Service Manager Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences Explained
Understand the service manager salary in Australia, including state and industry differences, median earnings, and how it compares to the national salary index.
The median service manager salary sits slightly above the national line, with an index around 101.5 based on $2,115 weekly earnings.
What is a service manager?
Service managers organise and control the operations of organisations that provide services such as call centres, customer contact, event and facilities management, hair and beauty, and transport services. The Australian Bureau of Statistics groups them under Minor Group 172, which includes customer service managers and service managers not elsewhere classified. These roles typically require a diploma or higher qualification (skill level 2).
Where does the service manager salary sit on the index?
The Salary Index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. The national line is $108,352 per year (based on $2,083.70 per week from ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). An index of 100 means the salary matches the national average.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for 'Other Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers' (ANZSCO 1499) is $2,115. That annualises to about $109,980, giving an index of roughly 101.5. So the typical service manager earns a touch above the national line.
But this figure covers a broad group: cinema or theatre managers, bank branch managers, facilities managers, equipment hire managers, and others. A dedicated customer service manager (ANZSCO 172132) may have a different median. The ABS data for Minor Group 172 does not publish a separate median due to high standard error, so the $2,115 figure is the best public benchmark.
State differences in service manager pay
Where you work affects your service manager salary. The on-site reference provides state indices based on average weekly earnings. These are not occupation-specific but show general pay levels by state:
- Australian Capital Territory: index 109.9 (annualised $119,090) – highest
- Western Australia: index 106.9 ($115,825)
- New South Wales: index 101.2 ($109,658)
- Victoria: index 98.0 ($106,137)
- Queensland: index 97.9 ($106,064)
- Northern Territory: index 95.2 ($103,173)
- South Australia: index 94.6 ($102,450)
- Tasmania: index 88.6 ($96,008) – lowest
A service manager in Canberra or Perth can expect to earn more than one in Hobart or Adelaide, reflecting the cost of living and local labour markets. For example, a facilities manager in Western Australia might command a premium due to mining industry demand, while the same role in Tasmania may pay closer to award rates.
Industry differences
Industry also plays a big role. The on-site reference shows industry indices:
- Mining: index 154.7 – well above national line
- Professional, scientific and technical services: index 114.7
- Education and training: index 105.5
- Health care and social assistance: index 97.8
- Retail trade: index 75.9
- Accommodation and food services: index 72.5
A service manager in mining (e.g., a site facilities manager) will likely earn far more than one in retail or hospitality. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that Other Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers work mainly in financial and insurance services, rental and real estate services, and public administration. Those industries tend to pay around or above the national line.
Awards, super and tax considerations
Many service managers are not covered by a modern award because they are managerial employees. However, some lower-level service managers may fall under awards like the Clerks – Private Sector Award or the Hospitality Industry General Award. The Fair Work Commission maintains the Modern Awards Pay Database with minimum rates. From 1 July 2026, award minima rose by 4.75%.
Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a service manager earning $110,000, that means $13,200 in super contributions.
Tax for 2026–27 (resident, excluding Medicare):
- $0–$18,200: nil
- $18,201–$45,000: 15%
- $45,001–$135,000: 30%
- $135,001–$190,000: 37%
- Over $190,000: 45% Plus Medicare levy of 2%. A service manager on $110,000 would pay about $24,467 in tax plus $2,200 Medicare levy, leaving around $83,333 take-home (before HELP or other adjustments).
How to use the salary index for your role
The Salary Index lets you compare any gross salary to the national line. If you earn $100,000 as a service manager, your index is 92.3 – below the national average. If you earn $120,000, your index is 110.8. Use the pay guides to check award rates, and explore states and industries for benchmarks.
Final thoughts
The service manager salary in Australia sits around the national line, but varies significantly by state and industry. The median of $2,115 per week is a useful starting point, but your actual pay depends on your specific role, location, and employer. For the most current award rates, always check the Fair Work Commission database. And remember, the salary index is a tool to see where you stand against the national average – not a guarantee of what you should earn.
Questions people ask
What is the average service manager salary in Australia?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia data for 'Other Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers', the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,115, which annualises to about $109,980. This is slightly above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of $108,352 (index 101.5). However, actual salaries vary widely by industry, state, and experience.
How does the service manager salary differ by state?
State indices from the on-site reference show that service managers in Western Australia (index 106.9) and the ACT (109.9) tend to earn above the national line, while those in Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) earn below. These indices reflect overall state earnings, not specific occupation data, but they indicate regional pay differences.
Which awards apply to service managers?
Service managers may be covered by various modern awards depending on their industry. For example, a customer service manager in a call centre might fall under the Clerks – Private Sector Award, while a service manager in hospitality could be under the Hospitality Industry General Award. Many senior service managers are award-free and negotiate individual contracts. Always check the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database for current minimum rates.