How to Use the SEEK Salary Guide to Compare Job Offers
Learn how the SEEK salary guide helps you benchmark job offers against national averages, award rates, and the Salary Index. Use Fair Work pay guides and the SEEK calculator to com
The SEEK salary guide helps you benchmark a job offer against the national index of 100 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year), but actual pay depends on awards, enterprise agreements, and your classification.
What is the SEEK salary guide?
When you search for a job on SEEK, you might come across the term 'salary guide'. In practice, the SEEK salary guide refers to two things: the SEEK Pay Calculator that shows take-home pay after tax and super, and the broader salary data SEEK publishes from job ads. But to really understand an offer, you need to combine this with official pay information from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission.
How to read a job ad using the salary guide
Imagine you see a job ad offering $84,000 base salary. Using the SEEK Pay Calculator, you can see that after tax and Medicare levy, your take-home pay would be about $65,528 per year, or $1,260 per week. Superannuation at 12% adds $10,080 on top, making the total package $94,080. But is that a fair offer? Compare it to the national index: $84,000 divided by $108,352 (the national line) times 100 gives an index of 77.5. That's below the national average of 100, but not unusual for many roles.
Next, check if the role is covered by a modern award. The Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides list minimum rates for each classification. For example, if the job is in retail, the Retail Award might set a minimum hourly rate higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44. The award rate could be $27 or more, plus penalties for weekends. The advertised $84,000 might be above the award minimum, but you should verify using the pay guide for your specific award.
Comparing offers across states and industries
Your location and industry heavily influence what a 'good' salary looks like. The Salary Index shows that the national line is $108,352, but state averages vary. For instance, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 ($115,825 annualised), while Tasmania sits at 88.6 ($96,008). If you're comparing a job in Perth vs Hobart, a $90,000 offer in Tasmania might be above the state average, whereas in WA it would be below.
Industry matters too. Mining has an index of 154.7, while accommodation and food services is 72.5. A $70,000 salary in hospitality might be close to the industry average, but in professional services (index 114.7) it would be low. Use the industries page to see where your offer sits.
The role of super and tax
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your base salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. When an ad says 'package', it often includes super. The SEEK calculator lets you toggle between base salary and total package. Tax rates for 2026-27 are: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, then 30% to $135,000, then 37% to $190,000, then 45% above. Add 2% Medicare levy. The calculator uses these rates, but ignores HELP or salary sacrifice.
Caveats and next steps
The SEEK salary guide is a starting point, not a final answer. Award rates can override the national minimum. Enterprise agreements may set different conditions. Always check the pay guides for your award. If the job ad doesn't mention an award, ask the employer. The Fair Work Commission database has detailed classification rates, allowances and penalties. Use it to confirm your hourly rate, overtime, and weekend loadings.
Finally, remember the salary index is a benchmark, not a promise. Your actual pay depends on your skills, experience, and negotiation. Use the tools above to enter any conversation informed.
Questions people ask
What is the SEEK salary guide?
The term 'SEEK salary guide' often refers to the SEEK Pay Calculator, which estimates your take-home pay after tax and super, based on a base salary. It also includes salary data from job ads. For award-covered roles, the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides provide the legal minimum rates. Use both together to compare an offer against the market and legal requirements.
How do I compare a job offer using the salary index?
First, note the annual gross salary (excluding super). Divide it by the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings) and multiply by 100. For example, $80,000 gives an index of about 74. Then check the state and industry indices on Salary Index to see how the offer compares regionally and sector-wise. Also verify that the salary meets the relevant award minimum using Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides.
Does the SEEK salary guide include super and tax?
The SEEK Pay Calculator shows your base salary, superannuation (12% from July 2026), and estimated tax based on 2025-2026 rates. It gives a take-home figure after tax and Medicare levy (2%). However, it does not include HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. For a full picture, use the calculator alongside your personal tax situation.