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Are you planning to move to Australia or simply curious about the average salary in Australia in 2026? Whether you're a local resident, an international student, or a professional exploring opportunities in the land Down Under, understanding how much people earn here can help you make informed decisions. In this blog, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about the average salary in Australia per month, average annual salary Australia by age, and even how salaries differ by profession and location. Let’s dive into the salary statistics that shape Australia’s thriving economy.
When considering a move to Australia or assessing your financial goals as a local, understanding the average salary in Australia is essential. Whether you're a job seeker, employer, or expat, knowing what you can expect in earnings can help you make better decisions.
As of the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) — Employee Earnings Report 2025–26, the median full-time salary in Australia is approximately AUD 90,500 per year before tax, which is based on median weekly earnings of around AUD 1,741 per week.
The median represents the middle point of the wage distribution — meaning half of Australian full-time workers earn more than this amount, and half earn less. This figure is widely used by economists and policymakers as a more realistic indicator of “typical earnings” than average salary.
Source referenced:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Employee Earnings and Hours report
According to labour market and payroll analyses from ABS and major workforce analytics platforms, the average (mean) salary in Australia in 2026 generally ranges between AUD 82,000 and AUD 120,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, industry, and location.
Typical breakdown:
Entry-level roles: AUD 55,000 – 70,000 per year
Mid-career professionals: AUD 80,000 – 110,000 per year
Highly skilled specialists: AUD 120,000+ per year (common in IT, mining, engineering, medicine, and finance)
High earners in sectors like mining, cybersecurity, data science, and specialist medicine significantly lift the national average above the median.
Sources referenced:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Workforce salary analytics and payroll benchmarking studies used by Australian employers
Australia continues to have one of the highest minimum wages in the world. Following the latest Fair Work Commission annual wage review, the national minimum wage for 2025–26 is approximately AUD 24.94 per hour.
This equals roughly:
AUD 3,800 – 4,000 per month (full-time, before tax)
Around AUD 49,000 – 52,000 per year
This legally mandated wage floor helps protect low-income workers and supports a reasonable standard of living compared to many other developed nations.
Sources referenced:
Fair Work Commission annual wage decision
National minimum wage assessments widely reported by Australian economic agencies
Based on the Wage Price Index (WPI) published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), wage growth in Australia has moderated compared to the sharp post-pandemic surge.
In the latest 12-month period to mid-2025:
Overall wage growth: around 3.4% annually, which typically translates to an increase of AUD 2,800 – 3,500 per year for a worker earning around AUD 85,000–100,000.
Wage growth varied significantly across industries, reflecting labour demand, skills shortages, and economic conditions.
* The AUD increases are estimates based on typical industry average salaries and are intended to illustrate real-world impact rather than exact figures for every worker.
This data shows that while wages are still rising, growth is now more stable and predictable compared to the inflation-driven spikes seen in earlier years.
Source referenced:
Australian Bureau of Statistics – Wage Price Index (WPI)
In 2026, the average full-time weekly earnings for adult employees in Australia has continued to rise steadily. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), average full-time weekly ordinary earnings were approximately AUD 2,010 per week in 2025 — up around 4.4% year-on-year.
When converted to a monthly figure, this equates to roughly AUD 8,700 per month (before tax) for a typical full-time employee in 2026 — based on current wage trends and earnings growth.
~AUD 8,500–8,900 before tax (based on average weekly earnings data).
These figures give insight into how earnings may vary by level of experience and role:
AUD 4,500 – 6,500 per month
Entry-level positions (junior roles, early career jobs) typically start within this range in many industries.
AUD 6,800 – 9,500 per month
Professionals with a few years of experience in skilled occupations — including administration, technical, specialist fields — generally fall in this bracket.
AUD 10,000 – 20,000+ per month
Senior professionals, managers, and executives — especially in high-demand areas like tech, finance, healthcare or specialised corporate roles — can earn significantly more. These roles often command premium salaries due to responsibility and expertise.
Salaries have been consistently increasing in recent years as earnings rise in line with inflation and labour market demand (reflected in ABS earnings data).
The range highlights how entry-level incomes differ from seasoned professionals.
