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Australian Border Force salary: how it compares to the national full-time average

The Australian Border Force recruit trainee salary of $66,839 is well below 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

Where the Australian Border Force salary sits against the national full-time average

The Australian Border Force (ABF) recruit trainee salary is a specific figure published by the ABF itself. For the 12-month Border Force Officer Recruit Training Program, trainees receive $66,839 per year (plus 15.4% superannuation) as at May 2025. This is an APS3-level salary, and shift penalties apply for evening, weekend, and public holiday work.

How it compares to the national full-time average

The national full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026, is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. The ABF recruit salary of $66,839 is roughly 38% below that average. It is also below the full-time median of $90,532 and the all-employees median of $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, August 2025).

Comparison with the minimum wage and award rates

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38-hour week, amounting to about $52,255 per year (Fair Work). The ABF recruit salary is above the minimum wage, but award minimums for many classifications rose by 4.75% in the same period. The ABF salary is set by enterprise agreement or determination, not the award.

Tax implications

For the 2026–27 income year, a salary of $66,839 falls into the 30% marginal tax bracket (after the tax-free threshold of $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, then 30% up to $135,000). The Medicare levy of 2% also applies, though reductions may be available for low-income earners. After tax and Medicare, the take-home pay would be approximately $53,000, depending on individual circumstances.

State and territory comparisons

The national full-time average varies by state. For example, the average in New South Wales is about $109,658, in Victoria $106,137, and in Western Australia $115,825. The ABF recruit salary is below all state averages, though the gap is smallest in Tasmania ($96,008) and largest in the ACT ($119,090). States and territories provides a full breakdown.

How the ABF salary progresses

The $66,839 figure is for the recruit training year only. After training, officers move to higher APS classifications, which typically increase pay. The ABF also offers penalty rates for shift work: 15% for evening hours, 50% on Saturdays, 100% on Sundays, and 150% on public holidays. These can significantly boost total earnings.

Where to check your own salary

If you are comparing a different role or level, you can Place a salary on the line to see how it stacks up against the national full-time average, medians, and minimum wage. The site uses the latest ABS data and Fair Work figures.

Key takeaways

  • The Australian Border Force recruit trainee salary is $66,839 per year (plus super).
  • This is well below the national full-time average of $108,352 and the full-time median of $90,532.
  • It is above the national minimum wage of $52,255.
  • Shift penalties can increase take-home pay significantly.
  • After training, salaries rise with higher APS classifications.

Questions

What is the Australian Border Force salary for a recruit trainee?

As at May 2025, the Border Force Officer Recruit Training Program pays $66,839 per year (plus 15.4% superannuation) for the initial 12-month training period. This is an APS3-level salary. Shift penalties apply for evening, weekend, and public holiday work.

How does the Border Force salary compare to the national average?

The recruit trainee salary of $66,839 is about 38% below the national full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). It is also below the full-time median of $90,532 and the all-employees median of $74,100.

What is the median salary in Australia?

According to the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (August 2025), the median weekly earnings for all employees were $1,436, or about $74,100 per year. For full-time employees, the median was $1,674 per week, or about $90,532 per year.

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