UNSW Professional Staff Salary: How It Compares to the National Average
See where UNSW professional staff salaries sit on the Australian salary index, from entry-level to senior roles, based on the 2023 Enterprise Agreement.
UNSW professional staff salaries range from an index of about 56 for entry-level to 155 for senior roles, compared to the national average of 100.
What is the UNSW professional staff salary?
The term "UNSW professional staff salary" refers to the pay rates for non-academic employees at the University of New South Wales, as set by the UNSW Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement 2023. These salaries cover a wide range of roles—from administrative assistants and technical officers to senior managers and divisional heads. The agreement, which operates until 31 July 2026, provides a structured pay scale with annual increases.
Where does it sit on the Australian salary index?
The Salary Index measures gross ordinary-time earnings against a national benchmark of 100, which equals $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). For UNSW professional staff, the base salaries range from an index of about 56 for the lowest classification to 155 for the highest. This means entry-level roles pay well below the national average, while senior professional staff earn significantly above it.
Entry-level and junior roles
The lowest professional staff level (Level 1) has an annual base salary of $61,213 from 1 July 2026, based on a 35-hour week. That gives an index of 56.5—about 44% below the national average. For comparison, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2 ($52,255), so UNSW's entry-level is above the legal floor but still modest. Junior rates apply for staff under 21, following the national minimum wage percentages.
Mid-range and senior roles
Most professional staff fall into levels 3 to 8. For example, a Level 5 role (common for experienced administrators or coordinators) might have a base salary around $80,000–$90,000, placing it at index 74–83. That's below the national average but typical for the education sector, which has an industry index of 105.5. Senior roles like Level 10 (e.g., divisional heads) earn $167,885, index 155—well above the national line and comparable to professional services roles in the Professional, scientific and technical industry (index 114.7).
How the Enterprise Agreement sets pay
The 2023 agreement provides a clear salary schedule with four pay increases over its life: 6% from commencement, then 3.5% from 1 July 2024, 3.5% from 1 July 2025, and 4% from 1 July 2026. The rates shown in this guide reflect the final 4% increase. Staff on a 38-hour week (some historic contracts) receive proportionally higher annual salaries—for Level 1, that's $66,460 (index 61.3).
Superannuation and total remuneration
UNSW offers a generous 17% superannuation for non-casual professional staff, which is well above the 12% super guarantee. This boosts total remuneration significantly. For a Level 5 employee on $85,000 base salary, the employer super contribution adds $14,450, bringing total package to $99,450—an index of 91.8 on total remuneration. However, the Salary Index uses gross ordinary-time earnings (excluding super), so the base salary comparison is the standard measure.
How UNSW compares to other employers
UNSW professional staff salaries are set by enterprise agreement, not by individual negotiation (though market loading can apply). Compared to the states benchmark, UNSW is in New South Wales, which has an index of 101.2 ($109,658). The university's senior roles exceed that, but many mid-level roles fall below the state average. In the Education and training industry (index 105.5), UNSW's professional staff are generally around the industry norm for mid-level roles, with senior roles pulling above.
Casual and part-time arrangements
Casual professional staff receive an hourly rate that includes a casual loading (set out in Schedule 2 of the agreement). For Level 1 casuals from 1 July 2026, the hourly rate is about $33.63 plus loading, compared to the national casual minimum of $33.05. Part-time staff are paid pro-rata based on the full-time annual salary.
Practical takeaways
If you're considering a professional staff role at UNSW, the base salary is a good starting point but remember to factor in the 17% super and any allowances. The salary index helps you see where the pay sits against the national line—most roles are below the average for senior professionals but above the minimum wage. For the latest pay guides and award rates, check our pay guides section.
Key points to remember
- UNSW professional staff base salaries range from index 56 to 155.
- The 17% super is a significant addition to total compensation.
- Casual staff get a loading but lower super.
- The agreement runs until July 2026, with rates increasing each year.
For more context on how different salaries compare across Australia, explore our topics page or see how your state or industry measures up.
Questions people ask
How does UNSW professional staff salary compare to the national average?
UNSW professional staff base salaries range from about $61,213 (index 56) for entry-level roles to $167,885 (index 155) for senior roles, compared to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). Most professional staff fall between these extremes, with many roles around the national average or above.
What superannuation do UNSW professional staff receive?
Non-casual professional staff receive employer superannuation contributions of 17% of ordinary time earnings. Casual staff receive the superannuation guarantee rate (12% from 1 July 2026). The default fund is UniSuper, but staff can choose other complying funds.
Are casual UNSW professional staff paid differently?
Yes. Casual professional staff are paid an hourly base rate plus a casual loading (included in the rates set out in Schedule 2 of the Enterprise Agreement). They do not receive paid leave or the 17% superannuation; instead, they get the superannuation guarantee rate.