Construction project manager salary and the national average
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific salary figure for construction project managers. This means we cannot give you a single number to compare against the national full-time average of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). However, we can use the available data to understand where this role typically sits and what would move its pay above or below the line.
The national benchmark
The line on this site is the national full-time adult ordinary-time average: $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year (multiplied by 52 weeks). This is the figure the ABS calculates from its twice-yearly Average Weekly Earnings survey. It covers all full-time employees, not just those in construction. For context, the full-time median is about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week.
A construction project manager is a senior role, often requiring qualifications in engineering, construction management, or a trade background, plus several years of experience. The role typically involves overseeing budgets, timelines, subcontractors, and compliance. Because of this responsibility, it is reasonable to expect that a construction project manager salary sits above the national full-time average. But how far above depends on several factors.
State and territory differences
Where you work matters. The ABS publishes full-time averages for each state and territory, and these vary significantly:
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
- 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 construction project manager in the ACT or Western Australia is likely to earn more than one in Tasmania, reflecting both the cost of living and the demand for construction in those regions. If you are in a state with a high average, your salary is more likely to be above the national line. You can explore these differences on our states and territories page.
Industry context
The construction industry itself has a wide range of pay levels. The all-employees median for construction is not separately listed in the on-site notes, but the industry is known for having both lower-skilled roles (labourers, trades assistants) and highly skilled roles (project managers, engineers). The ABS Employee Earnings survey shows that full-time employees in construction tend to earn above the all-industries median, but the median for all employees (including part-time and casual) is $74,100. A construction project manager is almost certainly above that median, and likely above the full-time median of $90,532 as well.
For more industry-specific data, see our Construction page, which may include median figures from the ABS.
What would move pay above or below the average?
Several factors can push a construction project manager's salary above or below the national full-time average:
- Experience and seniority: Entry-level project managers or those managing small residential projects may earn close to the national average or slightly below. Senior project managers on large commercial or infrastructure projects often earn well above, sometimes $150,000 or more.
- Project value: Larger projects typically command higher salaries. A project manager on a $100 million high-rise will earn more than one on a $2 million townhouse development.
- Employment type: Salaried employees are common, but contractors or those on hourly rates may earn a premium to cover their own insurance and superannuation. The national minimum wage provides a floor, but project managers are rarely near it.
- Award coverage: The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 sets minimum rates for some roles, but many project managers are classified as managerial and are not covered by the award. The 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026 affects award-covered workers, but not those on individual contracts.
- Location: As noted, state averages vary. Even within a state, city versus regional pay can differ. For example, a project manager in Sydney may earn more than one in regional NSW.
- Company size: Large developers and construction firms often pay more than small builders.
Tax and take-home pay
If you earn above the national average, it is worth understanding the tax brackets for 2026–27. The first $18,200 is tax-free. Then:
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (before any reductions). A construction project manager earning $120,000 would fall into the 30% bracket plus Medicare, giving a marginal rate of 32%. The effective tax rate would be lower. For a precise comparison, you can place a salary on the line to see how it stacks up after tax.
Where to find more data
The figures on this site come from the ABS (Average Weekly Earnings and Employee Earnings), Fair Work (minimum wage and award rates), and the ATO (tax brackets). We do not invent precise statistics. If you need a specific salary for a construction project manager, you may need to consult industry surveys or job advertisements, as the ABS does not break down occupations to that level. For more on how we set our figures, see How the figures are set.
Summary
While there is no official construction project manager salary figure, the role is widely understood to pay above the national full-time average of $108,352. State averages, industry data, and the seniority of the role all support this. The exact amount depends on where you work, your experience, and the projects you manage. Use the tools on this site to compare your own salary against the line.