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Assistant Accountant Salary in Australia: How It Compares to the National Average

The ABS does not publish a separate average for assistant accountants. Based on related data, assistant accountant pay is likely below the national full-time ordinary-time average of $108,352 a year.

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

Introduction

Assistant accountants play a key role in financial reporting, reconciliations, and supporting senior accountants. But where does their pay sit against the national full-time average? This article explores the available data, benchmarks, and factors that can move an assistant accountant salary above or below the line.

How the national average is set

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes the official national full-time adult ordinary-time average twice a year. The latest figure, from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, is $2,083.70 per week, which works out to about $108,352 a year (multiplied by 52). This is the figure used by Average line as the reference point. It is an average of all full-time adult employees across all industries and sectors, not a median or a minimum.

For comparison, the full-time median earnings (from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, August 2025) are about $90,532 a year, and the all-employees median (including part-time) is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 a year on a 38-hour week, as set by Fair Work. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from that date.

Where assistant accountant pay sits

The ABS does not publish a separate average or median for assistant accountants. The closest occupational data is for Accountants (ANZSCO 2211), which includes assistant accountants, management accountants, and other roles. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, using ABS data, the median full-time earnings for accountants is $2,003 per week ($104,156 a year). This is below the national full-time average of $108,352.

Assistant accountants are typically at the junior end of the occupation, so their pay is likely lower than the accountant median. Without a published figure, we can estimate that many assistant accountants earn between the national minimum wage and the accountant median, depending on experience and location.

Using the accountant median

The accountant median of $104,156 is a useful benchmark. If an assistant accountant earns at or above this median, they are likely close to or above the national average. However, entry-level roles often start below $70,000, while experienced assistants can reach $90,000 or more. The gap between the accountant median and the national average is about $4,200 a year, so even a mid-level assistant accountant may sit slightly below the line.

Award coverage

Many assistant accountants are covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award or the Professional Employees Award, depending on their duties and employer. Fair Work’s Modern Awards Pay Database sets minimum rates for classifications under these awards. For example, a Level 4 clerk under the Clerks Award might earn around $1,000 per week, well below the national average. However, most assistant accountants are paid above award rates, especially in professional services or corporate environments.

Factors that move pay above or below the average

Several factors can push an assistant accountant’s salary above or below the national full-time average:

  • Experience and qualifications: Those with part-completed CPA or CA programs, or several years of experience, can command higher pay. Entry-level or graduate roles are often below the average.
  • Location: State full-time averages vary significantly. For instance, Western Australia’s average is about $115,825, while Tasmania’s is about $96,008. An assistant accountant in Perth may earn above the national average, while one in Hobart may earn below. See our States and territories page for more detail.
  • Industry: Mining, finance, and professional services tend to pay more than retail or hospitality. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings shows private sector full-time ordinary-time earnings of $2,034.10 per week ($105,773 a year), slightly below the national average, while the public sector averages $2,263.10 ($117,681 a year).
  • Employer size: Large firms and multinationals often pay above the average, while small businesses may pay closer to award rates.
  • Full-time vs part-time: Many assistant accountants work part-time, which lowers their weekly earnings. The all-employees average total earnings are $1,579.20 per week ($82,118 a year), well below the full-time average.

State and territory comparisons

If you are an assistant accountant, your location matters. The ABS provides full-time adult ordinary-time earnings by state (original, May 2026):

  • New South Wales: $2,108.80 per week ($109,658 a year)
  • Victoria: $2,041.10 ($106,137)
  • Queensland: $2,039.70 ($106,064)
  • South Australia: $1,970.20 ($102,450)
  • Western Australia: $2,227.40 ($115,825)
  • Tasmania: $1,846.30 ($96,008)
  • Northern Territory: $1,984.10 ($103,173)
  • Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20 ($119,090)

An assistant accountant in the ACT or WA is more likely to earn above the national average, while one in Tasmania or SA may need higher experience to reach it. You can Place a salary on the line to see how your pay compares.

Tax considerations

For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy of 2% applies before any reductions. An assistant accountant earning $80,000 would pay about $16,567 in tax plus Medicare, leaving a net income of around $63,433. Those earning above the national average of $108,352 fall into the 30% bracket but may approach the 37% threshold if bonuses push them higher.

Conclusion

While the ABS does not publish a specific assistant accountant salary, the available data suggests that most assistant accountants earn below the national full-time ordinary-time average of $108,352 a year. The accountant median of $104,156 provides a reference, but junior roles are often lower. Factors like location, industry, experience, and qualifications can move pay above or below the line. For a personalised comparison, use our Job medians page or Industry medians page. Understanding where your salary sits helps you negotiate and plan your career.

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

Questions

What is the average salary for an assistant accountant in Australia?

The ABS does not publish a specific average for assistant accountants. The closest published figure is the median full-time earnings for all accountants (ANZSCO 2211), which is $2,003 per week ($104,156 a year) according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, August 2025. Assistant accountants typically earn less than this median, but no official average is available.

How does an assistant accountant salary compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 a year) from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. Since assistant accountants generally earn below the accountant median of $104,156, their pay is likely below the national average. However, individual salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer.

What factors can increase an assistant accountant's pay?

Experience, professional qualifications (e.g., CPA or CA progression), working in a higher-paying state like Western Australia or the ACT, and employment in the public sector or industries such as mining can lift pay. Award coverage under the Clerks – Private Sector Award or Professional Employees Award may set minimum rates, but above-award wages are common.

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