When planning to work or migrate to Australia as a skilled professional, one of the first things you may wonder is: what is the median salary in Australia? Understanding this figure can help you set realistic income expectations, negotiate better, and plan your lifestyle effectively. In this guide, you’ll discover detailed insights about the median salary Australia, how it differs across major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, how it varies by age, and what the median full time salary Australia looks like for skilled workers. Whether you’re already in Australia or considering moving there, this article gives you everything you need to know about salaries, trends, and factors that influence your earning potential.
Median salary in Australia simply refers to the income level at which half of all workers earn more and half earn less. It’s one of the most reliable indicators of typical earnings in the country because it isn’t skewed by very high or very low salaries.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as of May 2025, the median weekly earnings for all employees were approximately AUD 1,300, translating to an annual salary of around AUD 67,600. This data is derived from the ABS's Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia survey, which collects comprehensive information on earnings across various industries and occupations.
Understanding the median salary is essential for several reasons:
Career Planning: It helps individuals assess their earning potential in different roles and industries.
Budgeting: Provides a benchmark for setting realistic financial goals and expectations.
Policy Making: Assists governments and organizations in developing fair wage policies and understanding income distribution.
For a more detailed breakdown of earnings by industry, occupation, and other demographics, you can refer to the ABS's official release on Average Weekly Earnings, Australia.
For example, if you’re starting your career as a registered nurse in a city like Melbourne, you can expect to earn around the median range, which gives you a benchmark for budgeting and lifestyle planning. On the other hand, if you’re a senior IT consultant in Sydney, your salary may be considerably higher than the median.
Understanding the median salary in Australia is especially helpful if you’re planning to relocate, negotiate a job offer, or simply want a realistic view of earnings across different professions. By knowing the median, you can set achievable expectations and make informed career and financial decisions.
As of May 2025, the median weekly earnings for full-time adult employees were approximately AUD 2,010, which translates to an annual salary of around AUD 104,520. This data comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report on Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, May 2025.
The median salary represents the midpoint of earnings — half of employees earn more, and half earn less — providing a realistic reflection of typical full-time worker earnings.
The average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adult employees in May 2025 were also around AUD 2,010, showing a 4.5% increase from the previous year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings report, May 2025.
Average earnings can be influenced by very high salaries, so the median is often a better indicator of what typical workers earn.
Gender Pay Gap: In May 2025, the gender pay gap in full-time earnings narrowed slightly to 11.5%, the lowest recorded in the series (ABS Media Release: Average Weekly Earnings Surpass $2000, 2025).
Sector Differences: Earnings in the public sector are generally higher than the private sector. For example, males in the public sector earned around AUD 2,294 per week, while those in the private sector earned about AUD 2,070 per week.
Industry Variations: Industry impacts earnings significantly. Employees in Mining earned the highest at AUD 3,174 per week, whereas those in Accommodation and Food Services earned the lowest at AUD 1,460 per week.
In 2025, the average full-time earnings rose by about 4.5% compared to the previous year, showing consistent wage growth.
Sydney, being Australia’s largest and most expensive city, typically offers higher salaries than the national median.
The median salary in Sydney for full-time workers is around AUD 73,000 per year, equivalent to about AUD 1,416 per week.
Skilled professionals in finance, technology, healthcare, and engineering often earn well above this median figure.
While the salaries are higher, Sydney also has one of the highest costs of living in the country. It’s ideal for those in high-demand industries who can command strong salaries.
Melbourne is known for its thriving tech, education, and healthcare sectors. The median salary Melbourne figures are similar to Sydney’s, but the cost of living is slightly more manageable.
The median full-time salary in Melbourne is approximately AUD 75,400 per year, or AUD 1,450 per week.
Skilled professionals, particularly in IT, data science, healthcare, and creative industries, often earn significantly above this median.
For many professionals, Melbourne strikes the perfect balance between opportunity and affordability.
Brisbane offers competitive pay along with a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne, making it attractive for skilled workers.
The median salary Brisbane for full-time employees is estimated to be between AUD 70,000 and AUD 90,000 per year, depending on the industry.
Popular industries like education, healthcare, engineering, and construction contribute to Brisbane’s steady salary growth.
Brisbane is a fast-growing city and often ranked among the best places to live in Australia due to its affordable housing and quality of life.
Perth has historically enjoyed higher salaries due to its thriving mining and energy sectors.
The median salary Perth is about AUD 78,000 per year, equivalent to roughly AUD 1,500 per week.
Skilled professionals in mining, engineering, and trades typically earn far above this median, often exceeding AUD 120,000 per year.
