Construction Management Salary and the National Average
Construction management is a senior role that typically commands a salary above the national full-time average. While the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific figure for "construction management", we can use the available national benchmarks to understand where such a salary sits.
The National Full-Time Average
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings average $2,083.70 per week. Multiplied by 52 weeks, that is about $108,352 per year. This is the line on this site. Any construction management salary above this figure is above the national average.
Medians: A Different Measure
The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (August 2025) gives the full-time median at about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median at about $74,100. The median is the middle point—half earn more, half less. Construction management roles are likely to be above both medians, often well above the full-time median.
Minimum Wage Context
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38-hour week, equating to about $52,255 per year. Award minimums rose 4.75% at the same time. Construction management salaries far exceed the minimum wage, reflecting the responsibility and skill required.
State Variations
Construction management pay varies by state. The full-time averages by state (ABS, May 2026) are:
- New South Wales: $109,658
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- South Australia: $102,450
- Western Australia: $115,825
- Tasmania: $96,008
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
A construction management salary in Western Australia or the ACT may be higher to match the local average, while Tasmania's lower average may mean slightly lower pay. For more detail, see the States and territories page.
Reading Salary as Year, Week, and Hour
This site converts any annual salary to a weekly and hourly figure based on a 38‑hour week and 52 weeks per year. For example, if a construction manager earns $130,000 per year, that is $2,500 per week and about $65.79 per hour before tax. You can use the Place a salary on the line tool to see where any salary sits relative to the national average.
Industry and Occupation Data
The Construction industry page provides median earnings for the sector. While not specific to management, it gives a broader context. For more granular job-level data, see the Job medians page, which may include related roles such as construction project manager.
Gender Pay Gap
The ABS data shows men's full-time ordinary-time average at about $113,412 per year and women's at about $100,594. Construction management is a male-dominated field, and salaries may reflect that disparity. The national averages provide a benchmark for any individual negotiation.
Tax Considerations
For the 2026–27 financial year, 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 a 2% Medicare levy (subject to reductions). A construction management salary in the $120,000–$150,000 range falls in the 30% or 37% bracket. Use the ATO's tax calculator for precise take-home pay.
How the Figures Are Set
The national average comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, published twice a year (May and November). Medians come from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, published annually. The minimum wage is set by Fair Work. For more detail, see How the figures are set.
Summary
While no single "construction management salary" is published by the ABS, the role typically pays above the national full-time average of $108,352. Use the tools on this site to compare any salary against the line, the medians, and the minimum wage. The About this site page explains the methodology.