Construction Manager Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences
See how the construction manager salary compares to the national line, with state-by-state breakdown and industry insights. Median weekly earnings $3,751.
The median full-time construction manager salary sits at about 180 on the Salary Index, well above the national line of 100.
What is a construction manager salary?
A construction manager plans, organises, directs and controls building and civil engineering projects. In Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for construction managers are $3,751, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, as reported by. That figure is for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate before tax and salary sacrifice.
To put it on the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026), the construction manager median sits at about 180. That is nearly double the national line, making it one of the highest-paying occupations in Australia.
State differences in construction manager pay
Where you work matters. The ABS Labour Force Survey (February 2026, JSA trend) shows the distribution of construction manager jobs across states:
- New South Wales: 33.3%
- Victoria: 24.8%
- Queensland: 22.2%
- Western Australia: 10.2%
- South Australia: 5.1%
- Tasmania: 1.9%
- Northern Territory: 1.3%
- Australian Capital Territory: 1.2%
While the national median is $3,751, state-level earnings for construction managers are not published separately. However, we can look at the overall state indices from the states page. Western Australia has an index of 106.9, meaning average full-time earnings are about 7% above the national line. That aligns with WA’s strong mining and resources sector, which often pays a premium for construction managers. New South Wales (index 101.2) and Victoria (98) are close to the national average. Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are lower, reflecting weaker local economies.
A construction manager in Perth might earn $4,000 per week or more, while one in Hobart might be closer to $3,200. The difference is not just cost of living; it’s also industry mix. In WA, many construction managers work on mining-related projects, which pay above residential building rates.
Industry differences
Construction managers work mainly in the Construction industry, but a significant share are in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services – for example, project management firms or engineering consultancies. The industries page shows that the Mining industry has an index of 154.7, while Construction overall is not separately listed. Professional services have an index of 114.7.
A construction manager employed by a mining company on a fly-in-fly-out roster will likely earn more than one managing residential townhouses in a suburban builder. The award floor for building workers is set by the Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020), but construction managers are usually above award. The award’s minimum rates for trades (e.g., carpenter $30–$35/hr) are a baseline; a construction manager’s salary is negotiated.
How the index works for construction managers
The Salary Index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line of $108,352 (annualised from $2,083.70/week). For a construction manager earning the median $3,751/week, annualised that is $195,052. Divide by $108,352 and multiply by 100 gives an index of 180. That means the median construction manager earns 80% more than the average full-time worker.
But remember: the median is not the average. Some construction managers earn less, especially in residential building in lower-cost states, and some earn much more on large commercial or resource projects.
Awards, super and tax
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44/hr, and the Building and Construction Award rates increased by 4.75%. Construction managers are unlikely to be paid at award minimum, but the award sets conditions for site workers they supervise.
Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. On $195,052, that’s $23,406 in super each year, on top of salary.
Tax (2026–27 resident rates, including 2% Medicare levy) on $195,052:
- Nil on first $18,200
- 15% on $18,201–$45,000 = $4,020
- 30% on $45,001–$135,000 = $27,000
- 37% on $135,001–$190,000 = $20,350
- 45% on $190,001–$195,052 = $2,273
- Total tax + Medicare: approximately $53,643 + $3,901 = $57,544
- Take-home: about $137,508 per year, or $2,644 per week.
That’s a healthy take-home, but remember it excludes HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.
Key takeaways
- The median construction manager salary is $3,751/week, index 180.
- State differences are driven by industry mix and local economy; WA and NSW tend to pay higher.
- Industry matters: mining and professional services pay more than residential construction.
- Awards set a floor, but most construction managers are above award.
- Super and tax reduce gross pay, but the occupation remains one of the best-paid in Australia.
For more detail on how your state compares, see the states page. To explore industry benchmarks, visit industries. And if you want to understand the index calculation, read how the index works.
Questions people ask
Does a construction manager salary vary by state in Australia?
Yes. While national median weekly earnings are $3,751, state indices show different cost-of-living and wage pressures. Western Australia has an overall index of 106.9, suggesting higher pay across many roles, and its mining sector often lifts construction manager salaries. New South Wales (index 101.2) and Victoria (98) are close to the national line. Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are lower. However, occupation-specific data for construction managers is not published by state; the distribution of jobs (33% in NSW, 10% in WA) gives a clue where demand is highest.
Are construction managers covered by the Building and Construction Award?
The Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020) covers many workers on building sites, but construction managers are often classified above the award’s scope. They may be covered by enterprise agreements or individual contracts. The award sets minimum hourly rates for trades and some supervisory roles, but a construction manager’s salary is typically negotiated and well above the award floor. For reference, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44/hr, while the median hourly earnings for construction managers are $87.
How does superannuation affect a construction manager’s take-home pay?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a construction manager earning the median $3,751 per week ($195,052 annualised), the employer must contribute $23,406 in super. This is on top of the salary and not included in the index figure. Take-home pay after tax (2026–27 rates, including Medicare levy) on $195,052 would be approximately $132,000, depending on tax offsets and HELP debts.