The national line and where financial controllers sit
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the line that Average line uses as its benchmark. For a financial controller, the exact figure is not published by the ABS, but the occupation group 'Managers' – which includes financial controllers – had median hourly earnings of $69.20 in August 2025 (ABS Employee Earnings). On a 38-hour week, that works out to roughly $136,700 a year. That is well above the national average, but it is a median, not an average, and it covers a broad group.
Why state matters
State full-time averages vary by thousands of dollars. The Australian Capital Territory leads at about $119,090, followed by Western Australia at $115,825 and New South Wales at $109,658. At the lower end, Tasmania averages $96,008, South Australia $102,450, and Victoria $106,137. A financial controller in Canberra or Perth is likely to earn more than one in Hobart or Adelaide, even in the same company, because local labour markets and industry concentrations push pay up or down. States and territories shows the full breakdown.
Awards and agreements
Many financial controllers are not covered by a modern award – they are often classified as managerial or professional employees and are on individual contracts or enterprise agreements. However, some may fall under awards such as the Clerks—Private Sector Award or the Professional Employees Award. These awards set minimum rates that are updated each year. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review. The national minimum wage itself is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on 38 hours, but that is far below what a financial controller would earn. How the figures are set explains the difference between award rates and market rates.
Comparing to other benchmarks
The full-time median for all employees is about $90,532 a year, while the all-employees median (including part-time) is about $74,100. A financial controller's salary, based on the Manager median, is significantly higher than both. The gender breakdown of the national full-time average shows men at about $113,412 and women at $100,594. The financial controller role is often held by experienced professionals, so it is not surprising that it sits above the national line.
Tax and take-home pay
For the 2026–27 income year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. Above that, rates are 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% beyond. The Medicare levy adds 2% before any reductions. A financial controller earning around $136,700 would fall into the 30% bracket, with a marginal rate of 32% including Medicare. Place a salary on the line lets you see the weekly and hourly figures and how far you are from the national average.
What the data does not tell us
The ABS does not publish a separate average for financial controllers. The Manager median is a useful guide, but it includes many roles – from retail managers to chief executives. The actual salary for a financial controller depends on industry, company size, experience, and location. For example, a financial controller in mining or finance may earn more than one in retail or hospitality. The state averages give a broad indication, but individual circumstances vary widely.
Using the line
If you are a financial controller, you can compare your salary to the national full-time average of $108,352. If you earn above that, you are above the line; if below, you are below it. The line is updated twice a year when the ABS releases Average Weekly Earnings (May and November). The next release is for November 2026, due in February 2027. About this site explains how the line is calculated and why it uses ordinary-time earnings for full-time adults.
In summary, the financial controller salary is not a single published number, but the available data suggests it is comfortably above the national average. State location and the type of employment agreement can push it higher or lower. Use the tools on this site to see where your own pay sits.