Although the cost of living in Perth can vary, high salaries in resource-based industries make it a lucrative choice for skilled workers.
Your earning potential in Australia often grows as you gain experience. The median salary Australia by age shows clear trends of income progression throughout a career.
From this table, you can see that median earnings peak between the ages of 35 and 44, when most professionals are mid-career. After that, salaries remain stable or taper slightly as people move toward retirement.
When focusing on skilled occupations, the median full time salary in Australia increases notably.
Skilled professionals across engineering, IT, healthcare, education, and finance generally earn between AUD 80,000 and AUD 120,000 per year.
Senior-level professionals or specialists can earn up to AUD 150,000+.
Entry to mid-level skilled roles often range between AUD 70,000 and AUD 100,000, comfortably above the national median.
This means that for skilled workers, the median salary in Australia can vary significantly depending on profession, industry, and seniority level.
Several factors influence how much you can earn as a skilled worker in Australia:
Some industries consistently offer higher pay. Mining, healthcare, engineering, finance, and IT top the list. In contrast, retail, hospitality, and entry-level administrative roles usually sit below the national median.
As your career advances, you can expect steady salary increases. Professionals aged 35–44 tend to earn the most.
Salaries are higher in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. However, regional areas may offer lower wages but more affordable lifestyles.
Occupations in high demand — such as software development, cybersecurity, healthcare, and construction — often pay well above median rates.
Larger corporations and government roles generally provide higher salaries and better benefits compared to smaller firms.
Qualifications and professional accreditations can significantly impact your salary bracket, especially in technical or regulated professions.
Full-time employees typically earn more than part-time or casual workers. Bonuses, superannuation, and allowances also add to total compensation.
Let’s look at how real-life examples compare to the median full time salary Australia:
Average pay: AUD 110,000 – 140,000
Well above Sydney’s overall median of AUD 73,000
Salary: AUD 130,000 – 180,000
Substantially higher than Perth’s median due to mining sector demand
Salary: AUD 80,000 – 120,000
Above Melbourne’s median, reflecting healthcare’s strong growth
Salary: AUD 100,000 – 140,000
Higher than the Brisbane median, common in technology sectors
These examples show that skilled professionals often earn above the national median, especially in high-demand roles.
If you’re applying for a job or planning to move to Australia, use these tips:
Research Industry Benchmarks:
Always check the median salary Australia full time for your job title and experience level before negotiating.
Use City-Specific Data:
Compare the median salary in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth rather than relying solely on national figures.
Highlight Your Skills:
Emphasize your unique expertise, certifications, or achievements that make you valuable.
Consider Cost of Living:
A higher salary in Sydney might not stretch as far as a lower salary in Brisbane.
Consult Experts:
If you’re relocating for work, consider talking to a migration consultant in Australia to understand how your occupation and salary align with visa requirements.
Understanding the median salary in Australia helps you make informed career and migration decisions. While the overall national median sits near AUD 65,000–70,000, skilled full-time professionals often earn well above AUD 80,000 and even exceed AUD 120,000 in high-demand fields.
The median salary in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth varies slightly, reflecting local economies and living costs. Use these figures to benchmark your expectations, negotiate effectively, and plan a sustainable lifestyle.
Whether you’re already in Australia or preparing to move, knowing these numbers empowers you to take smart financial steps and pursue opportunities that match your skills and ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the median salary in Australia for full-time workers?
The median weekly earnings are around AUD 1,300, which equals about AUD 67,600 annually. Skilled professionals usually earn above this figure.
Q2. What is the median salary in Sydney for skilled workers?
The median full-time salary in Sydney is about AUD 73,000 annually, but skilled workers in technology and finance often earn over AUD 100,000.
Q3. What is the median salary in Melbourne for professionals?
Melbourne’s median is approximately AUD 75,400 per year. Professionals in healthcare and IT frequently earn much higher.
Q4. What is the median salary Perth for full-time employees?
Perth’s median stands near AUD 78,000, with mining and engineering professionals earning well above that range.
Q5. What is the median salary in Brisbane for skilled roles?
Brisbane’s full-time median salary typically ranges from AUD 70,000 to AUD 90,000, depending on industry and experience.
Q6. How does the median salary in Australia vary by age?
Younger workers earn less, starting around AUD 61,000 for those aged 20–24, and peaking at around AUD 95,000 for ages 35–44.
Q7. What’s the difference between average and median salary Australia?
The average is the mean figure influenced by high earners, while the median is the midpoint — a better measure of what most workers earn.
