What Is the Salary in Australia? State and Industry Differences Explained

What Is the Salary in Australia?

When someone asks "what is the salary" in Australia, the answer depends on where you work and what you do. There isn't a single figure that covers everyone. Instead, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides a national benchmark: full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings. As of May 2026, that figure is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. This is our index 100 point – the line we use to compare all other salaries.

But the real story is in the differences. A salary in Western Australia looks very different from one in Tasmania. A job in mining pays more than double one in accommodation and food services. This guide breaks down those variations using the Salary Index, so you can see where your pay sits against the national line.

How the Salary Index Works

The index is simple: take your yearly gross salary, divide it by the national line of $108,352, and multiply by 100. If you earn $120,000, your index is about 111 – 11% above the national average. If you earn $50,000, your index is about 46. This lets you compare salaries across states, industries, and roles without getting lost in dollar amounts. For more detail, see how the index works.

State Differences in Salary

Where you live has a big impact on what you earn. The ABS publishes average weekly earnings by state, and the differences are clear.

Highest-Paying States

• Australian Capital Territory leads with an index of 109.9 – that's about $2,290 per week, or $119,090 annualised. The ACT's high concentration of public administration and professional services pushes earnings up.
• Western Australia follows at 106.9 ($2,227 per week, $115,825 annualised). The mining and resources sector drives wages higher.
• New South Wales sits just above the national line at 101.2 ($2,109 per week, $109,658 annualised).

Lowest-Paying States

• Tasmania has the lowest index at 88.6 ($1,846 per week, $96,008 annualised). The state's smaller industrial base and lower cost of living contribute to this.
• South Australia is at 94.6 ($1,970 per week, $102,450 annualised).
• Northern Territory is at 95.2 ($1,984 per week, $103,173 annualised).

Victoria and Queensland are close to the national line at 98 and 97.9 respectively. These state averages hide big variations within each state – a professional in Sydney will earn more than the NSW average, while a retail worker in rural NSW may earn less. For a full breakdown, visit our states page.

Industry Differences in Salary

Industry is often the biggest factor in salary. The ABS data shows a wide spread across sectors.

Top-Paying Industries

• Mining tops the list with an index of 154.7 – average weekly earnings of $3,224. That's more than 50% above the national line. Men in mining average $3,321, women $2,849.
• Information media and telecommunications comes next at 130.3 ($2,714 per week).
• Electricity, gas, water and waste services is at 122.2 ($2,546 per week).
• Professional, scientific and technical services sits at 114.7 ($2,390 per week).

Lower-Paying Industries

• Accommodation and food services has the lowest index at 72.5 ($1,510 per week).
• Retail trade is at 75.9 ($1,582 per week).
• Other services (including hairdressing, repairs) is at 77.8 ($1,622 per week).

These industry averages reflect the mix of occupations and skill levels. A chef in accommodation and food services may earn less than a manager in the same industry. For more industry comparisons, see our industries page.

The National Minimum Wage and Awards

For employees not covered by an award or agreement, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week – that's an index of 48.2. But most workers are covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimum rates. Award minimum wages rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour, but many awards have higher classifications.

Casual employees get a loading – typically 25% on top of the base rate. For the national minimum wage, that's about $33.05 per hour. Junior rates apply for workers under 21, starting at $9.73 per hour for under 16s. Always check your award using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

Superannuation and Tax

Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of your salary (from 1 July 2026). The maximum super contribution base is $270,830. Your salary quoted in an employment contract is usually before super and tax.

For the 2026–27 financial year, 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. These rates affect your take-home pay. For example, someone earning the national average of $108,352 would pay about $24,467 in tax plus $2,167 Medicare levy, leaving roughly $81,718 take-home (ignoring HELP, salary sacrifice, and other adjustments).

Putting It All Together

So what is the salary in Australia? It depends. The national line is $108,352 (index 100), but your actual salary will be shaped by your state and industry. A mining engineer in Western Australia could earn an index of 150 or more. A retail assistant in Tasmania might be around 70. The Salary Index helps you see where you stand.

If you're negotiating a pay rise or considering a move, use the index to compare. Check your award minimums, factor in super and tax, and look at the state and industry benchmarks. For more guides on pay rates, visit our pay guides page. And if you want to explore specific topics like casual loading or overtime, see our topics section.

Remember: these figures are benchmarks, not job offers. Your actual salary depends on your qualifications, experience, and the specific employer. But knowing where the national line sits gives you a solid starting point.