Paraplanner Salary in Australia
If you are researching a paraplanner salary, you may be wondering how it stacks up against the national average. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific figure for paraplanners, but we can use broader earnings data and industry context to understand where this role typically sits.
The National Full-Time Average
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week. Multiplied by 52 weeks, that is about $108,352 per year. This is the benchmark used on this site – the line that shows how a salary compares to the national full-time average. Paraplanner salaries may fall above or below this line depending on experience, location, and employer.
Medians and Minimums
For a more typical picture, the ABS Employee Earnings survey from August 2025 gives median weekly earnings for full-time employees: $1,741 per week, or about $90,532 per year. The median for all employees (including part-time) is $1,425 per week, about $74,100 per year. These medians are lower than the average because high earners pull the average up. A paraplanner salary is likely to be somewhere between the median and the average, but that is a generalisation.
At the bottom end, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year for a 38-hour week. Paraplanners are almost always paid above this minimum.
Award Coverage for Paraplanners
Paraplanners are usually employed under the Financial Services Award. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for classifications under this award, updated after the 2026 Annual Wage Review (which increased award rates by 4.75% from 1 July 2026). The award has several levels; a paraplanner with a diploma or degree and some experience would typically be classified at a higher level, with a correspondingly higher minimum hourly rate. However, many employers pay above the award to attract and retain staff. To see the exact classification structure, you can check the award on the Fair Work website.
Factors That Move Paraplanner Pay Above or Below the Average
Several factors influence whether a paraplanner salary is above or below the national full-time average:
- Experience and qualifications: Entry-level paraplanners may earn below the average, while senior paraplanners or those with advanced certifications (e.g., CFP) can earn well above.
- Location: State full-time averages vary. For example, the ACT average is about $119,090, while Tasmania is about $96,008. A paraplanner in Sydney or Melbourne may earn more than one in Hobart or Adelaide. See States and territories for a breakdown.
- Industry: Paraplanners work in financial planning firms, banks, and superannuation funds. Larger institutions often pay more than small practices.
- Employer size: Larger firms tend to offer higher salaries and better benefits.
How the Figures Are Set
The national average comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, which samples employers. The median comes from the ABS Employee Earnings survey, which samples employees. The minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission each year. For more on methodology, see How the figures are set.
Tax and Take-Home Pay
If a paraplanner earns the national average of $108,352, the 2026–27 tax rates apply: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800, 30% on the next $90,000 (up to $135,000), plus the 2% Medicare levy. This means an average earner pays about $24,288 in tax plus $2,167 Medicare levy, leaving about $81,897 after tax. A paraplanner earning above or below the average will have a different take-home amount.
Where to Find More Information
For occupation-specific medians, the ABS publishes earnings by occupation group. Paraplanners are not listed separately, but the closest group might be “Financial and Insurance Clerks” or “Financial Brokers and Lenders”. See Job medians for a list of published occupations. You can also Place a salary on the line to see how a specific figure compares to the national average.
Summary
While the ABS does not publish a paraplanner salary, the national full-time average of $108,352 provides a useful benchmark. Paraplanner pay is influenced by award minimums, experience, location, and employer. Most paraplanners likely earn between the full-time median ($90,532) and the average, but senior roles can exceed it. For the most accurate picture, consult job advertisements or industry surveys, and remember that the figures on this site are based on official ABS and Fair Work data.