Panel beater salary: what a job ad really means for your pay

What does ‘panel beater salary’ mean in a job ad?

When you search for a panel beater salary, you’re usually looking at a job advertisement that lists a range like “$70,000 – $90,000 per year” or “$30 – $40 per hour”. But those numbers don’t tell you where you stand against the broader market. That’s where the Salary Index helps: it converts any gross annual salary into a score out of 100, where 100 is the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 as of May 2026).

For panel beaters, the most reliable public data comes from Jobs and Skills Australia. Their latest survey (May 2023) puts the median full-time weekly earnings at $1,684. That’s an annualised $87,568, giving a salary index of about 81. In plain English: the typical panel beater earns roughly 81% of the national line.

Reading a job ad with the index in mind

A job ad might say “$80,000 – $95,000 plus super”. Let’s test that against the index. $80,000 is index 74; $95,000 is index 88. Both are below 100, but that’s normal for trades in the ‘other services’ industry (industry index 77.8). The ad’s top end is above the median of $87,568, so it’s a competitive offer for someone with experience.

But don’t stop at the dollar figure. Look for the award classification. Most panel beaters are covered by the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database sets minimum hourly rates for each level. A qualified tradesperson (say, Level 3) might have a minimum of around $27–$28 per hour after the 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026. If the ad offers $35 per hour, that’s well above award – a good sign.

Also check the hours. The median panel beater works 42 hours a week, and 91% work full time. If the ad says “38 hours per week”, your base pay might be lower than the median, but overtime can push it up. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), so anything above that is legal, but a fair offer should reflect your skill level.

Where you work matters

Your panel beater salary will also depend on your state. The states page shows how each state’s average earnings compare to the national line. Western Australia has an index of 106.9 – that’s 6.9% above the national average. A panel beater in Perth might earn more than the national median. Tasmania, on the other hand, has an index of 88.6, so offers there tend to be lower.

If you’re comparing two job ads – one in WA and one in TAS – use the index to adjust. A $90,000 salary in WA is index 83 (relative to the national line), but the same salary in TAS is effectively higher relative to local costs? Actually, the index compares to the national line, not local cost of living. But it helps you see if the offer is above or below the typical earnings in that state.

The bigger picture: awards, super, and tax

A job ad might say “plus super”. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on a $90,000 salary, your employer must add $10,800 to your super account. That’s not in your pocket now, but it’s part of your total remuneration.

Tax is another factor. For 2026–27, the 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. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. On a $90,000 salary, your take-home would be roughly $70,000 after tax and Medicare (assuming no HELP or other deductions). The how the index works page explains how we calculate these benchmarks.

What about junior or apprentice panel beaters?

If you’re starting out, the national minimum wage sets junior rates based on age. For example, a 17-year-old gets $15.28 per hour (58% of the adult rate). But a modern award can set different junior rates – sometimes higher. The Vehicle Manufacturing Award has its own apprentice rates. Always check the award, not just the national minimum.

The bottom line

When you see a panel beater salary in a job ad, compare it to the median of $1,684 per week (index 81). If the offer is above that, you’re likely getting a good deal for the market. If it’s below, ask about the classification and whether overtime is available. Use the Salary Index to put any figure in perspective, and remember that the national line moves each year with the ABS Average Weekly Earnings release.

For more detail on how different industries compare, see the industries page. And if you’re negotiating, the pay guides can help you understand award minimums.