Property Manager Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the Salary Index
Understand the property manager salary in Australia, including award minimum rates under the Real Estate Industry Award and how they compare to the national salary index.
The property manager salary index is uncertain because no official median earnings are published; award minimum rates range from index 48.5 to 61.8.
What is a Property Manager?
A property manager supervises the leasing of rental properties on behalf of owners. Their duties include listing properties, conducting inspections, assessing tenants, collecting rent, and managing tenancy compliance. In Australia, property managers are classified under ANZSCO 612112 and are part of the Real Estate Sales Agents group. Most work in the Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services industry.
Where Does the Property Manager Salary Sit on the Salary Index?
The Salary Index compares a gross annual salary to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of $108,352 (index 100). For property managers, the official median earnings are not published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, so we rely on award minimums as a floor.
Under the Real Estate Industry Award 2020 (Fair Work Ombudsman), the minimum weekly rates for full-time property managers (effective 1 July 2026) are:
- Level 1 (Associate) – first 12 months: $1,010.60 per week → annualised $52,551 → index 48.5
- Level 1 (Associate) – after 12 months: $1,063.90 per week → $55,323 → index 51.1
- Level 2 (Representative): $1,119.10 per week → $58,193 → index 53.7
- Level 3 (Supervisory): $1,231.00 per week → $64,012 → index 59.1
- Level 4 (In-Charge): $1,287.30 per week → $66,940 → index 61.8
These index values show that even the highest award minimum sits well below the national line. However, property managers often earn above award through commissions, performance bonuses, or by managing larger portfolios. Without a published median from the ABS or Jobs and Skills Australia, we cannot pinpoint a typical index. The JSA profile for Property Managers (based on 2021 Census) notes median weekly earnings are not available, but the occupation employs about 39,200 people, with 72% working full-time and an average of 42 hours per week.
How the Award Works
The Real Estate Industry Award covers employers in real estate services including sales, leasing, and property management. Employees must be classified into one of four levels based on their duties and responsibility. The award also allows for commission-only arrangements, provided the employee earns at least 125% of the annualised minimum wage for their level. This means a property manager on commission could earn significantly more than the base rate.
For part-time employees, pay is pro-rata of the full-time weekly rate (1/38th per hour). Casual employees receive a loading (typically 25%) on top of the minimum hourly rate. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), so award rates for property managers are slightly higher than the national minimum.
Comparing to Other Industries and States
The Salary Index shows how different industries compare. For example, Mining has an index of 154.7, while Retail Trade is 75.9 and Accommodation and Food Services is 72.5. The real estate industry is not separately listed, but it likely falls somewhere between retail and professional services. Property managers in New South Wales (index 101.2) or Victoria (index 98) may earn more than those in Tasmania (index 88.6) due to higher property values and cost of living.
Tax and Superannuation
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830 per quarter. For a property manager earning $60,000 (index 55.4), the employer must contribute $7,200 per year into super. Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, excluding Medicare) is nil on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, and so on. Adding the 2% Medicare levy, a property manager on $60,000 would take home roughly $48,000 after tax and Medicare, plus super.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates, refer to the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman, specifically the Real Estate Industry Award pay guide. You can also use the Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate pay for past years. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile provides employment data but not median earnings.
The Bottom Line
The property manager salary in Australia has a clear award floor ranging from index 48.5 to 61.8, but actual earnings are likely higher for experienced professionals. Without official median data, the index remains uncertain. If you are hiring or negotiating a property manager role, use the award rates as a baseline and consider market conditions, portfolio size, and location. The Salary Index can help you benchmark any salary against the national line.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum salary for a property manager in Australia?
Under the Real Estate Industry Award 2020, the minimum weekly rate for a full-time property manager depends on classification. A Level 1 (Associate) in the first 12 months earns $1,010.60 per week, annualising to about $52,551. A Level 2 (Representative) earns $1,119.10 per week ($58,193 per year). The highest minimum for a Level 4 (In-Charge) is $1,287.30 per week ($66,940 per year). These rates apply from 1 July 2026 and include the 4.75% increase. Actual pay is often higher.
How does the property manager salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (index 100). The award minimum for a property manager at Level 2 is about $1,119 per week, which is index 53.7 – roughly half the national line. However, many property managers earn above the award, especially those with commission structures or managing large portfolios. Without official median data, it's not possible to give a precise comparison.
What factors affect a property manager's salary?
Key factors include experience, location, portfolio size, and whether the role is salaried or commission-based. Property managers in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne may earn more due to higher property values. The Real Estate Industry Award sets minimums, but many employers offer above-award pay or bonuses. The industry is predominantly female (67% according to JSA) and the median age is 43, suggesting experienced workers may command higher pay. Full-time property managers average 42 hours per week.