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Event manager salary in Australia: how it compares with the national full-time average

There is no single published figure for event manager salary, but award rates range from about $52,000 to $78,500 per year, while many event managers earn above award, potentially around the full-time median of $90,532.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Event manager salary in Australia

Event managers coordinate and oversee events such as conferences, festivals, weddings, and corporate functions. Their pay can vary widely depending on the employer, location, experience, and whether they are covered by an award or an enterprise agreement. This article examines where event manager salaries sit against the national full-time average, using the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Fair Work.

How event manager pay compares with the national full-time average

The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings stood at $2,083.70 in May 2026, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings release. That works out to about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52 weeks). This is the benchmark used on this site to compare salaries.

For event managers, there is no single published average. However, the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (August 2025) provides useful context. The median weekly earnings for all full-time employees was $1,887 (about $98,124 per year), and the median for all employees (including part-time) was $1,436 ($74,672 per year). The average weekly total cash earnings for the occupation group "Managers" was $2,800.90, but this includes senior executives and may not reflect typical event manager pay.

Award coverage and minimum rates

Many event managers are covered by the Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020 (MA000080). Fair Work publishes pay guides for this award, and the latest rates apply from 1 July 2026. The award classifies employees into grades from Introductory to Grade 10. For adult full-time employees, the minimum weekly rates are:

  • Introductory: $978.10 ($25.74 per hour)
  • Grade 1: $1,004.90 ($26.44 per hour)
  • Grade 2: $1,029.10 ($27.08 per hour)
  • Grade 3: $1,062.90 ($27.97 per hour)
  • Grade 4: $1,119.10 ($29.45 per hour)
  • Grade 5: $1,154.30 ($30.38 per hour)
  • Grade 6: $1,189.20 ($31.29 per hour)
  • Grade 7: $1,221.10 ($32.13 per hour)
  • Grade 8: $1,283.10 ($33.77 per hour)
  • Grade 9: $1,420.90 ($37.39 per hour)
  • Grade 10: $1,510.80 ($39.76 per hour)

These rates are the legal minimum. Event managers with more responsibility or experience are likely to be classified at higher grades. For example, a Grade 6 event manager would earn a minimum of $1,189.20 per week, or about $61,838 per year. A Grade 10 event manager would earn at least $1,510.80 per week, about $78,562 per year. These figures are below the national full-time average, but many event managers are paid above award rates, especially in larger organisations or for complex events.

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, which is $52,255 per year. Award rates start above this minimum.

Median earnings context

The all-employees median weekly earnings were $1,436 in August 2025, according to the ABS. That is about $74,672 per year. The full-time median was $1,887 per week ($98,124 per year). Event managers earning above the award minimums are likely to be above the all-employees median, and those in senior roles may approach or exceed the full-time median.

State variations

Full-time average weekly ordinary time earnings vary by state and territory, as reported by the ABS in May 2026. The annualised averages are:

  • New South Wales: $2,108.80 per week ($109,658 per year)
  • Victoria: $2,041.10 ($106,137)
  • Queensland: $2,039.70 ($106,064)
  • South Australia: $1,970.10 ($102,450)
  • Western Australia: $2,227.40 ($115,825)
  • Tasmania: $1,846.30 ($96,008)
  • Northern Territory: $1,984.10 ($103,173)
  • Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20 ($119,090)

Event manager salaries may be higher in states with stronger economies, such as Western Australia and the ACT. For a detailed breakdown of how salaries compare across Australia, see our States and territories page.

Occupation and industry comparisons

The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey provides average weekly total cash earnings by occupation. For the broad category "Managers", the average was $2,800.90 per week in May 2025. Event managers are a subset of this group. The survey also shows that the highest hourly earnings are for Managers ($69.20) and Professionals ($64.50). For more occupation-specific medians, visit our Job medians page.

Tax considerations

For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200; 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. A 2% Medicare levy applies before any reductions. An event manager earning $80,000 per year would fall into the 30% bracket, with a marginal rate of 32% including Medicare.

Conclusion

While there is no single published figure for event manager salary in Australia, the available data suggests that pay typically ranges from around $52,000 (award minimum) to well above $100,000 for experienced managers in senior roles. The national full-time average of $108,352 provides a useful benchmark. Event managers on award rates are generally below this average, but those in higher-grade roles or with enterprise agreements may match or exceed it. For a personalised comparison, you can Place a salary on the line using our tool.

Questions

What is the average salary for an event manager in Australia?

The ABS does not publish a specific average for event managers. However, the Amusement, Events and Recreation Award (MA000080) sets minimum weekly rates for classifications that may apply to event managers, ranging from Grade 1 ($1,004.90 per week, about $52,255 per year) to Grade 10 ($1,510.80 per week, about $78,562 per year). Many event managers are paid above award, and the average weekly total cash earnings for all managers (including event managers) was $2,800.90 in May 2025, according to the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey. That equates to about $145,647 per year, but this figure includes senior executives and may not reflect typical event manager pay.

How does event manager pay compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings was $2,083.70 in May 2026, or about $108,352 per year. Event manager pay under the award is below this average, but many event managers earn above award rates. The full-time median weekly earnings were $1,887 in August 2025 (about $98,124 per year), and the all-employees median was $1,436 ($74,672 per year). Event managers with experience and in senior roles often earn above the full-time median, especially in states like the ACT and Western Australia where full-time averages are higher.

What award covers event managers?

The Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020 (MA000080) covers many event managers, particularly those working in event planning, coordination, and management within the amusement, events, and recreation industries. The award includes classification levels from Introductory to Grade 10, with minimum weekly rates set by Fair Work. From 1 July 2026, the rates range from $978.10 per week (Introductory) to $1,510.80 per week (Grade 10). Event managers may also be covered by other awards or enterprise agreements depending on their specific duties and industry sector.

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