Where the construction manager salary sits against the line
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2083.7 a week, about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The site's line is that figure. For a construction manager, the ABS does not publish a separate average in the Average Weekly Earnings series. However, the role is senior, often requiring a trade background, qualifications, and project management experience. Industry surveys and award classifications indicate that construction manager salaries are typically above the national full-time average. The all-employees median is about $74,100, and the full-time median about $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). Construction managers are more likely to fall in the upper half of the distribution.
What would move this pay above or below the average
Several factors can push a construction manager salary above or below the line. Experience and qualifications are key. A construction manager with a degree, chartered status, or many years on large projects can earn significantly more than the national average. Location also matters: state full-time averages range from Tasmania ($96,008) to the ACT ($119,090). A construction manager in Western Australia or the ACT is more likely to be above the line, while one in Tasmania may be closer to it. The industry sector also plays a role. Commercial and infrastructure projects often pay more than residential. The size and value of projects influence salary; managing a high-rise tower or a major road project commands a premium.
How the figures are set
The national full-time average is from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. The minimum wage is from Fair Work, from 1 July 2026. The medians are from the ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025. The site uses these distinct sources. For a construction manager, no precise figure is published, so readers should place a salary on the line to compare their own salary. The construction industry median is available on the construction industry page.
Industry and occupation context
The construction industry is a major employer. The full-time average for all employees in construction is not separately given, but the industry median is available from the ABS Employee Earnings. The role of construction manager is senior, so it is likely above the all-employees median. The full-time median is about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100. The construction manager salary is typically above both. The award minimums rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The award for construction managers is the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. The classification for a construction manager is typically above the award minimum, often exceeding the national full-time average.
State and territory differences
State full-time averages vary. New South Wales full-time average 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. A construction manager in a high-average state may earn more. The states and territories page provides more detail.
How to use this information
If you are a construction manager, you can compare your salary to the national full-time average. If you earn above $108,352, you are above the line. If below, you are below. The site also shows the week and hour on a 38-hour week. The distance from the full-time average is displayed. The job medians page can help you see where your occupation fits. The guides offer more context. The data page explains the sources. The about this site explains the purpose.
Tax and take-home pay
Resident tax 2026–27: nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 90% to $190,000; 45% above that. Medicare levy 2% before reductions. A construction manager earning above the average will be in the 30% or 37% bracket. The take-home pay after tax and Medicare is lower. The site shows before-tax salary.
Conclusion
The construction manager salary is not a published figure in the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, so the site does not have a separate average. The role is typically above the national full-time average. The factors that move pay above or below the line include experience, location, project size, and industry sector. Use the site to compare your salary.