Understanding the 482 Salary Requirement
The 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas. A key condition is that the sponsored worker must be paid at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and the market salary rate for the occupation. The TSMIT is reviewed periodically and is designed to ensure that sponsored workers are not underpaid compared to local workers.
Because the exact TSMIT figure is not provided in the sources used here, we focus on how the 482 salary requirement relates to the broader Australian pay landscape. The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026. This is the benchmark used on this site to measure where any salary sits relative to the typical full-time worker.
Where the 482 Salary Requirement Typically Sits
The TSMIT has historically been set below the national full-time average. For example, in recent years it has been around $70,000–$75,000, which is significantly lower than $108,352. However, the actual salary offered must also reflect the market rate for the specific occupation. In practice, many 482 visa holders earn salaries that are close to or above the national average, especially in skilled trades, IT, and healthcare.
If a sponsored salary is below the national average, it may still be above the minimum wage. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week (Fair Work). Award minimums rose by 4.75% in the same review. So a 482 salary requirement that is below the national average is still well above the legal floor.
Factors That Move Pay Above or Below the Average
Several factors determine whether a 482 salary will be above or below the national full-time average:
- Occupation: High-demand occupations such as software engineers, registered nurses, and electricians often command salaries above the average. Lower-skilled occupations may be closer to the TSMIT.
- Location: State full-time averages vary. For instance, the Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at about $119,090, while Tasmania is lower at about $96,008. A 482 salary in the ACT may need to be higher to attract workers, whereas in Tasmania it might be closer to the national average.
- Experience and seniority: Entry-level positions may pay below the average, while senior roles can exceed it significantly.
- Market salary rate: Employers must demonstrate that the salary offered is not less than what an Australian worker would receive for the same job. This ensures that 482 salaries are competitive.
Comparing to Medians and Other Benchmarks
The national full-time median is about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). This is lower than the average because the average is pulled up by high earners. The all-employees median is about $74,100. A 482 salary requirement that is set at the TSMIT level (if around $70,000) would be below the full-time median but close to the all-employees median. However, many sponsored roles pay above the median.
Practical Implications for Employers and Workers
Employers sponsoring a 482 visa must ensure the salary meets both the TSMIT and the market rate. If the offered salary is below the national average, it may still be compliant if it reflects the market for that occupation. Workers considering a 482 visa should compare the offered salary to the national average and the relevant state average to gauge whether it is competitive.
For example, a software developer in New South Wales (state average about $109,658) might expect a salary above the national average, while a hospitality worker in Queensland (state average about $106,064) might receive a salary closer to the TSMIT.
How This Site Can Help
You can place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average, medians, and minimum wage. The tool shows the weekly and hourly equivalents on a 38-hour week, plus the distance from the average. For state-specific comparisons, see the states and territories page. If you want to see how your occupation or industry typically pays, visit the job medians or industry medians pages.
Key Takeaways
- The 482 salary requirement is not a single fixed number; it depends on the TSMIT and market salary rate.
- The national full-time average is $108,352 per year (ABS, May 2026).
- The TSMIT is generally below this average, but actual sponsored salaries can be above or below depending on the role.
- The national minimum wage is about $52,255 per year, so even a TSMIT-level salary is well above the legal minimum.
- State averages vary, with the ACT and WA being highest, and Tasmania lowest.
- Use this site's tools to compare any salary to the national line.
For more details on how the figures are set, see the data page. For guides on salary negotiation and visa conditions, check the guides.