What Is a Chartered Accountant Salary in Australia?

What a Chartered Accountant Salary Looks Like in Australia

When you see a job ad for a chartered accountant, the salary figure can feel like a starting point for negotiation. But how do you know if it’s a fair offer? The national line helps. The Salary Index sets 100 as the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Your own chartered accountant salary should be compared to that benchmark.

The Data from Jobs and Skills Australia

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that all accountants (ANZSCO 2211) have a median weekly earnings of $2,003 per week, or about $104,156 annualised (index 96). That’s below the national line. But chartered accountants typically earn more than the general accountant median because of the professional qualification. The CA ANZ Remuneration Survey 2025/26 shows that many chartered accountants receive pay rises, with some seeing increases above 10%, especially among younger members aged 20–29. Queensland saw double-digit median remuneration growth in that state. This tells you that the market is strong in certain pockets.

Reading a Job Ad: Comparing Offers

Suppose you see a job ad for a chartered accountant in Sydney offering $120,000 per year. That gives an index of 111, which is above the national average. But check the state index: New South Wales is 101.2, so $120,000 is still above that. If the job is in professional services (industry index 114.7), $120,000 is close to the industry average. If it’s in retail (index 75.9), it’s well above. Use the industries page to see typical pay by sector.

What the CA ANZ Survey Says

The CA ANZ survey of over 4,100 members found that fair salary is the top retention driver, but non-remuneration benefits like flexibility and work-life balance are also important. For chartered accountants, the salary is often above the national line, but it varies by role. A chartered accountant in a senior management position might earn an index of 130 or more. The survey also noted that fewer than half of women feel their salary fairly reflects their skills, so negotiation matters.

Super and Tax Considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a $120,000 salary means an extra $14,400 into super. Tax for 2026–27: the first $18,200 tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above. Medicare levy is 2%. Take-home pay on $120,000 is roughly $89,000 after tax and Medicare (ignoring HELP or other deductions).

Regional Differences

If you’re looking at a chartered accountant salary in Western Australia, the state index is 106.9, meaning average earnings are higher. In Tasmania, index 88.6, so salaries tend to be lower. The CA ANZ survey confirmed regional variation: Queensland and Otago saw double-digit increases. When comparing offers, use the states page to see local benchmarks.

Award Coverage

Most chartered accountants are not covered by awards because they are professionals. But if you’re starting out in a firm that uses the Clerks Award or Professional Employees Award, the minimum rates are lower. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database shows the minimum hourly rates. For example, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2). A chartered accountant should be well above that.

How to Use the Index

The index is your tool. Take the advertised annual salary, divide by $108,352, multiply by 100. That’s the index. Compare to the national line (100), your state, and your industry. For example, a chartered accountant salary of $130,000 gives an index of 120. That’s a strong offer. If the job is in mining (index 154.7), it might be below sector average. See how the index works for more.

Summary

A chartered accountant salary in Australia is generally above the national average, but it depends on location, industry, and experience. Use the index to compare offers. The CA ANZ survey shows that pay growth is modest but uneven, with some regions and younger workers seeing bigger increases. When reading a job ad, look beyond the base salary to super, bonuses, and flexibility. For more on specific pay guides, visit pay guides.

FAQs

How does a chartered accountant salary compare to the national average?

The national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (index 100) is $108,352 per year. The median for all accountants is about $104,156 (index 96), but chartered accountants typically earn above that, often in the range of $110,000 to $150,000 for mid-level roles, and higher for managers and partners. The CA ANZ survey indicates that many chartered accountants receive pay rises above 2.5%, with some younger members seeing increases over 10%.

What factors affect a chartered accountant's salary?

Key factors include experience, location, industry, and the type of employer. For example, a chartered accountant in a professional services firm in Western Australia might earn more than one in a small firm in Tasmania. The CA ANZ survey noted double-digit median remuneration growth in Queensland. Industry also matters: those in professional, scientific and technical services (index 114.7) or financial and insurance services often earn more. Seniority and specialisation (e.g., tax, audit, advisory) can also boost pay.

How can I use the salary index when reading a job ad for a chartered accountant?

The salary index helps you compare an advertised salary to the national line of 100. For example, an offer of $120,000 per year gives an index of 111 (120,000 / 108,352 × 100). That is above average. But also consider the industry index: if the job is in mining (index 154.7), $120,000 is below that sector's average. Use the index to see if the offer is competitive relative to the market and your location. Remember to factor in super (12% from July 2026) and tax.