Human resources salary: how state and industry shape pay

Human resources salary: where does it sit on the index?

A human resources salary in Australia typically falls a little below the national line. The median full-time HR professional earns $1,970 per week, according to Jobs and Skills Australia data from May 2025. That annualises to roughly $102,440, giving a Salary Index of about 94.5. The national benchmark – full-time adult ordinary-time earnings – is $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year, which is index 100.

But a single median hides a lot. Where you work, what industry you’re in, and the kind of HR role you do all shift the figure. This guide looks at the state and industry differences that shape human resources pay.

How the Salary Index works

The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national line. If your pay is $108,352, your index is 100. Below that means you earn less than the average full-time adult; above means more. For example, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $52,255 a year, index 48.2. The index lets you see where a human resources salary sits relative to other jobs and the wider economy.

State differences in human resources salary

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that 30.1% of HR professionals work in New South Wales, followed by Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory (3.3%). State earnings benchmarks for all occupations give a clue to how HR pay might vary.

• New South Wales – average full-time ordinary-time earnings $2,108.80/week (index 101.2). HR salaries here likely track close to the national line.
• Victoria – $2,041.10/week (index 98). Slightly below the national line.
• Queensland – $2,039.70/week (index 97.9). Similar to Victoria.
• Western Australia – $2,227.40/week (index 106.9). WA’s mining and resources economy lifts overall pay, and HR roles there may command a premium.
• Australian Capital Territory – $2,290.20/week (index 109.9). The public sector concentration in Canberra pushes earnings higher, and many HR professionals work in public administration.
• South Australia – $1,970.20/week (index 94.6). Below the national line.
• Tasmania – $1,846.30/week (index 88.6). The lowest state benchmark.
• Northern Territory – $1,984.10/week (index 95.2).

These are averages for all occupations, not HR specifically. But they reflect the labour market each state offers. An HR adviser in Perth or Canberra is likely to earn more than one in Hobart or Adelaide.

Industry differences in human resources salary

HR professionals work across many industries. Jobs and Skills Australia lists Administrative and Support Services, Public Administration and Safety, and Health Care and Social Assistance as the top three. Each industry has a different pay profile.

• Administrative and Support Services – average full-time ordinary-time earnings $1,950/week (index 93.6). This includes labour hire and employment services, where many HR consultants are employed. Pay here tends to be below the national line.
• Public Administration and Safety – $2,179.80/week (index 104.6). Government HR roles often pay above the national average, with structured pay scales and conditions.
• Health Care and Social Assistance – $2,037.20/week (index 97.8). Close to the national line.
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services – $2,389.60/week (index 114.7). HR roles in consulting firms or corporate head offices may fall here, offering higher pay.
• Mining – $3,224.20/week (index 154.7). While fewer HR professionals work in mining, those who do can earn well above the national line.

Industry matters because it sets the budget for salaries. A human resources salary in a government department will follow award or enterprise agreement rates, while in professional services it may be market-driven.

What the data tells us about HR pay

The median human resources salary of $1,970 per week is based on full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. That excludes HR managers and directors, who earn more. It also excludes part-time workers, who make up 16% of HR professionals. The median hourly rate is $53, compared to $47 for all occupations.

HR is a female-dominated profession (73% female) with a median age of 38. That profile can influence pay outcomes, especially when compared to male-dominated fields. The gender pay gap in Australia means women’s average full-time earnings are lower – $1,934.50/week (index 89.7) versus men’s $2,181/week (index 104.7). Because HR employs more women, the occupation’s median may reflect that broader gap.

Awards and minimum pay

Most HR professionals are likely above award, but some entry-level roles may fall under the Clerks – Private Sector Award or the Professional Employees Award. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database shows minimum rates that rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026. For example, the national minimum wage is now $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week. A junior HR assistant might be paid a percentage of that rate. But a qualified HR adviser would typically earn well above the award floor.

How to use the Salary Index for your human resources salary

To find your own index, take your gross annual salary (including super? No, the index uses base salary before super. The national line is ordinary-time earnings, which excludes super. So compare your base pay.) Divide by $108,352 and multiply by 100. If you earn $95,000 a year, your index is 87.7. If you earn $120,000, it’s 110.8.

You can also compare by state or industry. The how the index works page explains the calculation in more detail. For other pay topics, see topics.

Summary

The human resources salary in Australia sits around index 94.5, but the range is wide. State and industry differences can push it above or below the national line. If you’re in public administration in the ACT, you might be at index 105 or higher. If you’re in administrative services in Tasmania, you could be below 90. Use the benchmarks here as a starting point, and check pay guides for your specific award or industry.

FAQs

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