Why a state or an award can move the figure off the national line
Australia's national full-time adult ordinary-time average sits at $2,083.70 per week (about $108,352 a year), according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. This is the line that Average line uses as its benchmark. But your own pay can be higher or lower depending on where you live, which industry you work in, and whether you are covered by an award or enterprise agreement.
State and territory differences
The ABS publishes full-time average weekly ordinary time earnings for each state and territory. The national figure is a weighted average, so states with larger populations (like New South Wales and Victoria) pull the line towards their own averages. Here are the annualised figures from the May 2026 release:
- 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)
Why the spread? The ACT has a high concentration of public sector and professional jobs, while Tasmania's economy leans towards lower-paying industries like hospitality and retail. Western Australia's mining and resources sector lifts its average, and South Australia's manufacturing and services mix keep it closer to the national line.
[See how your state compares on the line](/line] and explore state and territory averages in detail.
Award and minimum wage effects
The national minimum wage is a floor, not a target. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is **$26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 a year on a 38-hour week). Most employees are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review increased award minimums rose by 4.75%. If you are on an award, your minimum pay is likely above the national minimum wage. For example, a retail award rate for a full-time adult might be higher than the national minimum, while the national minimum applies only to employees not covered by any award or agreement.
But the national full-time average is much higher than any minimum. The median full-time adult total earnings (from the ABS Employee Earnings survey, August 2025) is about $90,532 a year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100. That means half of full-time workers earn less than $90,532, and half earn more. The average is pulled up by high earners.
Why your pay might sit below the line
If you are in a low-paying industry (like hospitality or retail) or in a state with a lower average (like Tasmania), your salary may be below the national line. Similarly, if you are on an award that has not kept pace with average earnings growth, you might be below. The ABS notes that compositional changes – such as the proportion of part-time, casual, or junior employees – can affect average earnings. The national line is a broad measure, not a guarantee.
Compare your job or industry median or see industry medians to see where your role sits.
How the US minimum wage fits in
While this site focuses on Australian data, the keyword "minimum wage usa" often arises in comparisons. The US federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2009, though many states and cities set higher rates. Australia's national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is substantially higher, even after accounting for exchange rates and cost of living differences. However, the US has a different system of tipped wages, state-level variations, and no universal award coverage. For precise US figures, consult the US Department of Labor.
The bottom line
The national full-time average of $108,352 is a useful benchmark, but your actual pay depends on your state, industry, award, and experience. Use the tools on this site to see where you stand against the line.
Learn how the figures are set and read more guides on understanding your pay.
About this site explains our methodology.