Average Full Time Salary Australia
The national full-time average salary in Australia is $108,352 per year before tax, or $2,083.70 per week on a 38‑hour week. This figure is the line used on this site to compare any salary against the national full-time average. It comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026, which measures ordinary-time earnings for full-time adult employees across all industries and states.
How the average is calculated
The ABS collects data from employers on weekly ordinary-time earnings for full-time adults. Ordinary-time earnings exclude overtime, bonuses, and irregular payments. The figure is then annualised by multiplying by 52 weeks. The result is an average, not a median, meaning it can be influenced by very high salaries at the top end.
How your salary compares
If you place a salary on the line, the tool shows how far it sits above or below the national full-time average. For example, a salary of $90,000 is about $18,352 below the average, while $120,000 is about $11,648 above. You can place a salary on the line to see your own comparison.
Medians and the minimum wage
The average is not the only benchmark. The full-time median salary is $90,532 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). This means half of full-time workers earn less and half earn more. The all-employees median (including part-time and casual workers) is $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $52,255 per year for a 38‑hour week, or $26.44 per hour. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from that date.
State and territory averages
Full-time averages vary significantly by location. The Australian Capital Territory leads at $119,090, followed by Western Australia at $115,825. New South Wales is $109,658, Victoria $106,137, Queensland $106,064, South Australia $102,450, the Northern Territory $103,173, and Tasmania $96,008. These are all averages from the same ABS survey. For a detailed breakdown, see the states and territories page.
Gender differences
The ABS also reports separate averages for men and women. Men’s full-time ordinary-time average is about $113,412 per year, while women’s is about $100,594. The gap of roughly $12,800 reflects differences in industries, occupations, and hours worked, even within full-time employment.
Tax on the average salary
For the 2026–27 income year, the resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income 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. On the average full-time salary of $108,352, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be approximately $24,667, leaving about $83,685 after tax before the levy.
How the figures are set
The national full-time average is updated twice a year, in May and November, when the ABS releases Average Weekly Earnings. The medians are updated less frequently, from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, most recently August 2025. The minimum wage is set by Fair Work each financial year. For more detail on the methodology, visit how the figures are set.
Using the average in context
The average full-time salary is a useful benchmark, but it does not represent a typical worker. Because it is pulled upward by high earners, many full-time employees earn below the average. The median gives a better sense of the middle. When comparing your own salary, consider both the average and the median, as well as your industry, occupation, and location. The job medians and industry medians pages provide more specific benchmarks.
Frequently asked questions
Is the average full-time salary the same as the median? No. The average is the sum of all salaries divided by the number of workers. The median is the middle value when all salaries are ranked. The average is higher than the median in Australia because of high earners at the top.
Does the average include overtime and bonuses? No. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings measure ordinary-time earnings only. Overtime, bonuses, commissions, and irregular payments are excluded. This gives a consistent base for comparison.
How often is the average updated? The ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year, for May and November. The figures used on this site are from the May 2026 release. The next update will be for November 2026, typically released in February 2027.
Summary
The national full-time average salary in Australia is $108,352 per year. It is a key benchmark for comparing any salary, but should be viewed alongside medians, state averages, and the minimum wage. Use the tools on this site to see where your pay sits on the line.