Understanding the Adecco Salary Guide and the National Average
The Adecco salary guide is a widely referenced resource for job seekers and employers, offering typical pay ranges for hundreds of roles across Australia. It draws on data from Adecco’s own placements, client surveys, and market analysis. However, the guide does not publish a single national average figure. For that, the most authoritative source is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings survey.
As of May 2026, the ABS reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings average $2,083.70 per week. Multiplied by 52 weeks, that equals approximately $108,352 per year. This is the benchmark line on this site. Your salary may be above or below this line depending on your circumstances.
Where the Adecco Guide Fits In
The Adecco salary guide is useful for understanding what employers are paying for specific jobs in specific markets. For example, it might show that a senior accountant in Sydney earns between $110,000 and $130,000, while a similar role in Hobart might be $95,000 to $110,000. These ranges are not official statistics; they are market estimates. The ABS average, by contrast, is a statistical measure of what all full-time adults earn, regardless of role.
If you have a salary from the Adecco guide, you can place it on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average. The tool will also show you the weekly and hourly equivalent based on a 38-hour week.
Other Benchmarks to Consider
Beyond the full-time average, the ABS also publishes medians. The full-time median weekly earnings are about $1,741, or roughly $90,532 per year. The median for all employees (including part-time) is about $1,425 per week, or $74,100 per year. These medians are often more representative of a typical worker than the average, which can be pulled up by high earners.
The national minimum wage, set by Fair Work from 1 July 2026, is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38-hour week. That works out to about $52,255 per year. Award minimums rose by 4.75% at the same time. If your Adecco guide suggests a salary near the minimum, it may be an entry-level or casual role.
What Moves Your Pay Above or Below the Average?
Several factors can push your salary above or below the $108,352 line:
- Industry: The ABS data shows wide variation. For example, mining and professional services typically pay well above average, while retail and hospitality pay below. You can explore industry medians on this site.
- Occupation: Managers and professionals earn the highest hourly rates ($69.20 and $64.50 respectively, according to the ABS Employee Earnings survey). Sales assistants and labourers earn less. See job medians for more.
- Location: State averages differ significantly. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest full-time average at about $119,090, followed by Western Australia at $115,825. Tasmania is lowest at $96,008. States and territories page shows all figures.
- Sector: Public sector full-time ordinary-time earnings average $2,263.10 per week ($117,681 per year), while private sector is $2,034.10 ($105,773). If your role is in government, you are likely above the national average.
- Gender: The gender pay gap for full-time ordinary earnings is 11.3%, the lowest on record. Men average $113,412 per year, women $100,594. This gap is influenced by occupation, industry, and hours.
- Experience and tenure: The Adecco guide often differentiates by experience level. Entry-level roles will be below the average; senior roles above.
Using This Site to Benchmark Your Salary
This site is built around the ABS Average Weekly Earnings line. You enter your annual salary before tax, and we calculate your weekly and hourly rate on a 38-hour week. We then show the dollar and percentage difference from the national full-time average. You can also compare to state averages, medians, and the minimum wage.
If you have a figure from the Adecco salary guide, enter it here to see where it stands. The guide may be a useful starting point, but the ABS data gives you an objective national benchmark. Remember that the Adecco guide is not an official statistic; it is a market indicator. For the most accurate picture, combine multiple sources.
Tax and Take-Home Pay
Your gross salary is before tax. For the 2026–27 financial year, the ATO tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy of 2% applies to most taxpayers, though reductions may apply for low incomes. If your Adecco guide salary is $108,352, your tax would be roughly $24,288 plus Medicare, leaving about $81,000 take-home. Use the Guides section for more on tax.
Final Thoughts
The Adecco salary guide is a helpful tool for job seekers, but it should be used alongside official data. The national full-time average from the ABS is the most reliable single number for comparing your pay. Whether your salary is above or below that line depends on your industry, role, location, and experience. Use this site to see exactly where you stand.
For more detail on how the figures are set, visit How the figures are set.