Parts interpreter salary: No published figure
If you are looking for a precise parts interpreter salary figure, the official sources do not provide one. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for 6-digit occupations such as Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreters (ANZSCO 621312). The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for this occupation also lists median weekly earnings as "N/A". This means we cannot give you a single number that represents the typical pay for this role.
How parts interpreter pay compares to broader categories
While a specific figure is unavailable, we can look at broader occupational data. Parts interpreters are classified under Sales Workers in the ABS occupation system. According to the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025, the average weekly total cash earnings for all Sales workers (including part-time and casual employees) was $878.20. For full-time Sales workers, the median weekly earnings were not separately published, but the average for all full-time employees across all occupations was $2,130.60 per week.
The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026, is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. This is the benchmark that Place a salary on the line uses as the centre line. The full-time median is lower, at about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).
Given that 82% of parts interpreters work full-time (according to the 2021 Census) and their average full-time hours are 42 per week, their pay is likely to be below the national full-time average, consistent with the Sales worker category average being significantly lower than the all-occupations average.
Factors that influence a parts interpreter's salary
Several factors can move a parts interpreter's pay above or below the national average:
- Location: State full-time averages vary considerably. For example, Western Australia's full-time average is about $115,825, while Tasmania's is about $96,008. A parts interpreter in Perth may earn more than one in Hobart. See States and territories for a breakdown.
- Experience and skill: More experienced interpreters who can diagnose complex parts requirements or manage inventory may command higher pay.
- Award coverage: Many parts interpreters are covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week.
- Employer type: Working in a retail chain versus a specialised wholesale supplier can affect base pay and commission structures.
- Full-time vs part-time: The majority work full-time, but part-time roles (18% of employment) will have lower weekly earnings.
National benchmarks to keep in mind
When assessing any salary, it helps to know the broader landscape:
- National full-time adult average: $2,083.70 per week, about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).
- Full-time median: about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).
- All-employees median: about $74,100 per year.
- Men's full-time average: about $113,412 per year; women's: about $100,594 per year.
- National minimum wage: $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week (from 1 July 2026).
These figures are from the ABS and Fair Work. You can explore how other occupations compare on the Job medians page.
Conclusion
Because the ABS does not publish a specific parts interpreter salary, you cannot get an exact comparison to the national average from official sources. However, by using the broader Sales worker data and considering location, experience, and award coverage, you can estimate where a particular role might sit. Use the Place a salary on the line tool to see how any figure compares to the national full-time average, and check Guides for more on understanding pay in Australia.