Chief of Staff Salary and the National Full-Time Average
There is no single official figure for a chief of staff salary in Australia. The role is not separately classified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in its earnings surveys, and no award or industrial instrument sets a minimum rate for it. Instead, pay for a chief of staff depends on the industry, the size and type of employer (public or private sector), the location, and the seniority of the position. The best starting point is the national full-time adult ordinary-time average, which the ABS publishes twice a year.
The National Benchmark: ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026
As of May 2026, the ABS reported that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings (seasonally adjusted) were $2,083.70. Over a standard 52-week year, that works out to about $108,352 before tax. This figure is the site’s line – the benchmark against which any salary can be compared. For a chief of staff, a salary near or above this line would be typical for a senior role, but the actual figure can vary significantly.
For context, the ABS also publishes a full-time median weekly earnings figure of about $1,887 (from the May 2025 Employee Earnings and Hours survey), which translates to roughly $90,532 per year. The all-employees median (including part-time workers) is about $1,436 per week, or $74,100 per year. These medians are lower than the average because the average is pulled up by high earners. A chief of staff role is likely to sit well above the median, often in the top quartile of full-time earnings.
State and Territory Variations
Where you work matters. The ABS breaks down full-time average weekly ordinary time earnings by state and territory. Using the on-site figures (derived from the same ABS release), the state full-time averages are:
- New South Wales: about $109,658 per year
- 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
A chief of staff in the ACT or Western Australia might expect higher pay, reflecting the concentration of public sector and mining industry roles. In Tasmania, the average is lower, so salaries may be more modest. You can explore these differences on our States and territories page.
Public vs Private Sector
The ABS data also distinguishes between sectors. In May 2026, full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings in the public sector were $2,263.10 ($117,681 per year) compared to $2,034.10 ($105,773 per year) in the private sector. Chief of staff roles in government departments or public agencies are more likely to follow classified salary bands, whereas private sector roles may be negotiated individually. The public sector premium is partly due to the higher proportion of professional and managerial positions.
Industry Context
While the ABS does not publish a specific figure for chief of staff, the industry in which the role sits is a strong indicator. The highest-paying industry for non-managerial employees is Mining, with average hourly total cash earnings of $74.10 (from the May 2025 Employee Earnings and Hours survey). Professionals across all industries average $64.50 per hour. A chief of staff in mining, finance, or professional services would likely earn above the national full-time average. In contrast, in industries such as retail or hospitality, the role may be less common and pay closer to the average.
How to Use This Information
If you are evaluating a chief of staff salary offer or setting a budget for a hire, the national full-time average of $108,352 is a useful reference point. For a senior executive role, you might expect a salary 20–50% above that average, but there is no official source that confirms this. The best approach is to Place a salary on the line and see how it compares to the national average, state averages, and industry medians. You can also browse Job medians for related roles such as managers or professionals.
The Minimum Wage Floor
For any role, the legal minimum is set by Fair Work. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, which equates to $1,004.90 per week or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from that date. A chief of staff salary would be many times this floor, but it is worth noting that even senior roles must comply with the relevant award or enterprise agreement if one applies.
Tax Considerations
Salaries are quoted before tax. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. A 2% Medicare levy applies before any reductions. A chief of staff earning $150,000 would fall into the 30% bracket (plus Medicare), so the after-tax amount would be lower. Our site shows the weekly and hourly figures on a 38-hour week, but we do not calculate tax.
Summary
Because the ABS does not track “chief of staff” as a separate occupation, there is no official average salary for this role. The national full-time average of $108,352 per year is the best starting point for comparison. Actual pay will depend on industry, sector, location, and negotiation. Use the tools on this site to see how any salary stacks up against the line.