Service Advisor Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index
Find out how the service advisor salary compares to the national line on the Australian salary index, using market data from SEEK and official benchmarks.
Based on advertised salaries, a service advisor's typical full-time pay sits well below the national line, around index 62, though location and industry can push it higher.
What is a service advisor?
A service advisor is the person you speak to when you take your car to a dealership or repair shop. They listen to your concerns, organise the work, and explain what needs to be done. In other industries, the title might mean a customer service representative who handles inquiries or bookings. The role sits somewhere between a trade and an administrative job, which is why its pay can be tricky to pin down.
Where does the service advisor salary sit on the Australian salary index?
The Australian salary index sets the national line at 100, which equals $108,352 per year (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). To find where a service advisor's pay lands, we need a reliable figure. Unfortunately, there is no single official source for this occupation. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database lists minimum rates for hundreds of classifications, but 'service advisor' is not one of them. The role may be covered by awards such as the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award or the Clerks Award, depending on the employer.
Instead, we turn to market data. SEEK's salary insights for 'Service Adviser' (a common spelling variant) show an average full-time salary of $66,887 in the Trades & Services industry. That gives an index of about 62. In other words, a typical service advisor earns roughly 62% of the national line. This is below the national minimum wage index of 48.2 ($52,255 per year), but well above entry-level award floors. For comparison, the Retail trade industry index is 75.9, and Accommodation and food services is 72.5, so a service advisor in trades sits a bit lower than those broad industry averages.
Location makes a big difference. In Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter, the average advertised salary jumps to $83,750, which pushes the index to 77. That is closer to the national line but still below it. Why the gap? The role is often considered a trade support position, not a professional one. The Salary Index helps you see where any pay figure stands against the national benchmark.
How the index works
The index is simple: take the yearly gross salary, divide it by the national line ($108,352), and multiply by 100. A score of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. Below 100 means below average; above 100 means above. For a service advisor on $66,887, the calculation is (66,887 ÷ 108,352) × 100 = 61.7. You can use the how the index works page to calculate your own figure.
What about awards and super?
Service advisors are usually employed under a modern award. The most likely is the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020, which sets minimum hourly rates for classifications like 'Service Advisor' (Level 3 or 4, depending on experience). From 1 July 2026, award rates rose by 4.75%. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for a skilled service advisor are higher. However, many employers pay above award to attract good staff, which is why the SEEK average is well above the minimum.
Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026, and it is paid on top of the salary. So a $66,887 salary would attract about $8,026 in super, making total remuneration around $74,913. Tax for a resident earning $66,887 in 2026–27 would be roughly $12,088 plus 2% Medicare levy, leaving a take-home of about $53,000. These are estimates; your exact situation depends on your tax file number and any deductions.
State and industry comparisons
The index also varies by state. For example, New South Wales has an index of 101.2, while Tasmania is 88.6. A service advisor in NSW might earn closer to the state average, but the occupation itself tends to pay below the state line. In Western Australia, where the state index is 106.9, service advisors in mining towns could earn more. The states page breaks down these differences.
Industries also matter. The Professional, scientific and technical sector has an index of 114.7, but service advisors rarely work there. Most are in Trades & Services (index not separately published, but likely below 100). The industries page shows how different sectors compare.
What the data doesn't tell you
The SEEK figures are from job ads, not a census. They may include super or not, and they reflect only what employers choose to disclose. Some service advisors earn bonuses or commissions, especially in dealerships. Others work part-time or casual, which changes the hourly rate. The Fair Work Commission database is the authoritative source for minimums, but it does not give a single 'service advisor salary' because the role spans multiple awards.
If you are negotiating a pay rise or considering a move, use the index as a rough guide. A salary of $75,000 would give an index of 69, which is still below the national line but above the typical advertised average. The pay guides section has more on how to interpret these numbers.
Final thought
The service advisor salary is not high by national standards, but it is a stable, skilled role with room to grow. Knowing where it sits on the index helps you see the big picture. Whether you are an employer setting a wage or an employee checking your worth, the index puts the number in context.
Questions people ask
What is the average service advisor salary in Australia?
Based on SEEK job advertisements in 2026, the average full-time salary for a Service Adviser in the Trades & Services industry is about $66,887 per year. However, this figure can vary significantly by location and industry. For example, in Newcastle the average is $83,750, while in Banking & Financial Services it is around $57,272. These are market rates, not official minimums.
How does the service advisor salary compare to the national line on the salary index?
The national line (index 100) is $108,352 per year (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings). A service advisor earning the typical advertised salary of $66,887 would have an index of about 62, meaning they earn roughly 62% of the national benchmark. Even the higher Newcastle average of $83,750 gives an index of only 77. This places the role well below the national average, reflecting its classification as a skilled trade or customer service position rather than a professional or managerial one.
What factors affect a service advisor's pay?
Several factors influence service advisor salaries. Industry is a major one: those in trades and services tend to earn more than those in call centres or administration. Location also matters, with regional centres like Newcastle offering higher averages, possibly due to demand. Experience and the specific employer also play a role. Additionally, the applicable modern award (such as the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award) sets minimum rates, but many employers pay above award to attract staff.