Sales Manager Salary: Awards, National Minimum Wage and What You Can Expect
Understand how the sales manager salary compares to the national line, the role of awards versus the national minimum wage, and what the latest ABS data shows.
Sales manager salaries typically sit well above the national line; for all managers the average weekly total cash earnings are $2,800.90, giving an index of about 134, though a precise median for sales managers is not published.
What does “sales manager salary” mean in Australia?
When you search for a sales manager salary, you’re asking what a person in that role can expect to earn. In Australia, the answer depends on whether the role is covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or an individual contract. Most sales managers are not under an award; they negotiate their own pay. That means the national minimum wage acts as a floor, but the real figure is usually much higher.
This guide explains where the sales manager salary sits against the national line (the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark), how awards and the minimum wage interact, and what the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia tells us.
Awards versus the national minimum wage for sales managers
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, annualised $52,255. That’s an index of 48.2 against the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For a sales manager, that minimum is rarely the actual rate. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database lists minimum rates for dozens of awards, but the Sales and Marketing Managers occupation (ANZSCO 131112) is not covered by any modern award. Instead, sales managers are classified as managerial employees and their pay is set by individual arrangement (the most common method for managers, according to the ABS) or by an enterprise agreement.
That doesn’t mean the national minimum wage is irrelevant. If a sales manager’s duties are misclassified, or if they are a junior or trainee, the award that covers the industry (for example, the General Retail Industry Award or the Clerks – Private Sector Award) might apply. In those cases, the award minimum becomes the legal floor. But for a fully qualified sales manager, the award is almost never the binding rate.
What the data says about sales manager pay
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025 provides the most recent official snapshot. For the broad occupation group “Managers”, the average weekly total cash earnings were $2,800.90. That annualises to about $145,647, giving an index of roughly 134. For full-time non-managerial adult-rate managers (a more conservative measure that excludes owner-managers and executives), the average was $2,688.70 per week, or $139,812 annualised – index 129.
However, Jobs and Skills Australia notes that median weekly earnings for the specific occupation “Sales and Marketing Managers” are not available (N/A). That means we cannot give you a single precise figure. The manager averages are a useful guide, but sales managers in some industries (like mining or professional services) earn more, while those in retail or hospitality may earn less.
To put it in perspective: the national line for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week. A sales manager earning $2,800 per week is 34% above that line. Compare that to the national minimum wage, which is 48% below the line. The gap shows how far above the minimum most sales managers sit.
How the salary index works for sales managers
The Salary Index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line. If a sales manager earns $130,000 a year, divide by $108,352 and multiply by 100 to get an index of 120. That means they earn 20% above the national benchmark. The index helps you see where a pay figure sits relative to the average full-time adult worker.
For example, a sales manager in Western Australia (state index 106.9) might earn more than one in Tasmania (state index 88.6), reflecting different industry mixes and cost of living. Industries also matter: mining has an index of 154.7, while retail trade is 75.9. A sales manager in mining could easily have an index above 150.
Superannuation and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a sales manager earning $140,000, that means an extra $16,800 in super each year. Tax for the 2026–27 year (resident, excluding Medicare) is: 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. A sales manager on $140,000 would pay about $31,867 in tax plus $2,800 Medicare levy, leaving a take-home of around $105,333 before any salary sacrifice.
Where to find more information
For a deeper look at how pay compares across roles, see the Salary Index home page. If you want to check award rates for related sales roles (like sales representative or retail manager), visit our pay guides. You can also explore how salaries differ by state or industry. And if you’re curious about the methodology behind the index, read how the index works.
Key takeaways
- The sales manager salary is not set by a modern award for most roles; it’s negotiated individually or through an enterprise agreement.
- The national minimum wage ($26.44/hr) is a floor, but sales managers typically earn well above it.
- ABS data for all managers shows average weekly earnings of $2,800.90, index 134, but no specific median exists for sales managers.
- State and industry indices affect real purchasing power; a sales manager in WA or mining will likely earn more than one in TAS or retail.
- Superannuation at 12% and progressive tax rates apply; take-home pay depends on total package and deductions.
Questions people ask
What is the typical salary for a sales manager in Australia?
There is no single published median for sales managers specifically. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that all managers earned an average of $2,800.90 per week in May 2025. That annualises to about $145,647, giving an index of roughly 134 against the national line of $108,352. Sales managers often receive bonuses and commissions, so actual pay can vary widely by industry, experience, and location.
Are sales managers covered by a modern award?
Generally, no. Sales and Marketing Managers (ANZSCO 131112) are classified as managerial employees and are not covered by any modern award. Their pay is typically set by individual arrangement or an enterprise agreement. The national minimum wage still applies as a floor, but most sales managers earn well above it. If a sales manager performs duties that fall under an award classification (e.g., some retail or wholesale roles), the award may apply, but this is uncommon.
How does the national minimum wage affect sales manager pay?
The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) sets the legal minimum for all employees, including sales managers. However, because sales managers are usually on individual contracts or enterprise agreements, their base salary is almost always higher than the minimum. The national minimum wage matters more for junior or trainee sales roles, or for sales staff covered by awards like the General Retail Industry Award. For a fully qualified sales manager, the minimum wage is rarely the binding rate.