Where the national line is set
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. This is the line that Place a salary on the line uses to show how far above or below a given pay sits. The figure is a mean of full-time adults working ordinary hours, not including overtime. It does not include part-time workers or casuals, which is why the all-employees average is lower at about $1,579 a week.
Why your state can move the figure
State averages vary noticeably. The Australian Capital Territory leads at about $119,090 a year, driven by a high concentration of public sector and professional jobs. Western Australia follows at $115,825, boosted by mining and resources. New South Wales is $109,658, Victoria $106,137, Queensland $106,064, South Australia $102,450, the Northern Territory $103,173, and Tasmania $96,008. These differences come from industry mix, public versus private employment, and the proportion of full-time roles. States and territories shows how each region compares.
How awards and the minimum wage affect your pay
If you are covered by an award, your minimum pay rate is set by that award, not the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission reviews award rates each year; from 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75%. The national minimum wage itself is $26.44 an hour, or $1,004.90 a week, about $52,255 a year on 38 hours. But many awards have rates above that, especially for skilled classifications. If you are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates.
Medians give a different picture
The full-time median is about $90,532 a year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100, from the ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025. The average is higher because it includes very high salaries. The median is a better benchmark for typical earnings. Job medians and Industry medians break this down by occupation and industry.
Tax and take-home pay
Resident tax rates for 2026–27 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 is 2% before reductions. A salary of $108,000 a year, you would pay about $24,000 in tax plus Medicare, leaving about $84,000 net. The Guides explain how to estimate take-home pay.
How the figures are set
The ABS collects Average Weekly Earnings twice a year, for May and November. The May 2026 release is the latest. The survey measures earnings at a point in time. Changes in the composition of the labour force, such as more part-time or casual employees, can affect the average. The ABS also publishes Employee Earnings and Hours for medians. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and award rates each year. How the figures are set has more detail.
Why your salary might be above or below the line
If you work in a high-paying industry like mining, finance, or public administration, your salary is likely above the national average. If you work in retail, hospitality, or arts, it may be below. State also matters: someone in the ACT earning $100,000 is below the state average, while someone in Tasmania earning the same is above. Award coverage can also push pay up or down depending on the classification and penalties. The line is a national benchmark, but your personal circumstances will always differ.
About this site explains how the line is calculated and how to interpret your position.