Prime Minister's Salary and the National Average
The salary of the Prime Minister of Australia is a matter of public interest, but the precise current figure is not published in the sources available for this article. What is clear is that the Prime Minister's remuneration is set by the Remuneration Tribunal, an independent body that determines pay for parliamentarians and other high‑office holders. While we cannot give an exact number, we can place the Prime Minister's salary in context against the national full‑time average, medians, and other benchmarks.
How the Prime Minister's Salary Is Set
The Remuneration Tribunal issues determinations for Members of Parliament, including the base salary and additional salary for office holders such as the Prime Minister. According to the Ministerial and Parliamentary Services website, parliamentarians are paid a base salary as determined by the Remuneration Tribunal (Members of Parliament) Determination 2026. Additional salary is paid for holding ministerial or other specified offices. The Tribunal also sets total remuneration for full‑time public office holders, as seen in the Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Full‑time Public Office) Determination 2026, which lists annual packages for roles such as the Chair of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority ($1,004,300) and the Australian Public Service Commissioner ($932,120). These figures give an indication of the level at which the Prime Minister's salary is likely set, though the Prime Minister is covered by a separate determination.
Comparing to the National Full‑Time Average
The national full‑time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings stood at $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings release. That translates to about $108,352 per year (multiplying by 52). The Prime Minister's salary is well above this figure. For a more detailed comparison, the full‑time median earnings (from ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025) are about $90,532 per year, and the all‑employees median is about $74,100. Even the highest state average – the Australian Capital Territory at about $119,090 – is far below the Prime Minister's remuneration. The gender pay gap is also evident in the averages: men's full‑time ordinary‑time average is about $113,412, while women's is about $100,594.
Tax Implications
For the 2026–27 income year, the 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 of 2% applies before any reductions. The Prime Minister's salary, being well above $190,000, would be taxed at the top marginal rate plus the Medicare levy.
The Minimum Wage and Award Rates
At the other end of the scale, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38‑hour week, amounting to about $52,255 per year. Award minimums increased by 4.75% from that date. The contrast between the Prime Minister's salary and the minimum wage highlights the wide dispersion of earnings in Australia.
Conclusion
While the exact figure for the Prime Minister's salary is not published in the sources used here, it is clear that it is set at a level commensurate with the highest responsibilities in the nation. The Remuneration Tribunal's determinations for other senior office holders provide a reference point, and all such salaries far exceed the national full‑time average, medians, and minimum wage. For a personal comparison, you can place a salary on the line to see how it stacks up against the national average. To understand how these figures are determined, visit How the figures are set.