Finance Manager Salary in Australia: What You Can Expect to Earn
Discover the typical finance manager salary in Australia, including median weekly earnings, superannuation, and tax. Compare to national benchmarks and awards.
Based on ABS and Jobs and Skills Australia data, a finance manager's median full-time weekly earnings of $2,904 place the role at an index of approximately 139, well above the national line of 100.
What is a Finance Manager Salary in Australia?
If you're considering a career as a finance manager or hiring one, you'll want to know the typical finance manager salary in Australia. This role involves planning, directing, and coordinating financial activities within an organisation—from budgeting and forecasting to compliance and investment strategy. Pay reflects the responsibility: finance managers earn well above the national average. Let's break down the numbers using the latest public data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Jobs and Skills Australia, and the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Median Earnings and the Salary Index
According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for finance managers are $2,904. That's before tax and salary sacrifice. Annualised, that's about $151,008 (52 weeks). To put this in perspective, the Salary Index benchmarks full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at $2,083.70 per week (annualised $108,352) as the national line of 100. A finance manager's median earnings give an index of roughly 139—meaning they earn about 39% above that benchmark. For comparison, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2), so finance managers are in a strong position.
But remember: this median is for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. It excludes managers and part-timers to avoid skewing the data. Actual salaries can be higher or lower depending on experience, industry, and location.
How Experience and Industry Affect Pay
Finance managers work across many sectors. The top industries are Financial and Insurance Services, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, and Manufacturing. Industry matters: the industries page shows that mining has an index of 154.7, while retail trade is 75.9. A finance manager in mining could earn well above the median, while one in retail might be closer to award rates. The Banking, Finance and Insurance Award ([MA000019]) sets minimum pay for covered employees, but most finance managers are above award.
Location also plays a role. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. A finance manager in Perth might earn more than one in Hobart, reflecting local market conditions. The median age for finance managers is 45, indicating a seasoned workforce, and 53% are women—higher than the all-occupations average of 48%.
Gross Pay, Super, and Tax: What You Actually Take Home
Understanding the finance manager salary means looking beyond the gross figure. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. On the median $2,904 per week, your employer adds $348.48 per week into super, making total compensation about $3,252.48 per week. That super is taxed at 15% within the fund, which is lower than most marginal tax rates.
Now for tax. Using 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare):
- Nil on first $18,200
- 15% on $18,201–$45,000
- 30% on $45,001–$135,000
- 37% on $135,001–$190,000
- 45% above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy. On $151,008 annual gross, the tax is roughly $38,767 plus $3,020 Medicare levy, leaving about $109,213 after tax. That's a take-home of about $2,100 per week. Salary sacrifice, HELP repayments, and other deductions can change this. For more on how the index works with tax, see how the index works.
Award Coverage and Minimum Rates
While most finance managers are not award-covered (they are managerial), some may fall under the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award if they perform clerical or administrative duties. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides provide minimum rates for classifications under that award. For example, a Finance Officer Level 5 might earn around $1,200 per week, but a finance manager role typically commands much more. Always check the applicable award or enterprise agreement.
Comparing to Other Roles
How does a finance manager salary stack up? The ATO's 2023–24 tax data (which includes part-time workers) shows a median of $94,135 for financial analysts—a related but less senior role. Corporate general managers have a median of $99,103. Finance managers, with their median of $151,008 (full-time), are clearly in a higher bracket. For more comparisons, see the topics page.
Key Takeaways
- Median full-time weekly earnings: $2,904 (index ~139)
- Annualised: $151,008 before tax
- Super guarantee: 12% on top (from 1 July 2026)
- After-tax take-home (est.): $109,213 per year
- Varies by industry, location, and experience
For the most current data, refer to the ABS and Jobs and Skills Australia. The Salary Index provides ongoing benchmarks to compare any salary against the national line.
Questions people ask
What is the average finance manager salary in Australia?
The median full-time weekly earnings for finance managers are $2,904, according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025). This equates to an annualised salary of about $151,000 before tax. However, this figure is for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate; actual salaries vary widely by experience, industry, and location. Part-time and casual workers earn less, which is reflected in ATO data showing a lower median when all workers are included.
How does superannuation affect a finance manager's total compensation?
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a finance manager earning the median $2,904 per week, the employer would contribute an additional $348.48 per week (12% of $2,904) into super, bringing total compensation to about $3,252.48 per week. This super is in addition to salary and is taxed at 15% within the fund, making it a tax-effective way to save for retirement.
What tax does a finance manager pay on their salary?
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are: 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; and 45% above $190,000. A 2% Medicare levy also applies. On a $151,000 annual salary, the tax would be approximately $38,767 plus $3,020 Medicare levy, leaving about $109,213 after tax (assuming no deductions or offsets). Salary sacrifice and HELP repayments can alter this.