482 visa minimum salary 2026 and the Australian full-time average
If you are considering a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, one of the key requirements is that the nominated salary meets the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). This threshold is the minimum annual salary that must be offered to the sponsored worker. For 2026, the exact TSMIT figure is not confirmed in the search results available, but it is typically set by the Department of Home Affairs and is adjusted periodically.
To understand where this minimum salary sits, it helps to compare it with the national full-time average earnings in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year, for May and November. The most recent release, for May 2026, shows that full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week. Multiplied by 52 weeks, that gives an annual figure of about $108,352. This is the benchmark used by the Place a salary on the line tool on this site.
How the 482 visa minimum salary compares
The TSMIT is generally set below the national full-time average. For example, in previous years the TSMIT was around $70,000 per year. Even at that level, it is significantly lower than the $108,352 average. It is also lower than the full-time median earnings of about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). However, it is above the national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week (Fair Work).
It is important to note that the TSMIT is a minimum threshold; many sponsored roles pay above it, especially in skilled occupations. The actual salary offered must also be at least the market rate for the occupation, as determined by the employer.
State and territory variations
Full-time average earnings vary across Australia. The ABS data for May 2026 shows the following annualised full-time ordinary-time averages by state and territory:
- New South Wales: about $109,658
- Victoria: about $106,137
- Queensland: about $106,064
- South Australia: about $102,450
- Western Australia: about $115,825
- Tasmania: about $96,008
- Northern Territory: about $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: about $119,090
These figures are based on the ABS state-level averages. If you are nominating a position in a particular state, the TSMIT applies nationally, but the market salary may need to reflect local conditions. You can explore state averages further on the States and territories page.
Other benchmarks to consider
Beyond the full-time average, the ABS also publishes median earnings. The all-employees median weekly earnings are $1,436 per week (about $74,100 per year) as of August 2025. The full-time median is about $1,741 per week ($90,532 per year). These medians give a more typical picture of what workers earn, as averages can be pulled up by high earners.
The national minimum wage, set by Fair Work, is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. Award minimums rose by 4.75% at the same time. The 482 visa minimum salary must be above the minimum wage, but it is not directly tied to awards.
Tax implications
If you are earning at or near the TSMIT, it is useful to know the 2026–27 resident tax rates: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy of 2% applies before any reductions. A salary of $70,000 would fall into the 30% bracket plus Medicare, resulting in a marginal rate of 32%.
Conclusion
While the exact 482 visa minimum salary for 2026 is not confirmed in the provided search results, it is clear that the TSMIT is set below the national full-time average of $108,352 per year. For the most current TSMIT figure, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website. Use the Guides on this site to learn more about how salaries compare across industries and occupations.