Home / Guides / States and cities
Project manager salary Melbourne: $160,000 median in 2026
Find out the typical project manager salary in Melbourne for 2026, how it compares to the national index, and what you'd take home after tax and super.
The median advertised project manager salary in Melbourne is $160,000, giving a Salary Index of about 148 – well above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of 100.
What is the project manager salary in Melbourne?
If you're looking at a project manager salary Melbourne figure, the most current market data points to a median of $160,000 per year in 2026. That figure comes from 188 job advertisements analysed by Pay Lens in the 30 days to 30 September 2026. Most advertised roles sit between $118,500 and $250,000, with senior positions reaching $275,000.
This is not a government-set rate. Project managers are often employed under enterprise agreements or individual contracts, and many are not covered by a specific modern award minimum. However, the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides include minimum rates for some project-related classifications under awards like the Professional Employees Award or the Building and Construction General On-site Award. Those award rates are much lower – typically $80,000 to $110,000 for a senior professional – so the $160,000 median reflects the market premium for project management skills.
How the Salary Index compares
The Salary Index sets 100 as the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line, which the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported as $108,352 annualised in May 2026. A $160,000 project manager salary gives an index of 148 – meaning it is 48% above the national average. To put that in context:
- The national minimum wage (index 48.2) is $52,255 a year.
- The average worker in Victoria (index 98) earns about $106,137.
- The average in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (index 114.7) is about $124,300.
So a project manager in Melbourne is earning well above both the state and national averages, and also above the typical professional services worker.
Gross pay, super, and tax
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up from 11.5%. On a $160,000 base salary, that adds $19,200 in compulsory super contributions, making the total employment cost $179,200. The super guarantee maximum contribution base is $270,830, so this salary is well within the limit.
For tax, using 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare levy reduction or surcharge):
- Tax-free threshold: $0 to $18,200 – nil tax.
- 15% on $18,201 to $45,000.
- 30% on $45,001 to $135,000.
- 37% on $135,001 to $190,000.
On $160,000, the tax is approximately $35,867. Add the 2% Medicare levy ($3,200) and the total tax and Medicare is about $39,067. That leaves an annual take-home of $120,933, or about $2,326 per week.
If you have a HELP debt or salary sacrifice arrangements, the take-home will be lower. The Medicare levy surcharge (if you don't have appropriate private hospital cover) could add another 1% to 1.5% for higher incomes.
Where does Melbourne sit among other capitals?
According to the same Pay Lens data, the median project manager salary in Melbourne ($160,000) matches Adelaide, Perth, and Sydney. Canberra leads at $175,000, and Brisbane at $164,000. Melbourne's higher housing costs mean the real purchasing power is slightly weaker than in those other capitals. The states page shows Victoria's overall index is 98, the second-lowest of the mainland states after South Australia (94.6).
Award coverage and minimums
While most project managers are above award, it's worth knowing the floor. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for classifications under each award. For example, a Project Manager Level 1 under the Professional Employees Award might have a minimum annual salary around $85,000 to $95,000 after the 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026. But the market rate is far higher.
If you're negotiating a project manager salary in Melbourne, the $160,000 median is a solid benchmark. For more context on how different industries pay, see the [industries](/industries] page. And for other salary topics, browse topics for related roles.
Take-home pay estimate summary
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross annual salary | $160,000 |
| Super (12%) | $19,200 |
| Total package | $179,200 |
| Income tax (est.) | $35,867 |
| Medicare levy (2%) | $3,200 |
| Total deductions | $39,067 |
| Net annual take-home | $120,933 |
| Weekly take-home | $2,326 |
These are estimates using 2026–27 tax rates and a flat 2% Medicare levy. They ignore HELP, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge. Your actual take-home may differ.
Final note
The $160,000 figure is from job advertisements, not actual earnings. It may not include bonuses, car allowances, or other benefits. Always check your specific award or enterprise agreement if you are covered by one. For the most authoritative minimum rates, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides.
Questions people ask
What is the average project manager salary in Melbourne?
Based on recent job advertisements, the median advertised project manager salary in Melbourne is $160,000 per year. Most advertised roles fall between $118,500 and $250,000. This is not a government figure but a market indicator from job listings. Actual salaries depend on industry, experience, and employer.
How does the project manager salary in Melbourne compare to the national index?
The Salary Index compares a gross annual salary to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of $108,352 (index 100). A $160,000 project manager salary gives an index of about 148, meaning it is 48% above the national average. Victoria's state index is 98, so the typical Victorian worker earns slightly below the national line, but project managers in Melbourne are well above that.
What tax and super apply to a $160,000 project manager salary in Melbourne?
For 2026–27, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, adding $19,200 to the total package (total $179,200 total). Income tax on $160,000 is about $35,867 plus 2% Medicare levy ($3,200), giving an estimated take-home of about $120,933 per year or $2,326 per week. This assumes no HELP debt or salary sacrifice. The tax-free threshold is $18,200; the 37% bracket starts at $135,000.