Salaries in Australia

What is the average salary to earn in Australia?

The average salary in Australia varies depending on the industry, occupation, and location, with high-paying industries including finance, technology, and mining and earnings typically higher in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the average weekly earnings for full-time employees in Australia was  around $1,923 in May 2024, which amounts to an annual salary of approximately $99,600. However, this figure may vary based on various factors.

Take our eligibility assessment

Salary proportional to qualification level and experience

Your level of qualification will have a big effect on how much you can get paid in Australia.

According to the ABS, educational qualification have the following impact on minimum anticipated weekly earnings:

• Postgraduate qualifications: $1,893 per week
• Graduate diploma/certificate: $1,726 per week
• Bachelor degree: $1,578 per week
• Certificate III/IV: $1,342 per week
• Advanced diploma: $1,300 per week
• Certificate I/II/other: $1,174 per week
• No post-school qualifications: $988 per week

Logically, the higher the qualification, the more you will earn. Postgraduates are expected to earn almost twice as much as people with no tertiary qualifications. It is important to note that the subjects you studied, your work experience, the demand for your skillset in Australia.

Work experience also affects your salary because it shows your knowledge in the field. Here’s a breakdown of how experience levels impact salaries:

• 1–3 years of experience: With this early career stage, you are usually considered entry level. Salaries tend to be lower as you are still learning and building skills.
• 4–7 years of experience: During this time, you start to move into mid-level positions. You have a good foundation in your field. Salaries increase as you take on more responsibilities and show that you can work independently or manage smaller teams.
• 8–10 years of experience: At this point, you are often seen as an experienced professional who can manage complex projects or work in senior management roles.
• 10+ years of experience: In this advanced stage, you are typically well-established in your career. While salaries continue to rise, they may level off.

Salary guide by industry

The average salary for specific occupations in Australia can also vary greatly. For example, according to the ABS, the average weekly income in the mining industry was over AU$3,000, well above all other industries.

High-Paying Industries in Australia

For those seeking high-paying roles, the following sectors offer strong earning potential:

• Mining: With a booming demand for resources, this sector offers competitive salaries.
• Energy and Utilities: As Australia moves towards renewable energy, jobs in this sector are both in demand and well-compensated.
• Construction: Given its significant role in the economy, the construction sector is a major employer with steady growth.
• Wholesale Trade: A consistent top-employing industry, especially in metropolitan areas.
• Manufacturing: Although volatile, manufacturing remains a revenue generator with high-paying opportunities.

For additional resources on job opportunities, salary guides, and industry insights, you may explore Seek. With Australia’s dynamic salary landscape, understanding these trends can help inform career decisions and expected earnings.

It's also important to note that salaries can also vary depending on the location in Australia. Salaries tend to be higher in larger cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane compared to smaller towns and rural areas.

It's recommended to research the specific occupation and industry you are interested in to get a better understanding of the average salary range in Australia.

According to the ABS, below are the average weekly earnings by industry:

• Mining 3,015.30
• Manufacturing 1,706.70
• Electricity, gas, water & waste services 2,243.80
• Construction 1,821.80
• Wholesale trade 1,790.60
• Retail trade 1,454.50
• Accommodation & food services 1,421.00
• Transport, postal & warehousing 1,893.20
• Information media & telecommunications 2,437.20
• Financial & insurance services 2,283.20
• Rental, hiring & real estate services 1,789.60
• Professional, scientific & technical services 2,245.40
• Administrative & support services 1,723.70
• Public administration & safety 2,036.10
• Education & training 2,026.40
• Health care & social assistance 1,902.40
• Arts & recreation services 1,797.30
• Other services 1,457.80
• Total all industries 1,923.40

Consider the other benefits

In addition to salary, many workers in Australia are entitled to benefits like paid leave, superannuation (a type of retirement savings plan), and health insurance. It's important to understand the full compensation package offered by an employer when considering a job offer. Many Australian  companies offer more benefits to their employees when compared with businesses in other countries. These may include company cars, telephones, paid meals, etc. which are often part of a remuneration package.

Overall, salaries in Australia are generally considered to be relatively high compared to many other countries, although cost of living can also be higher in some areas.