Where does your salary sit against the national line?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. This is the line this site uses to compare your pay. But your actual salary might be higher or lower depending on where you live, what industry you work in, and whether you are covered by an award or enterprise agreement. The Hays Salary Guide is one tool that helps professionals and employers understand market rates, but it does not replace the national average.
State and territory averages
Every state and territory has its own full-time average. For example, New South Wales sits at about $109,658, while Tasmania is lower at about $96,825. The full-time average for the Australian Capital Territory is the highest at $119,090. These differences come from the mix of industries and occupations in each region. If you live in a high-wage state like the ACT, your pay may be above the national line, but if you are in a lower-wage state like Tasmania, you might be below. Check the States and territories page for your region.
Awards and the minimum wage
If you are paid under a modern award or the national minimum wage, your salary is set at a floor. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.9 a week, or about $52,255 a year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums rose 4.5% from that date. Many award-covered workers often earn above the minimum, but still below the full-time average. The national average includes many high-paid roles, so the line is much higher than the award rates. The Hays Salary Guide can show typical rates for award roles, but the average line is a different measure.
Medians vs averages
Medians are different from averages. The full-time median is about $90,532 a year (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median is about $74,100. The national full-time average is $108,352. The line is the average, not the median. If you are a high-paid role, you may be above the median but still below the line. The Hays Salary Guide often uses median benchmarks, but the site's line is the average.
How the figures are set
The national average comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, published twice a year for May and November. The May 2026 data shows annual growth of 3.7%, the lowest since November 2022. The gender pay gap fell to 11.3% in May 2026. The How the figures are set page explains the methodology. The Hays Salary Guide is a separate resource based on recruitment data.
Using the Hays Salary Guide
The Hays Salary Guide is a useful benchmark for specific roles and industries. It provides salary ranges, not a single figure. For example, a mid-level accountant in Sydney might have a range of $100,000 to $120,000. That range may be above the national average of $108,352. If you are in a high-demand role, your pay may be above the line. But the Hays guide can help you see where you sit in the market. The Hays guide does not replace the national average.
Conclusion
Your salary is not just about the national line. State, award, and award all affect your pay. The Hays Salary Guide can help you understand your market rate. The national full-time average is $108,352. Compare your salary on the Place a salary on the line tool to see where you stand.
FAQs
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