Understanding the average yearly salary in Australia
The most widely cited measure of the average yearly salary in Australia comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings survey. For May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, seasonally adjusted. That works out to about $108,352 per year (multiplying by 52 weeks). This figure is the benchmark used on this site to show where your pay sits on the line.
But the average is not the whole story. It is a mean, so it can be lifted by high incomes. The ABS also publishes medians: the full-time median was about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median (including part-time and casual) was about $74,100, based on Employee Earnings data from August 2025. Understanding the difference helps you see whether your salary is typical or exceptional.
What moves pay above or below the average?
Several factors determine whether an individual’s salary falls above or below the national full-time average. The most important are industry, occupation, gender, location, sector (public or private), and the type of employment arrangement.
Industry and occupation
Some industries consistently pay above the average. According to the ABS, the highest-earning occupations are Managers (hourly median $69.20) and Professionals ($64.50). Industries like mining, information media, and financial services tend to have higher average earnings. In contrast, retail trade and accommodation have lower averages. If you work in a high-paying occupation or industry, your salary is more likely to exceed the national average. You can compare your role against industry and occupation medians on our Industry medians and Job medians pages.
Gender pay gap
The ABS data shows a persistent gap between men’s and women’s full-time average earnings. For May 2026, men’s full-time ordinary-time average was about $113,412 per year, while women’s was about $100,594. That is a difference of roughly $12,800. The gap reflects differences in industry, occupation, hours, and career breaks. Women are more likely to work in lower-paid industries and part-time roles, which pulls down the overall female average.
State and territory differences
Where you live matters. The ACT has the highest full-time average at about $119,090, followed by Western Australia at $115,825. Tasmania is lowest at $96,008. These differences reflect local industry mixes, cost of living, and labour demand. For a full breakdown, see our States and territories page.
Public vs private sector
Public sector employees earn more on average than private sector workers. The ABS reports full-time adult ordinary-time earnings in the public sector at $2,263.10 per week (about $117,681 per year), compared to $2,034.10 in the private sector (about $105,773). Public sector roles often require higher qualifications and have structured pay scales, while private sector earnings vary more widely.
Full-time vs part-time and casual work
The national average is based on full-time adults. Part-time and casual workers earn less per week on average. The all-employees average weekly total earnings was $1,579.20 in May 2026, about $82,118 per year. Casual employees (19% of all employees in August 2025) often receive a loading but may have less predictable hours. Median employee earnings in the main job were $1,425 per week in August 2025, according to the ABS.
Method of setting pay
How your pay is set affects whether it tracks the average. The ABS found that individual arrangement was the most common method (38.5%), followed by collective agreement (34.6%). Award-covered workers (including those on the minimum wage) tend to earn less. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from that date. If your pay is set by an award or enterprise agreement, it may be below the average unless you work in a high-paying classification.
How to see where your salary sits
You can Place a salary on the line to compare your yearly pay against the national full-time average. The tool also shows your weekly and hourly equivalents based on a 38-hour week, and the distance above or below the average. This helps you understand whether you are ahead or behind the typical full-time worker.
Why the average changes over time
The ABS releases Average Weekly Earnings twice a year, for May and November. The May 2026 figure showed annual growth of 3.7% in ordinary-time earnings. Changes in the average can come from wage rises, but also from shifts in the composition of the workforce—for example, more people moving into higher-paying jobs or industries. The ABS notes that movements can be affected by changes in the proportion of full-time, part-time, casual and junior employees, as well as occupational and industry distribution.
Using the average as a benchmark
The national full-time average is a useful benchmark, but it is not the only one. Medians give a better sense of the typical worker. The minimum wage shows the legal floor. For a deeper look at how the figures are set, see How the figures are set. For guidance on negotiating pay or understanding your award, check our Guides.
In summary, your pay relative to the average yearly salary in Australia depends on your industry, occupation, location, gender, and employment type. The average is a moving target, but knowing where you stand helps you make informed career and financial decisions.