Sales Representative Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the National Index

What is a sales representative salary?

A sales representative salary in Australia depends on the industry, the type of goods or services sold, and whether the role is covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. The keyword "sales representative salary" generally refers to the pay for employees who sell business-to-business products such as building supplies, motor vehicle parts, or business services. This guide looks at where that pay sits on the Australian salary index, using official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Where the median sits on the index

The Australian salary index sets 100 as the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). According to, the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial sales representatives is $1,692. That annualises to about $87,984, giving an index of roughly 81.2. This means the typical sales representative earns about 19% less than the national benchmark.

For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2), so the median sales representative is well above the legal floor. However, the index also shows that sales representatives earn less than the all-occupations median of $1,852 per week (index 89).

Award rates and the index

Many sales representatives are covered by the Commercial Sales Award (MA000083). The pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman show minimum weekly rates effective from 1 July 2026:

• Probationary traveller: $1,010.52 (index 48.5)
• Merchandiser: $1,044.00 (index 50.1)
• Commercial traveller: $1,122.80 (index 53.9)
• Advertising sales representative: $1,122.80 (index 53.9)

These award rates are significantly lower than the median earnings, indicating that many sales representatives are paid above the award, often through commissions or higher base salaries. The index for award-level pay sits between 48 and 54, which is close to the minimum wage but still above it.

How industry and state affect the index

The industries where sales representatives work influence their pay. The largest industries are wholesale trade, retail trade, and manufacturing. The retail trade industry index is 75.9, meaning average earnings in that sector are about 24% below the national line. Sales representatives in wholesale trade may earn closer to the national average, while those in manufacturing might be slightly below.

State differences also matter. According to states, the state index varies from Tasmania (88.6) to the ACT (109.9). Sales representatives in New South Wales (32.5% of the workforce) may earn more than those in Tasmania. The median earnings figure from Jobs and Skills Australia is a national average, so local conditions can shift the index up or down.

Full-time hours and hourly rates

The median hourly earnings for sales representatives is $44, according to the same source. That is slightly below the all-occupations median of $47. The index for hourly pay can be calculated by comparing $44 to the national line hourly equivalent (about $53.42 for a 38-hour week), giving an index of about 82.4. Award hourly rates range from $26.59 (Probationary traveller) to $29.55 (Commercial traveller), which are well below the median but still above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Superannuation and tax considerations

Employers must pay superannuation at 12% from 1 July 2026 on earnings up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a sales representative earning the median $87,984, that adds $10,558 in super. The salary index uses gross ordinary-time earnings before super and tax. After tax (2026–27 rates including Medicare levy), a single resident earning $87,984 would take home roughly $66,000, depending on deductions. The index does not reflect take-home pay, but it helps compare gross earnings across roles.

How the index works

The how the index works page explains that the salary index is a simple ratio: yearly gross earnings divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. A score of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. A score of 81 means you earn 81% of that. This makes it easy to see where a sales representative salary stands relative to other occupations and the broader economy.

Summary

The sales representative salary in Australia typically sits around index 81 based on median earnings, with award-level pay around index 50–54. This places the role above the minimum wage but below the national average. Actual pay varies by industry, state, and whether commissions are involved. For a personalised estimate, check the relevant award or enterprise agreement using the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.