What a project management salary means on the Australian salary index
Understand where a project management salary sits on the Australian salary index. No single figure exists, but we explain how to compare using the national line.
No precise median figure is publicly available for project management salaries overall; for construction project managers, median weekly earnings are not published by the ABS, so the index position is uncertain.
What "project management salary" means on the salary index
The term "project management salary" covers a broad range of roles across industries. In Australia, there is no single published median salary for all project managers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) provide data for specific occupations like Construction Project Managers (ANZSCO 133111). However, JSA notes that median weekly earnings are not produced for this 6-digit occupation, and the ABS survey of employee earnings does not produce figures for this group. Therefore, the exact project management salary figure is uncertain.
Where the pay sits on the salary index
The salary index compares yearly gross ordinary-time earnings against the national line of 100. The national line is $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). For a construction project manager, if a median figure existed, it likely sits above the national line due to high demand and required qualifications. The national minimum wage is 48.2 on the index. A construction project manager in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry has an industry index of 114.7, suggesting project managers in that sector may earn above the national average. However, without a specific figure, we cannot assign a precise index number.
Award coverage and pay guides
The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that construction project managers may be covered by the Professional Award, Clerks Award, or Miscellaneous Award, or may be award-free. The Building and Construction General On-site Award generally does not cover project managers unless specific conditions are met. Award coverage affects minimum pay rates, but many project managers are paid above award. The pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman provide minimum rates for each award classification. For example, the Building and Construction General On-site Award has minimum rates for various classifications, but project managers are often not covered.
Example of salary index calculation
If a project manager earned $150,000 per year, the salary index would be (150,000 / 108,352) * 100 = 138.4. That is above the national line. If a junior project manager earned $80,000, the index would be 73.8, below the national line. These are hypothetical examples. To see how your own salary compares, use how the index works.
State and industry variations
State indices vary: Western Australia has an index of 106.9, while Tasmania has 88.6. A project manager in WA might earn more than in TAS. Industry indices also vary: Mining index 154.7, Retail trade 75.9. A project manager in mining would likely have a higher salary index than one in retail. Check states and industries for more details.
Super and tax
Super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, on earnings up to $270,830. Tax rates for 2026-27: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above. Medicare levy 2%. A project manager earning $150,000 would have tax around $30,000 plus Medicare $3,000, leaving take-home about $117,000 before super. These are estimates; actual figures depend on individual circumstances.
Conclusion
The project management salary is not a single figure. It depends on industry, state, experience, and award coverage. The salary index provides a way to compare any known salary to the national line. For the most accurate information, refer to Salary Index and pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman. For more topics, see topics.
Questions people ask
What is the average project management salary in Australia?
There is no official average for all project managers. For construction project managers, median weekly earnings are not published by the ABS. Salaries vary widely by industry, experience, and location. A project manager in mining may earn well above the national line, while one in retail may earn below.
Does the project management salary include super?
Salary figures typically refer to gross ordinary-time earnings before super. The super guarantee of 12% (from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of the salary. The salary index uses gross earnings before super, so a salary of $120,000 would have an index of 110.7, and super would be additional.
How does the project management salary compare to the national line?
Without a specific median figure, it's uncertain. However, many project managers in professional services or mining likely earn above the national line (index >100). Entry-level or junior roles may be below. For example, a project manager earning $150,000 would have an index of 138.4, well above the national line of 100.