Monash salary and the national average
Monash University is one of Australia’s largest universities, and its staff are covered by enterprise agreements that set out pay scales for professional and academic roles. The most recent agreement for professional staff (casual and continuing) shows salaries at HEW (Higher Education Worker) levels, each with several steps. These annual salaries are before tax and based on a 38-hour week.
Where Monash salaries sit against the national full-time average
The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026, according to the ABS. That works out to about $108,352 a year. This is the line used on this site to show whether a salary is above or below the typical full-time worker.
Monash’s HEW levels span a wide range. Using the rates effective from 14 June 2025 (the most complete set available), a HEW 1 at step 3 earns $58,735 a year, well below the national average. A HEW 5 at step 8 earns $83,424, still below. A HEW 6 at step 5 earns $96,768, closer but still under. A HEW 7 at step 6 earns $106,789, just below the national average. A HEW 8 at step 6 earns $120,138, above it. A HEW 9 at step 4 earns $140,157, well above.
So a Monash salary can sit on either side of the line depending on the HEW level and step. The site’s tool lets you place a salary on the line to see the exact distance.
What moves a Monash salary above or below the average
Several factors determine whether a Monash salary is above or below the national full-time average:
- HEW level: Higher levels (HEW 8 and above) generally exceed the average. Lower levels (HEW 1–6) are often below.
- Step progression: Within each level, salaries increase with experience. A HEW 7 at step 1 might be below the average, while step 6 is just under.
- Casual vs permanent: Casual staff receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. For example, a casual HEW 5 earns $54.39 per hour (loaded), which on a full-time equivalent basis would be about $107,500 a year – close to the national average. But casual hours may vary.
- Market allowances: Some roles attract additional pay for market demand, which can push a salary above the average.
- Academic vs professional: Academic salaries follow a different scale (Level A to E), which generally start lower but can exceed professional HEW levels at senior ranks.
State context: Victoria
Monash is based in Victoria. The state’s full-time average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,041.10, or about $106,137 a year – slightly below the national average. That means a Monash salary that matches the Victorian average is still a little under the national line. States and territories shows how each region compares.
Medians and the minimum wage
It’s useful to also compare against other benchmarks. The full-time median employee earnings are about $90,532 a year (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median (including part-time) is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, or $52,255 a year on 38 hours. Award minimums rose 4.75% in 2026, but Monash enterprise rates are higher than award rates.
A Monash HEW 5 salary of $83,424 is below the full-time median but above the all-employees median. A HEW 6 salary of $96,768 is above the full-time median.
Tax on a Monash salary
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% 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. The Medicare levy adds 2% (before any reductions). A Monash HEW 7 on $106,789 would fall in the 30% bracket plus Medicare, giving a marginal rate of 32%. A HEW 9 on $140,157 would be in the 37% bracket plus Medicare (39% marginal).
How the figures are set
Monash salaries are determined through enterprise bargaining between the university and unions such as the NTEU. The agreements are lodged with the Fair Work Commission and typically run for several years. The rates shown here are from the current agreement for professional staff. How the figures are set explains more about enterprise agreements and awards.
Summary
A Monash salary can be below, close to, or above the national full-time average depending on the role and level. Use the line tool to see exactly where any HEW or academic salary sits.