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How Salary Surveys Compare to the National Full-Time Average in Australia

The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year) according to ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

What salary surveys tell us about Australian pay

Salary surveys are a common tool for employers and employees to benchmark pay. In Australia, the most reliable and widely cited source is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which publishes Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) twice a year, for May and November. The latest release, for May 2026, shows that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70, which equates to about $108,352 per year. This is the figure used by this site as the national line.

Private salary surveys – conducted by recruitment agencies, industry associations, or consulting firms – often provide more granular data for specific roles, sectors, or regions. However, they vary in methodology, sample size, and definitions. Some report median pay, others report averages, and many exclude bonuses or overtime. It is important to understand these differences before drawing conclusions.

How the ABS figures are set

The ABS AWE survey measures the level of average earnings at a point in time. It covers all employees in the survey scope and is adjusted for seasonality and trend. The key statistic is full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings, which excludes overtime. This is the figure used to calculate the national average line on this site. The ABS also publishes separate figures for men and women, for the public and private sectors, and for each state and territory. For example, the full-time average in Western Australia is about $115,825 per year, while in Tasmania it is about $96,008.

In addition to averages, the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (latest reference period August 2025) provides medians and quartiles. The full-time median weekly earnings for all employees is $1,887, or about $90,532 per year. The all-employees median (including part-time) is $1,436 per week, about $74,100 per year. These medians are less affected by very high or low earners and can be a better benchmark for typical pay.

Where salary surveys fit in

Private salary surveys can complement ABS data, especially for niche occupations or emerging roles. For instance, a survey of software engineers in Sydney might show a median higher than the national average, reflecting the city's high cost of living and demand for tech talent. Conversely, a survey of hospitality workers might show figures closer to the minimum wage.

When using a salary survey, check:

  • The sample size and whether it is representative
  • Whether it reports average, median, or percentile
  • Whether it includes casual or part-time workers
  • The geographic scope (national, state, or city)
  • The date of the data (pay levels change over time)

The minimum wage and awards

Fair Work Australia sets the national minimum wage and award wages. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, amounting to about $52,255 per year. Award minimums increased by 4.75% from that date. Many salary surveys will compare pay to award rates, but the ABS averages are higher because they include above-award payments and managerial roles.

Tax considerations

Your take-home pay depends on tax. For 2026–27, 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 to most taxpayers, with reductions for low incomes. So a salary of $108,352 (the national average) would fall in the 30% bracket plus Medicare, giving an effective tax rate around 24–25% depending on deductions.

Using this site to compare your pay

You can place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average, the median, and the minimum wage. The tool shows your weekly and hourly equivalent on a 38-hour week, and the distance from the average line. You can also explore states and territories to see how averages differ across Australia, or job medians for specific occupations.

Why the average matters

The national full-time average is a useful benchmark, but it is not the whole story. It is pulled up by high earners in sectors like mining and professional services. The median gives a better sense of what a typical full-time worker earns. Salary surveys often report medians or percentiles, which can be more relevant for your negotiation.

If your pay is below the average, it may be because you work in a lower-paying industry, are early in your career, or work part-time. If it is above, you may be in a high-demand field, have significant experience, or receive bonuses. The key is to use multiple data points – ABS averages and medians, industry surveys, and award rates – to get a complete picture.

Final thoughts

Salary surveys are a valuable resource, but they should be interpreted with care. The ABS provides the most authoritative and consistent data for national and state comparisons. Private surveys can add detail, but always verify their methodology. Use this site to benchmark your pay against the national line and explore the data behind it.

For more guidance, see How the figures are set and Guides.

Questions

What is a salary survey?

A salary survey is a study that collects and analyses pay data from employers, industries, or professions. In Australia, many private firms and industry bodies publish salary surveys, but the most authoritative national benchmarks come from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which releases Average Weekly Earnings twice a year (May and November) and Employee Earnings and Hours annually. Private surveys can be useful for specific roles or regions, but they often use different methodologies and sample sizes, so they may not match the ABS figures.

How does the ABS average compare to data from salary surveys?

The ABS average is a broad measure covering all full-time adults across Australia. Private salary surveys often focus on particular industries, job levels, or cities, and may report medians or percentiles rather than averages. For example, the ABS full-time median (from August 2025) is about $90,532 per year, while the average is $108,352. A salary survey for a high-paying field like mining might show figures well above the national average, while a survey for retail could be below. Always check the survey's scope and definitions before comparing.

Can I use salary surveys to negotiate a pay rise?

Yes, but be cautious. Private salary surveys can provide evidence of market rates for your role, experience, and location. However, the most reliable benchmarks are the ABS averages and medians, which are based on a large, representative sample. You can also refer to the relevant award or enterprise agreement if you are covered by one. When negotiating, present multiple sources and focus on your skills and performance. Remember that the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($52,255 per year on a 38-hour week), so any offer below that is unlawful.

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