Understanding Your Base Salary Against the Australian Full-Time Average
When you receive a job offer or review your current pay, the first question is often: "How does this base salary compare to the national average?" In Australia, the most authoritative benchmark is the full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in its Average Weekly Earnings survey. As of May 2026, that figure is $2,083.70 per week, or approximately $108,352 per year when multiplied by 52. This is the line that Average line uses to show where your salary sits.
What the Average Includes
The ABS figure covers full-time adult employees (excluding overtime) in both the public and private sectors. It is an average, not a median, meaning it can be influenced by high earners. For a more typical experience, the ABS also publishes median earnings. In August 2025, the median weekly earnings for all employees was $1,436, or about $74,672 per year. For full-time employees specifically, the median was about $1,741 per week, or roughly $90,532 per year. These medians give a better sense of what a typical worker earns.
The National Minimum Wage as a Floor
Every base salary in Australia must meet at least the national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. For a standard 38-hour week, that works out to about $52,255 per year. However, most employees are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides tools to check the correct minimum for your industry and role.
State and Territory Variations
Your base salary's position relative to the national average can also depend on where you work. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey breaks down full-time ordinary time earnings by state and territory. For May 2026, the annualised averages are:
- New South Wales: about $109,658
- Victoria: about $106,137
- Queensland: about $106,064
- South Australia: about $102,450
- Western Australia: about $115,825
- Tasmania: about $96,008
- Northern Territory: about $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: about $119,090
These differences reflect local industry mixes, cost of living, and labour market conditions. If your base salary is below the national average but above your state average, you may still be competitive locally. Explore states and territories for more detail.
Public vs Private Sector
The ABS data also distinguishes between sectors. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary time earnings in the public sector averaged $2,263.10 per week (about $117,681 per year), while the private sector averaged $2,034.10 per week (about $105,773 per year). If you work in government, your base salary is likely to be higher on average, but private sector roles often include bonuses or other incentives.
Ordinary Time vs Total Earnings
The benchmark used on Average line is ordinary time earnings, which excludes overtime. However, the ABS also publishes total earnings including overtime. For full-time adults, average weekly total earnings were $2,160.00 in May 2026, or about $112,320 per year. If your base salary is supplemented by regular overtime, your total compensation may exceed the ordinary time average.
How to Interpret Your Salary on Average line
When you place a salary on the line, the tool calculates your weekly and hourly rate based on a 38-hour week and shows the distance from the full-time average. For example, a base salary of $90,000 per year is about $1,730 per week, which is below the national average of $2,083.70. The tool will also show how you compare to medians and the minimum wage. You can adjust for different hours or include bonuses to see a fuller picture.
Gender Pay Differences
The ABS data reveals a persistent gender pay gap. For full-time adult ordinary time earnings, men averaged $2,181.50 per week (about $113,438 per year) while women averaged $1,934.50 per week (about $100,594 per year). When comparing your base salary, it's useful to consider these averages by gender, though individual circumstances vary widely.
Industry and Occupation Medians
Your base salary may also be influenced by your industry or occupation. The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey provides median hourly earnings by occupation. For example, managers had a median hourly rate of $69.20, professionals $64.50, while sales workers were lower. You can explore industry medians and job medians on this site to see typical pay in your field.
Tax Considerations
Your base salary is before tax. For the 2026–27 financial year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy of 2% applies to most taxpayers. After tax, your take-home pay will be lower, but the comparisons on Average line are always based on gross salary.
How the Figures Are Set
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey is conducted twice a year, in May and November. The May 2026 release showed a 3.7% annual increase in full-time ordinary time earnings. The national minimum wage is reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission, with changes effective from 1 July. For more on the methodology, see how the figures are set.
Using This Information
Whether you are negotiating a raise, evaluating a job offer, or just curious, knowing where your base salary sits against the national full-time average gives you context. Use the Average line tool to see your position instantly. And remember that averages can mask a wide range; your personal circumstances, skills, and location all matter.
For further reading, check our guides on salary negotiation and understanding pay scales.