Where does a CFO salary sit against the national full-time average?
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) salaries are not captured in official Australian earnings surveys such as the ABS Average Weekly Earnings or the Fair Work Modern Awards Pay Database. Unlike award-covered roles, executive positions are individually negotiated and reported only in private remuneration surveys from specialist consultancies. This means there is no single authoritative figure for a "CFO salary" in Australia. However, we can still assess where such a role would typically sit relative to the national full-time adult average of $108,460 a year (based on the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026 full-time adult ordinary-time average of $2,083.70 × 52).
The national full-time average as a benchmark
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings for adults averaged $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. This is the line used on this site. For context:
- The full-time median (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025) is about $90,532.
- The all-employees median is about $74,100.
- The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, about $52,255 per year on 38 hours.
A CFO salary is almost always well above the full-time average. Even a relatively modest CFO role in a small-to-medium enterprise would likely exceed $150,000–$200,000 total package. In large corporations or ASX-listed companies, total remuneration (including bonuses, equity, and superannuation) can exceed $500,000 or more.
What would move a CFO salary above or below the average?
Several factors determine whether a CFO's pay sits above or below the national full-time average:
Company size and revenue
The most significant factor. CFOs of multinationals or large listed companies command packages that are multiples of the average. A CFO of a small business with fewer than 20 employees might earn closer to $120,000–$150,000, still above the average but not dramatically so. In contrast, a CFO of a top-200 ASX company could earn $1 million or more.
Industry
Industry average earnings vary. According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings by sector show:
- Private sector: $2,034.10 per week ($105,773 per year)
- Public sector: $2,263.10 per week ($117,681 per year)
CFOs in mining, finance, and professional services tend to earn more than those in retail, hospitality, or non-profit. The state averages also reflect industry mix: Western Australia's full-time average is about $115,825 (driven by mining), while Tasmania's is about $96,008.
Location
State and territory averages provide a guide:
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090 (highest, due to public sector concentration)
- Western Australia: $115,825
- New South Wales: $109,658
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- South Australia: $102,450
- Tasmania: $96,008
A CFO based in Sydney or Melbourne may earn a premium over one in Hobart or Adelaide, though remote work is changing this.
Experience and qualifications
A CFO with 20+ years of experience, a CPA or CA qualification, and a track record of successful capital raisings or M&A will command a higher salary. Conversely, a first-time CFO or one moving from a financial controller role may start lower.
Bonus and equity components
Total remuneration for CFOs often includes short-term incentives (bonuses) and long-term incentives (equity or options). These can double or triple the base salary. The base salary alone may be above the average, but total package can be far higher.
How to compare your CFO salary with the line
If you are a CFO or considering a CFO role, you can place a salary on the line to see how it compares with the national full-time average, medians, and minimum wage. The tool shows your yearly salary before tax, a weekly equivalent on a 38-hour week, and the distance from the average.
For more granular comparisons, explore job medians and industry medians. Note that the ABS does not publish a specific median for CFOs, but you can look at related categories such as "Chief Executives and Managing Directors" or "Financial Managers". The all-employees median of $74,100 gives a lower benchmark.
Tax implications for high earners
A CFO salary well above the average will fall into higher tax brackets. For 2026–27, the 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
- 45% above $190,000 Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (before any reductions).
A CFO earning $250,000 would pay a marginal rate of 45% plus 2% Medicare levy on income above $190,000. This is important for net take-home comparisons.
Summary
While a precise CFO salary figure is not published by official sources, it is safe to say that CFO pay typically sits well above the national full-time average of $108,352. The exact position depends on company size, industry, location, experience, and remuneration structure. For a personalised comparison, use the line tool or check state and territory averages.
For more on how the figures are set, see How the figures are set. For guides on salary negotiation and benchmarking, visit Guides.