How to compare job offers using the salary index (and why Steph Curry's salary doesn't apply)

Why 'Steph Curry salary' is a useful lens for reading job ads

When you search for "steph curry salary" in an Australian context, you won't find a figure from the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Australian Bureau of Statistics. That's because Steph Curry is an American basketball player paid under an NBA contract, not an Australian award. But the exercise of looking up his salary is a good reminder: every job ad has a pay figure, and the real question is how that figure compares to the Australian pay landscape.

This guide uses the keyword as a starting point to talk about comparing offers, understanding the Salary Index, and knowing where a dollar figure sits against the national line.

What the search tells us

A search for "steph curry salary" returns US sources, not Australian ones. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains minimum rates for award-covered employees, but it has nothing on NBA players. The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the National Minimum Wage ($26.44/hr from July 2026) and provides award pay guides. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that the median weekly earnings for all employees in May 2025 was $1,436, and the average weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial adults was $2,061. These are the numbers that matter for Australian workers.

Reading a job ad with the index in mind

Imagine you see a job ad that says "Earn like a pro – Steph Curry money!" That's a red flag. Australian law requires job ads to include pay rates that comply with the Fair Work Act. A real ad will state a salary range, an hourly rate, or a reference to an award classification.

To compare an offer, use the Salary Index. The national line is 100, which equals $108,352 per year (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Here's how some common offers stack up:

• National minimum wage: $52,255 annualised → index 48.2
• Retail trade average: $975/week → index 75.9
• Professional, scientific and technical services average: $2,072.40/week → index 114.7
• Mining average: $3,177.70/week → index 154.7

If an offer is below the national line, ask why. Is it an entry-level role? Is it part-time? Does it include penalty rates or allowances? The industries page breaks down benchmarks by sector.

State and industry benchmarks

Your location also matters. The index varies by state: ACT is highest at 109.9, Tasmania lowest at 88.6. Western Australia (106.9) and NSW (101.2) are above the national line, while Victoria (98) and Queensland (97.9) are just below. Check the states page for details.

Industry benchmarks are even more telling. Accommodation and food services sits at 72.5, while mining is 154.7. If you're comparing a job in hospitality, an index of 75 might be competitive. If you're in professional services, you'd expect 110 or higher.

How the index works: the maths

The how the index works page explains the calculation: yearly gross salary divided by $108,352, times 100. It's a quick way to see if an offer is above or below the typical full-time adult.

Remember, the index is a benchmark, not a guarantee. Modern awards can set higher minimum rates than the national minimum wage. For example, the Hospitality Industry General Award might have a higher hourly rate for a cook than the national minimum. Always check the relevant award or enterprise agreement.

Tax and super considerations

When you compare offers, think about take-home pay. The 2026–27 resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are: nil up to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above. Add 2% Medicare levy. Super guarantee is 12% from July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. A higher salary might push you into a higher tax bracket, but super contributions are on top of your salary.

For example, a $70,000 salary (index 64.6) would have an estimated take-home of about $55,500 after tax and Medicare. A $100,000 salary (index 92.3) would take home about $76,000. The topics page has more on tax and super.

What about Steph Curry's actual salary?

Steph Curry's NBA salary for the 2025-26 season is reported to be around $55.8 million USD. That's roughly $85 million AUD at current exchange rates. The index would be around 785 – far above any Australian benchmark. But that figure is irrelevant to Australian job ads. If an employer uses it as a reference, they are likely not serious about complying with Australian pay laws.

Practical steps when you see a job ad

1. Identify the award or agreement: Most jobs are covered by a modern award. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to find the minimum rates.
2. Calculate the index: Divide the annual salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100. Compare to industry and state benchmarks.
3. Check for penalties and allowances: Some awards have higher rates for weekends, nights, or overtime. These can push the effective hourly rate above the base.
4. Consider super and tax: A higher gross salary might not mean much more in your pocket after tax. Use the index to compare apples with apples.

Final thought

Searching for "steph curry salary" is a fun way to start a conversation about pay, but it's not a useful benchmark for Australian workers. The real tools are the Salary Index, award pay guides, and the data from the Fair Work Ombudsman and ABS. Use them to read job ads critically and compare offers with confidence.