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AFL coach salary: How it compares to the national full-time average

AFL coach salaries vary widely by role, with assistant coaches averaging $200,000 and senior coaches around $800,000–$900,000, far above the national full-time average of $108,352.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

AFL coach salary: Where it sits against the national line

AFL coaching salaries have risen significantly in recent years, but they vary enormously by role and come with notable job security concerns. The latest AFL Coaches Association salary benchmarking survey, reported by, provides average figures for different coaching positions. These figures can be compared to the national full-time adult ordinary-time average of $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).

Coaching roles and their averages

The survey splits coaches into seven categories. The key averages are:

  • Senior coach: The survey withholds the exact average, but it is understood to be around $800,000–$900,000 per year, with many exceeding $1 million including bonuses.
  • Director of coaching: $250,000 per year.
  • Assistant coach: $200,000 per year.
  • Head of development: $175,000–$200,000 per year.
  • Development coach: $125,000 per year.

All these figures are well above the national full-time average. Even a development coach, the entry-level role, earns about 15% more than the average full-time worker. An assistant coach earns nearly double the national average, while a senior coach earns roughly eight times as much.

How the national line is drawn

The national full-time average used on this site comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, which measures ordinary-time earnings for full-time adults. The May 2026 release shows a weekly figure of $2,083.70, or $108,352 annually (multiplied by 52). This is the line against which all salaries are compared. For context, the full-time median is about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week.

AFL coach salaries are not set by any award or minimum wage; they are negotiated individually. However, the survey reveals that 65% of assistant and development coaches have a termination period of three months or less, which the Coaches Association says affects mental health and deters former players from entering the profession. The association is pushing for standard termination payouts of up to 12 months for in-contract coaches who are sacked.

State and award context

While AFL coach salaries are not directly tied to state averages, the financial strength of clubs can vary by location. The survey notes that clubs that are not as strong financially are less able to attract assistants who are comfortable signing contracts without a payout clause. This can create an uneven playing field across the competition.

State full-time averages from the ABS (May 2026) range from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT. Even the lowest state average is well below the lowest AFL coaching role. For a detailed look at how your salary compares by state, see States and territories.

The gap between player and coach wages

The survey also highlights that the gap between average player wages ($506,000 last year) and average assistant coach wages ($200,000) continues to grow. Players who are sacked while in contract are generally paid the full amount remaining, whereas coaches often receive only a few months' payout. This disparity is a key factor in the push for better termination conditions.

Putting your own salary on the line

If you want to see where your salary sits against the national full-time average, you can Place a salary on the line. The tool shows your weekly and hourly rate based on a 38-hour week, plus the distance from the average.

Summary

AFL coach salaries are far above the national full-time average, but they come with significant job insecurity. The average assistant coach earns $200,000, more than double the national average, while senior coaches earn around $800,000–$900,000. Development coaches start at $125,000. These figures are not governed by awards or state minimums, but by individual club contracts. The AFL Coaches Association continues to advocate for longer termination periods to improve mental health and attract the next generation of coaches.

For more on how the figures are set, see How the figures are set.

Questions

What is the average salary of an AFL senior coach?

The AFL Coaches Association survey withholds the exact average for senior coaches, but it is understood to be around $800,000 to $900,000 per year. Many senior coaches earn over $1 million including bonuses. This is roughly 7–8 times the national full-time average of $108,352.

How does an AFL assistant coach salary compare to the national full-time average?

AFL assistant coaches average $200,000 per year, which is about 85% above the national full-time average of $108,352. However, two in three assistants have a termination period of three months or less, creating job insecurity that affects mental health.

Are AFL coach salaries affected by state or award conditions?

AFL coach salaries are set by individual club contracts, not by state awards or the national minimum wage. However, clubs in less financially strong positions may struggle to attract assistants with favourable payout clauses. The national full-time average varies by state, from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT, but AFL coach salaries are far above all state averages.

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