Project manager salary Sydney: gross pay, super and tax explained

What does "project manager salary sydney" mean?

When someone searches for "project manager salary sydney", they usually want to know what a project manager can expect to earn in Sydney, before and after tax, and how that compares with the national average. The answer isn't a single number because project management covers many industries – construction, IT, engineering, professional services – and pay varies with experience, qualifications, and the employer.

This guide uses the most current public data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Fair Work Ombudsman, and Jobs and Skills Australia to give you a realistic picture. We explain gross pay, superannuation, and tax, and show where a project manager salary sits on the Salary Index.

Where the figures come from

The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (May 2025) is the best source for broad occupation earnings. It groups project managers under the "Managers" occupation, which includes CEOs, general managers, and specialist managers. For all Managers, average weekly total cash earnings are $2,800.90. That annualises to about $145,647 – an index of 134.4 against the national line of $108,352.

But that figure includes senior executives. For a more focused view, the ABS also reports on full-time non-managerial adult employees. In that group, Managers average $69.20 per hour and work 37.1 hours per week, giving weekly earnings of about $2,567. That's still well above the national line.

Jobs and Skills Australia has a profile for Construction Project Managers (ANZSCO 133111). It notes that median weekly earnings are not published, but 90% work full time and average 47 hours per week. The longer hours mean the hourly rate may be closer to the Technician and Trades Worker average of $46.50 per hour.

Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides set minimum rates for awards. The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 covers some project managers on construction sites. From 1 July 2026, award rates rose by 4.75%. For example, a Level 5 employee might earn around $30–$35 per hour. But most project managers are above award, often covered by enterprise agreements or individual contracts.

Gross pay, super, and tax

Let's take a typical project manager salary in Sydney of $140,000 per year. That's gross ordinary-time earnings. On top of that, the employer must pay 12% superannuation from 1 July 2026 – that's $16,800 into your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830.

Tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold, excluding Medicare):

• $0 – $18,200: nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15% on the excess over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: 30% on the excess over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: 37% on the excess over $135,000
• Above $190,000: 45%

On $140,000, the tax is roughly $31,867. Add the 2% Medicare levy ($2,800), and total tax is about $34,667. Take-home pay is about $105,333. That's before any HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

How the Salary Index applies

The Salary Index sets the national line at 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, annualised $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A project manager earning $140,000 has an index of about 129. That means they earn 29% more than the typical full-time worker.

In Sydney (NSW), the state index is 101.2, so the typical worker earns $109,658. A project manager at $140,000 is well above that. In the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry (where many project managers work), the industry index is 114.7, annualised $124,280. So $140,000 is above that industry average too.

But remember: the index uses gross ordinary-time earnings. It doesn't include super, overtime, or bonuses. It's a benchmark for comparing pay across roles and locations.

What about different industries?

Project managers in construction often earn more than those in IT or marketing, partly because of longer hours and higher risk. The ABS shows Mining has the highest average weekly earnings ($3,177.70), while Retail Trade is low ($975). Construction sits at $1,960.80 for all employees, but for full-time non-managerial adult workers in Construction, the average is $2,249.10 per week.

If you're a project manager in Sydney's construction sector, you might expect earnings closer to the Construction industry average of $2,249 per week ($116,948 annualised) – an index of 108. But experienced project managers on major projects can earn significantly more.

Where to find more

For award minimums, check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides. For state comparisons, see our states page. To understand how the index is calculated, read how the index works.

FAQs

What is the minimum award rate for a project manager in Sydney? There is no single award for all project managers. The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 covers some construction project managers, with minimum rates that vary by classification. From 1 July 2026, award minima rose by 4.75%. For example, a Level 5 employee under that award might earn around $30–$35 per hour, but most project managers are paid above award. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for the specific award that applies to your role.

How does superannuation affect a project manager salary Sydney? From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on a gross salary of $140,000, the employer must contribute $16,800 into super. This is on top of the quoted salary. The Salary Index figures are gross ordinary-time earnings before super. When comparing offers, always check whether super is included in the advertised figure.

What tax will a project manager in Sydney pay on a $140,000 salary? For 2026–27, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800, 30% on the next $90,000, and 37% on the next $55,000. On $140,000, the tax before offsets is about $31,867, plus a 2% Medicare levy ($2,800), giving total tax of roughly $34,667. Take-home pay would be about $105,333, plus super. This ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.