How the national full-time average works
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year, for May and November. The May 2026 release shows that full-time adult ordinary time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week across all industries and states. That works out to about $108,352 a year when multiplied by 52 weeks. This is the figure that forms the 'line' on this site – the benchmark against which any salary can be placed.
It is important to distinguish this average from other measures. The full-time median earnings, from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (August 2025), are lower at about $90,532 a year. The median for all employees (including part-time) is about $74,100. Averages can be pulled up by high earners, while medians show the middle point. The national full-time average is also higher than the national minimum wage, which Fair Work sets at $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 a year on a 38-hour week).
Gender and sector differences
The ABS data breaks down the full-time average by gender. Men's full-time ordinary time earnings average about $113,412 a year ($2,181.00 per week), while women's average about $100,594 a year ($1,934.50 per week). The public sector average ($2,263.10 per week) is higher than the private sector ($2,034.10 per week). These differences reflect industry mix, hours, and roles, not just pay rates.
Take-home pay on the average salary
Because the national full-time average is a before-tax figure, it helps to see what remains after tax. For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are:
- Nil on the first $18,200
- 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 a 2% Medicare levy (before any reductions).
On a gross salary of $108,352:
- Tax on the first $18,200: $0
- Tax on the next $26,800 (15%): $4,020
- Tax on the remaining $63,352 (30%): $19,005.60
- Total income tax: $23,025.60
- Medicare levy (2% of $108,352): $2,167.04
- Total tax and levy: $25,192.64
- Estimated take-home pay: $83,159.36 per year, or about $1,599.22 per week
This is a rough estimate. Individual circumstances – such as tax offsets, deductions, or the Medicare levy surcharge – can change the final amount. The site's line always shows the before-tax average, so you can compare your own gross salary directly.
Where Kalyn Ponga fits
Kalyn Ponga's salary is not published in the ABS, Fair Work, or ATO datasets that this site uses. NRL player contracts are private arrangements and do not appear in these public surveys. However, the national full-time average provides a useful reference. If you are curious how a high-profile salary like his compares, the average of $108,352 is a fraction of what top NRL players are reported to earn. The site's line allows you to place a salary on the line and see the distance from the average, whether you are an NRL star or a part-time worker.
State comparisons
The full-time average varies across Australia. The ABS May 2026 data (original, persons) shows:
- New South Wales: $2,108.80 per week (~$109,658 a year)
- Victoria: $2,041.10 (~$106,137)
- Queensland: $2,039.70 (~$106,064)
- South Australia: $1,970.20 (~$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)
These state averages are for full-time adult ordinary time earnings. The ACT and WA lead, while Tasmania is lowest. You can explore more in the states and territories section.
Minimum wage and award context
Fair Work sets the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. For a 38-hour week, that is $1,004.90, or $52,255 a year. Award minimums increased by 4.75% in the same annual wage review. Most employees are covered by an award or enterprise agreement, which may set higher rates. The national full-time average is more than double the minimum wage, reflecting the mix of occupations and experience levels. For guidance on how pay rates are determined, see the guides or how the figures are set.
Using the site's line
The 'line' on this site is the ABS full-time adult ordinary time average of $108,352 a year. You can enter any salary – weekly, monthly, or yearly – and the tool shows the weekly and hourly equivalent on a 38-hour week, plus the distance above or below the line. It does not calculate tax or require a login. The average is updated twice a year when the ABS releases new data. Medians and the minimum wage are also shown for context, but the line remains the primary reference.
Whether you are comparing a reported NRL salary like Kalyn Ponga's or your own pay, the national full-time average gives you a stable, government-sourced benchmark. It is not a perfect measure for every role, but it is the most widely cited figure for full-time earnings in Australia.