysts, leads, or those with specialised skills (e.g., SAP, Salesforce, data analytics) can earn $130,000–$160,000 or more. Contractors often charge daily rates of $700–$1,200, which translates to higher annual equivalents but without paid leave.

The Salary Index can help you compare any pay offer to the national line. For example, a $90,000 salary has an index of 83, while $160,000 gives an index of 148.

Comparing business analyst pay across states

Using the state indices from the on-site reference, we can estimate how location affects real purchasing power. A business analyst earning the national median of $140,244 would have an index of 129. In Western Australia (index 106.9), that same salary would be relatively lower compared to local benchmarks, while in Tasmania (index 88.6) it would be much higher. However, actual salaries also vary by state. For instance, business analysts in Canberra often earn more due to government contracts.

Summary

The business analyst salary in Australia is solidly above average. The median full-time earner sits at index 129, meaning they earn about 29% more than the typical full-time worker. This reflects the high demand for analytical and technical skills in a digital economy. For precise salary negotiations, always check the latest pay guides and consider your industry, location, and experience level.

For more context on how your pay compares, see the industries page or the states breakdown. And if you want to understand the methodology behind the index, read how the index works.