What is a good salary in Australia? State and industry differences explained
A good salary in Australia depends on where you live and what you do. Compare state and industry benchmarks using the Salary Index, based on ABS data.
The national benchmark for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $108,352 per year (index 100), but a good salary varies by state and industry, from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT.
What does 'good salary' mean in Australia?
There is no single answer to "what is a good salary in australia" because it depends on where you live, what you do, and your personal circumstances. But the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides a useful national benchmark: full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, which annualises to $108,352. This is the index 100 line on the Salary Index.
A salary above that line is generally above average. But a good salary in one state or industry might be just average in another. Let's break it down.
State differences: where your salary goes further
The ABS reports average weekly ordinary time earnings by state. Using the national index of 100, we can see how each state compares:
- Australian Capital Territory: index 109.9 – annualised $119,090
- 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
A salary of $110,000 would be above average in most states, but in the ACT it sits just above the state average, while in Tasmania it is well above. Cost of living also plays a role – housing in Sydney or Melbourne can eat into a higher salary. The states page has more detail.
Industry differences: some sectors pay much more
Industry matters even more than location. The ABS data shows wide gaps:
- Mining: index 154.7 – $167,800 annualised
- Information media & telecommunications: index 130.3 – $141,200
- Electricity, gas, water & waste services: index 122.2 – $132,500
- Professional, scientific & technical services: index 114.7 – $124,300
- Education & training: index 105.5 – $114,300
- Health care & social assistance: index 97.8 – $106,000
- Retail trade: index 75.9 – $82,200
- Accommodation & food services: index 72.5 – $78,600
A good salary in mining might be $150,000, while in retail a good salary could be $85,000. The industries page breaks down each sector.
How the index works
The Salary Index converts your yearly gross salary into a number where 100 equals the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. For example, if you earn $130,000, your index is (130,000 ÷ 108,352) × 100 = 120. That means you earn 20% above the national benchmark. See how the index works for the formula.
What about the minimum wage?
The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, which is $1,004.90 per week or $52,255 per year (index 48.2). Most employees are covered by a modern award, which can set higher minimum rates. Award wages rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the detailed rates.
A good salary is well above the minimum wage, but even award rates can provide a decent living in lower-cost areas.
Superannuation and tax
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, paid on top of your salary. So a $100,000 salary actually costs your employer $112,000 including super. Your take-home pay depends on tax. For 2026–27, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are:
- $0–$18,200: nil
- $18,201–$45,000: 15%
- $45,001–$135,000: 30%
- $135,001–$190,000: 37%
- Over $190,000: 45%
Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A salary of $108,352 would have an estimated take-home of about $82,000 after tax and Medicare (assuming no HELP debt or other adjustments).
Putting it together
So what is a good salary in Australia? If you earn above the national index of 100 ($108,352), you are above average nationally. But a good salary also means one that lets you live comfortably in your location and industry. Use the Salary Index to compare your salary against state and industry benchmarks.
Remember: these are gross ordinary-time benchmarks, not a quote for a specific job. Modern awards can pay more than the minimum, and actual salaries depend on your role, experience, and negotiation. The pay guides can help you understand award rates.
Questions people ask
What is the national benchmark for a good salary in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at $2,083.70 per week as of May 2026, which annualises to $108,352. This is the index 100 benchmark. A salary above this is generally above average, but 'good' also depends on your industry, state, and personal situation.
How does a good salary vary by state?
State indices show significant differences. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest index at 109.9 (annualised $119,090), followed by Western Australia at 106.9 ($115,825). Tasmania has the lowest at 88.6 ($96,008). A salary that is good in one state may be less comfortable in another due to cost of living differences.
Which industries pay above the national average?
Mining leads with an index of 154.7, followed by Information media and telecommunications (130.3) and Electricity, gas, water and waste services (122.2). Professional, scientific and technical services index 114.7, Education and training 105.5, and Health care and social assistance 97.8. Lower-paying industries include Retail trade (75.9) and Accommodation and food services (72.5).