Where cyber security jobs salary sits against the Australian average
If you're looking at a career in cyber security or hiring for one, the big question is how the pay compares to the national benchmark. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes the official full-time average, but it doesn't break out cyber security as a separate occupation. The closest category is Professionals, which covers many skilled roles including IT and security specialists.
The national full-time average
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 puts full-time adult ordinary time earnings at $2,083.70 per week. That works out to about $108,352 a year (multiply by 52). This is the line that Place a salary on the line uses to show how any given pay packet measures up.
For context, the full-time median – the middle point where half earn more and half earn less – is about $90,532 a year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median (including part-time) is about $74,100 a year.
What the ABS says about Professionals
The most recent Employee Earnings and Hours data (May 2025) shows that Professionals had median hourly earnings of $64.50. That's the highest hourly rate among all occupation groups except Managers ($69.20). On a standard 38-hour week, $64.50 an hour would come to about $127,000 a year – but remember, that's a median for a very broad group. Cyber security specialists, especially those with certifications and experience, may earn more or less depending on their specific role, industry, and location.
State-by-state differences
Where you work matters. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings by state (May 2026) shows:
- New South Wales: $109,658 a year
- 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
Cyber security jobs in the ACT (Canberra) often pay above the national average due to government and defence contracts. Western Australia also tends to be higher, driven by the resources sector. For a full breakdown, see States and territories.
Minimum wage and awards
Even if a precise cyber security average isn't published, the floor is set by Fair Work. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38-hour week (about $52,255 a year). Award minimums rose by 4.75% from that date. Many cyber security roles are covered by the Professional Employees Award or the Clerks – Private Sector Award, depending on duties. Check the relevant award on the Fair Work website for minimum rates.
Tax on cyber security earnings
Once you have a salary figure, the ATO's 2026–27 tax rates apply:
- $0 – $18,200: nil
- $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
- $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
- $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
- $190,001 and over: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000
Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (reductions may apply for low-income earners).
How to compare your cyber security salary
If you have a specific offer or current pay, you can use the Place a salary on the line tool to see how it compares to the national full-time average, the median, and the minimum wage. The tool shows your yearly figure, the weekly equivalent on a 38-hour week, and the distance from the ABS average.
For more detailed occupation and industry benchmarks, see Job medians and Industry medians. The Guides section has articles on negotiating salary and understanding pay data. And if you want to know how the ABS calculates these figures, visit How the figures are set or About this site.
The bottom line
While there is no official ABS figure for cyber security jobs salary, the evidence from the Professionals category suggests pay is comfortably above the national full-time average. Use the state averages and the median benchmarks to get a clearer picture for your situation.