How the national full-time average is set
This site uses the national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, May 2026. That figure is $2,083.70 per week, which works out to about $108,352 per year when multiplied by 52 weeks. It is the line that every salary on this site is measured against.
The ABS defines ordinary time earnings as pay for normal hours, excluding overtime. This average covers all full-time adult employees across Australia, both public and private sector. It is updated twice a year, in May and November, so the figure you see here is the most recent available.
What would move a salary above or below the average?
Several factors push pay above or below that $108,352 line:
- Industry: Some industries pay well above the average. For example, mining and professional services tend to have higher average earnings, while retail and hospitality sit lower. You can explore industry medians on this site.
- Occupation: Managers and professionals earn the highest hourly rates, according to the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (May 2025). The median hourly earnings for managers were $69.20, and for professionals $64.50. Job medians are available for many roles.
- State or territory: Full-time averages vary by state. Western Australia ($115,825) and the Australian Capital Territory ($119,090) are above the national average, while Tasmania ($96,008) is below. See states and territories for a full breakdown.
- Gender: The ABS reports that men's full-time ordinary time average is about $113,412 per year, while women's is about $100,594. The gender pay gap persists across most industries.
- Sector: Public sector full-time average earnings ($2,263.10 per week) are higher than private sector ($2,034.10 per week), partly due to a different mix of occupations.
Where does Ronaldo's salary sit?
Cristiano Ronaldo's salary is not published in any Australian Bureau of Statistics or Fair Work data. The ABS does not collect individual earnings of overseas footballers. Fair Work sets minimum wages for Australian employees, not global sports stars.
However, if we consider what is publicly reported in the media (not from official Australian sources), Ronaldo's annual earnings from his playing contract and endorsements are in the tens of millions of dollars. That would place his pay far above the national full-time average of $108,352. In fact, it would exceed the top marginal tax threshold of $190,000 many times over.
How the line works on this site
When you place a salary on the line, the tool shows you how far above or below the national full-time average your pay sits. It also converts your yearly salary to a weekly figure (based on a 38-hour week) and an hourly rate. The distance from the average is shown as a percentage and a dollar amount.
For a salary as high as Ronaldo's, the distance would be enormous. But the tool is designed for typical Australian salaries, not global superstars. The comparison still illustrates just how much higher elite athlete pay is compared to the average worker.
Other benchmarks to keep in mind
- Full-time median: The median full-time employee earnings are about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). Half of full-time workers earn less than that.
- All-employees median: Including part-time and casual workers, the median weekly earnings are $1,436, or about $74,100 per year.
- National minimum wage: From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, about $52,255 per year. Award minimums rose by 4.75% at the same time.
These benchmarks help you see where your salary sits relative to the whole workforce, not just the average.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are:
- Nil on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy (with some reductions for low-income earners). A salary at the national full-time average of $108,352 would fall in the 30% bracket. A salary like Ronaldo's would be in the top 45% bracket.
Summary
The national full-time average of $108,352 is a useful benchmark for most Australian workers. Ronaldo's salary, while not officially recorded in Australian data, would be many times higher. The factors that move pay above or below the average are well documented by the ABS and Fair Work. Use the links on this site to explore your own pay or to learn more about how the figures are set.
Guides are available to help you understand your pay in context. For a deeper look at the methodology, see how the figures are set.