Sam Mac and the Australian Full-Time Average
Sam Mac is a well-known television presenter on Channel 7's Sunrise program. While his exact salary is not publicly available, we can place it in the context of the national full-time average earnings to understand where such a role might sit in the broader Australian pay landscape.
The National Full-Time Average
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes the most authoritative measure of earnings in its Average Weekly Earnings survey. For May 2026, the seasonally adjusted full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings was $2,083.70. Over a standard 52-week year, that works out to about $108,352 before tax. This figure is the line on this site against which any salary can be compared.
It is important to note that this is an average, not a median. The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (August 2025) gives a fuller picture: the median weekly earnings for all employees was $1,436 (about $74,672 a year), while the median for full-time employees was $1,887 (about $98,124 a year). The average is pulled higher by higher earners, so a salary above the average is relatively uncommon.
Where TV Presenters Typically Sit
The ABS does not publish a separate earnings figure for television presenters. However, the occupation category "Media Professionals" (which includes journalists, editors, and some presenters) falls under the broader "Professionals" group. In the May 2025 Employee Earnings survey, Professionals had an average hourly earnings of $64.50. For a full-time worker on a 38-hour week, that would equate to about $2,451 per week, or roughly $127,452 per year. This is above the national full-time average, but it is an average for all professionals and may not reflect the specific pay of on-air talent.
Many TV presenters are covered by individual contracts or enterprise agreements rather than awards. The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), but award rates for the entertainment industry can be higher. For example, the Broadcasting and Recorded Entertainment Award covers some on-air roles, but rates vary by classification and experience.
State-by-State Context
Average earnings differ across Australia. The ABS May 2026 data shows the following full-time adult ordinary time averages by state (annualised):
- New South Wales: $109,658
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- South Australia: $102,450
- Western Australia: $115,825
- Tasmania: $96,008
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
Sam Mac is based in Sydney (NSW), where the state average is slightly above the national figure. If his salary were known, it could be compared against both the national and NSW averages. For more detail on how each state compares, see our States and territories page.
What We Can Say Without a Specific Figure
Without a disclosed salary, we cannot say exactly where Sam Mac's pay sits relative to the line. However, we can note that:
- The national full-time average is $108,352 per year.
- The full-time median is about $98,124 per year.
- The national minimum wage (for award-free employees) is about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week.
- High-profile TV presenters on major networks often earn well above the average, but this is not guaranteed.
If you have a salary figure for Sam Mac or any other role, you can Place a salary on the line to see its exact distance from the national average.
How the Figures Are Set
The ABS calculates average weekly earnings from a survey of employers. It is released twice a year (May and November). The Employee Earnings and Hours survey is conducted every two years. The Fair Work Commission reviews minimum wages annually, with changes taking effect from 1 July. For more on methodology, see How the figures are set.
Tax Considerations
If Sam Mac's salary were known, the take-home amount would depend on the 2026–27 resident tax rates: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy of 2% applies to most residents. These rates are set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Conclusion
While we cannot provide a specific comparison for Sam Mac's Sunrise salary due to its confidentiality, the national full-time average of $108,352 per year serves as a useful benchmark. For anyone curious about where their own pay stands, the tools on this site allow you to check against the ABS average, medians, and minimum wage.