Median Salary Australia 2025: Where It Sits on the National Pay Index
Find out where the median salary Australia 2025 sits on the Salary Index. Compare with national benchmarks, state and industry indexes, and understand take-home pay.
The median salary for Australia in 2025 is uncertain from the given reference, but the national benchmark (index 100) is $108,352 annualised, and the median is typically lower.
What Does "Median Salary Australia 2025" Mean?
The phrase "median salary Australia 2025" refers to the middle point of full-time adult earnings in Australia for that year. Unlike the average (mean), which can be pulled up by high earners, the median gives a clearer picture of what a typical worker earns. The Salary Index uses the national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings as its benchmark of 100. For the 2025 period, the most recent reference from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) puts that benchmark at $108,352 annualised (based on $2,083.70 per week, from May 2026 data). The median is not directly given in this reference, but it is typically lower than the average.
Where Does the Median Sit on the Salary Index?
Because the on-site reference does not include a specific median figure for 2025, we cannot state an exact index number. However, we can use the available benchmarks to understand where the median might fall. The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2 ($52,255 annualised), while industries like retail trade (index 75.9) and accommodation and food services (index 72.5) are well below the average. On the other end, mining (index 154.7) and professional services (index 114.7) are above. The median is likely somewhere between the minimum and the average, perhaps in the range of index 85 to 95. For example, an index of 90 would mean an annual salary of about $97,517. This is a rough estimate; the actual median may differ.
State and Industry Comparisons
The states page shows how earnings vary across Australia. If the national median were around index 90, then in New South Wales (index 101.2) the equivalent would be higher, while in Tasmania (index 88.6) it would be closer to the national median. The Australian Capital Territory (index 109.9) and Western Australia (index 106.9) tend to have higher earnings, so a median worker there would likely earn more than the national median. In contrast, South Australia (index 94.6) and Queensland (index 97.9) are closer to the national average.
Looking at industries, a median worker in retail trade (index 75.9) would earn about $82,200 annualised, while one in health care and social assistance (index 97.8) would earn around $105,900. These comparisons help you see where your own pay sits relative to the national line.
How to Use the Index for Your Pay
You can calculate your own salary index by dividing your gross annual salary by the national benchmark ($108,352) and multiplying by 100. For instance, a salary of $80,000 gives an index of about 73.8. That tells you that you earn roughly 74% of the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. If you earn $120,000, your index is about 110.8, meaning you are above the national line. The how the index works page explains this in more detail.
Take-Home Pay Considerations
When thinking about a median salary, it helps to know what you might actually take home after tax and the Medicare levy. Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (with the tax-free threshold and a flat 2% Medicare levy, ignoring HELP and other adjustments), a gross salary of $90,000 would result in take-home pay of roughly $70,000. A salary of $100,000 would yield about $76,000. These are estimates; your actual take-home depends on your specific circumstances. The topics page covers tax and super in more detail.
Why the Median Matters
The median is a more reliable indicator of typical earnings than the average, especially in a country like Australia where high earners can skew the mean. The ABS regularly publishes median earnings data, but the on-site reference for the Salary Index uses the average. If you are comparing your pay, remember that the median is a useful benchmark for "middle Australia." The pay guides section offers further context on how awards and enterprise agreements affect pay.
Final Thoughts
While the exact median salary for Australia in 2025 is uncertain from the reference provided, the Salary Index gives you a framework to understand where any pay figure sits against the national line. Whether you are in a high-paying industry like mining or a lower-paying one like retail, you can use the index to see how you compare. Keep in mind that the index is based on gross ordinary-time earnings and does not include overtime, bonuses, or superannuation. For a full picture, refer to the Salary Index and explore the state and industry pages.
Questions people ask
What is the median salary in Australia for 2025?
The exact median salary for Australia in 2025 is not provided in the reference. The national average (mean) full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $108,352 annualised (index 100). The median is typically lower than the mean; for example, ABS data often shows the median around 85–90% of the average. Without a specific figure, we cannot confirm the exact median.
How does the median salary compare to the Salary Index?
The Salary Index uses the national average as 100. The median salary would sit below 100, likely in the range of 85–95, but this is an estimate. For context, the national minimum wage is at index 48.2, and retail trade is at 75.9. If the median were at index 90, that would equate to about $97,517 annualised.
What is the take-home pay for a median salary in Australia?
Take-home pay depends on the actual salary. Using the 2026–27 tax rates (with tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy), a salary of $90,000 would result in take-home of approximately $70,000. A salary of $100,000 would yield about $76,000. These are estimates and ignore HELP, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.