These figures are pre-tax — so individual take-home pay will vary depending on tax bracket, Medicare levy and other deductions.
Your profession plays a crucial role in determining how much you can earn in Australia. In 2026, salaries have continued to evolve in response to inflation, skills shortages, technological change, and shifting labour market demand.
Australia’s tight labour market—particularly in healthcare, technology, construction, and skilled trades—has pushed wages higher in many sectors, while salaries in some corporate roles have stabilised after post-pandemic growth.
Whether you are planning to migrate to Australia, considering a career change, or benchmarking your income, understanding the average salary in Australia by profession in 2026 provides a clearer picture of earning potential.
Below is an updated snapshot of average annual salaries across some of the most common and in-demand professions in Australia in 2026:
Compared with 2025, the most notable changes in 2026 include:
Higher pay for tech roles (software, data, cybersecurity) due to ongoing digital transformation.
Stronger wages in healthcare, especially for nurses and allied health professionals.
Increased earnings for electricians and skilled trades because of construction demand and workforce shortages.
Stable but competitive salaries in finance and marketing, with bigger pay gaps between junior and senior professionals.
Mining and engineering salaries remain among the highest, especially in WA and Queensland.
Salaries vary widely due to:
Skill shortages – jobs with limited qualified workers pay more.
Industry demand – tech, healthcare, construction, and mining lead wage growth.
Location – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth generally pay higher salaries than regional areas.
Experience and certifications – senior professionals and those with specialist credentials earn more.
Public vs private sector – private sector roles often pay higher, while public roles offer better stability.
Age and experience continue to be key drivers of earnings in Australia. Generally, as people progress through their careers, their annual income rises — reaching a peak in mid-career before gradually stabilising or decreasing as they approach retirement. Current data shows that full-time average earnings vary considerably by age group, with most employees earning higher incomes in their 30s and 40s compared with their early 20s.
As you can see, income tends to peak between the ages of 45–54.
Minimum Salary in Australia Per Month
The minimum salary in Australia is set by the Fair Work Commission through the Annual Wage Review and applies to most employees who are not covered by specific workplace awards or enterprise agreements.
From 1 July 2025, the National Minimum Wage was increased to:
AUD 24.95 per hour
AUD 948 per week based on a standard 38-hour full-time workweek
To calculate the approximate monthly minimum salary:
AUD 948 × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months ≈ AUD 4,100 per month (before tax) for a full-time employee on the national minimum wage.
This rate is effective from mid-2025 and remains in place into early 2026, as reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission as part of its statutory wage-setting process.
Note:
Most award wages (industry-specific minimums) are set at levels equal to or higher than the national minimum wage.
Casual workers typically receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate due to lack of paid leave and other benefits.
On the upper end of Australia’s pay scale, some professions command exceptionally high salaries — especially in executive leadership, specialised medicine, and senior legal roles. These figures represent realistic upper potential earnings rather than typical wages for most workers.
CEO of a major company: AUD 40,000 – AUD 100,000+
Medical Consultants: AUD 20,000 – AUD 40,000
Legal Partners: AUD 25,000 – AUD 50,000
While these roles are not common, they highlight the upper potential of Australia's salary range.
Several key variables continue to influence how much people earn across Australia in 2026. Understanding these factors can help you better assess salary expectations, negotiate offers, and plan your career trajectory:
Higher education remains one of the strongest predictors of income. Workers with bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees consistently earn more than those with only high school or vocational qualifications.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn significantly above median weekly earnings compared to those without tertiary qualifications.
Why it matters:
Advanced degrees and professional certifications improve job prospects and bargaining power.
Specialized qualifications (e.g., data science, engineering, healthcare) often command premium salaries.
Where you work in Australia greatly impacts your pay. Major capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra typically offer higher salaries than regional areas due to stronger job markets and higher living costs.
For example, average weekly earnings in Sydney and Canberra are above the national average, while smaller cities and rural regions like Adelaide, Hobart, and parts of Queensland tend to fall below the national salary average.
Why it matters:
Metropolitan areas have more high-paying roles and competitive industries.
Cost of living differences influence wage structures across states.
Industry trends and skill shortages remain major salary drivers in Australia’s labor market in 2026.
Key demand sectors with strong wage growth include:
Information Technology & Cybersecurity
Healthcare & Aged Care
Engineering & Construction
Mining & Energy
Finance & Business Services
Roles in these sectors often offer higher base salaries, sign-on bonuses, and retention incentives due to ongoing skills shortages and competition for talent.
Experience continues to be a core determinant of earnings. More years in the workforce — especially in specialized or technical roles — generally leads to higher salaries.
Entry-level roles start lower but offer growth with experience.
Mid-career professionals earn significantly more due to accumulated skills.
Senior experts and managers command top compensation packages.
Specialized skills, such as cloud computing, project management, advanced healthcare expertise, or financial analysis, also deliver premium salaries compared to general roles.
The type of employment contract plays a major role in overall earnings.
Full-time employees typically receive:
Higher base salaries versus part-time or casual roles
Employer contributions to superannuation
Paid annual and sick leave
Redundancy and notice entitlements
Casual and freelance workers may have lower guaranteed earnings, but can command higher hourly rates in certain industries (e.g., IT contracting, consulting).
Additionally, permanent roles often come with benefits like bonuses, healthcare allowances, and training support that increase total compensation.
Understanding the industry-wise average monthly salary in Australia can offer valuable insight for job seekers, students choosing career paths, and professionals considering a switch. Each sector in Australia has its own salary standards, largely influenced by the level of expertise required, economic demand, skill shortages, and the nature of the work itself.
As of 2025, full-time employees across different industries enjoy varied salary brackets, reflecting the diversity of Australia’s economy. Whether you're eyeing a role in tech, healthcare, education, construction, or hospitality, it’s important to know what kind of compensation you can realistically expect.
Let’s examine the average salary in Australia per month by industry for full-time roles:
This data gives you a sense of what to expect based on your chosen industry.
The average (mean) full-time salary in Australia in 2026 is approximately AUD 98,000–103,000 per year, while the median salary (typical worker) sits around AUD 75,000–90,000 per year before tax.
Based on the national minimum wage of about AUD 24.10–24.50 per hour, the full-time minimum monthly salary is roughly AUD 3,700–4,000 before tax.
The highest-paying roles typically include:
Medical specialists and surgeons
IT executives and cybersecurity leaders
Mining engineers
Corporate executives (CEOs, CFOs)
Senior legal partners
Yes. Earnings generally rise with experience and usually peak between 45–54 years, then plateau or slightly decline toward retirement.
Adelaide’s average salary (around AUD 70,000–80,000) is lower than Sydney and Melbourne, where averages are closer to AUD 90,000–110,000, largely due to lower living costs and fewer high-paying corporate jobs.
Yes. Salary negotiation is widely accepted, especially for skilled, professional, and managerial roles. Employers often expect candidates to discuss pay.
Most industries are seeing 3%–4% annual pay growth, with higher increases (5%+) in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and construction.
Top-paying industries include:
Mining & Energy
Information Technology
Finance & Banking
Healthcare & Medical
Engineering & Construction
Typical monthly earnings before tax are:
Entry level: AUD 4,500 – 6,000
Mid-career: AUD 6,500 – 9,000
Senior roles: AUD 10,000 – 20,000+
Generally yes. Full-time workers earn more overall because they receive:
Superannuation (retirement savings)
Paid leave (annual, sick, public holidays)
Job security and benefits
If you're planning to work and settle in Australia, understanding the salary landscape is vital. Whether you're applying for an Australia work visa or seeking help from a migration agent, knowing your worth and the market standards will help you get ahead.
In conclusion, the average salary in Australia in 2026 offers a stable and rewarding lifestyle for workers across various industries and experience levels. From minimum wage earners to high-flying executives, Australia provides opportunities and fair compensation for all. Whether you're in your 20s starting fresh or in your 50s with a wealth of experience, this guide can help you plan your career path in one of the world’s most prosperous nations.
Still have questions or looking to dive deeper into your specific industry’s salary stats? Let us know!
