Team Leader Salary and the National Average
When you search for "team leader salary", you are likely wondering how it stacks up against the typical Australian full-time wage. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a dedicated figure for team leaders, but we can use its broader earnings data to understand where this role usually sits. The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the line that Average line uses as its benchmark. Team leader salaries vary widely, but most fall somewhere between the all-employees median of $74,100 and the full-time average, with many above the average in high-paying industries.
What the Data Shows
The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (May 2025) groups workers by occupation. Team leaders are not a separate category, but they are often classified as Managers, Professionals, or Technicians and Trades Workers depending on the industry. Managers had average weekly total cash earnings of $2,800.90, well above the full-time average. Professionals averaged $2,049.60 per week, also above the line. However, team leaders in community services or retail may fall under Community and Personal Service Workers ($1,048.10) or Sales Workers ($878.20), which are below the average. The full-time median earnings were $1,887 per week (about $98,124 per year), while the all-employees median was $1,436 per week ($74,100 per year). Most team leaders earn above the all-employees median, but whether they exceed the full-time average depends on their specific role.
What Moves Pay Above or Below the Line
Several factors determine if a team leader salary is above or below the national full-time average:
- Industry: Mining, information media, and professional services pay well above average. For example, the mining industry average weekly total cash earnings for non-managerial employees was $74.10 per hour (ABS Employee Earnings, May 2025). Team leaders in these sectors often earn $120,000–$150,000 per year. In contrast, retail and hospitality team leaders may earn $55,000–$70,000, below the average.
- Location: State full-time averages differ. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest at about $119,090, while Tasmania is lowest at $96,008. A team leader in Canberra is more likely to be above the national average than one in Hobart, even in the same industry.
- Experience and responsibility: Senior team leaders managing large teams or budgets can earn well above the average, while junior team leaders may be closer to the median.
- Award coverage: Many team leaders are covered by modern awards, which set minimum rates. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75%. However, award rates are often below the full-time average. For example, a team leader under the Clerks Award might have a minimum of around $900 per week, far below $2,083.70. Those on individual arrangements or enterprise agreements typically earn more.
- Gender: The gender pay gap persists. Men's full-time ordinary-time average is about $113,412 per year, women's about $100,594. Female team leaders may be more likely to work in lower-paying industries, contributing to the gap.
How the Tax System Affects Take-Home Pay
Once you know your team leader salary, tax is a key consideration. For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are: 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. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A team leader earning $108,352 (the full-time average) would pay about $24,667 in tax plus Medicare, leaving around $83,685 after tax. Those earning above $135,000 enter the 37% bracket, significantly reducing marginal gains.
Using Average Line to See Where You Stand
You can Place a salary on the line to see how your team leader salary compares to the national full-time average, the median, and the minimum wage. The tool shows weekly and hourly equivalents based on a 38-hour week, and calculates your distance from the line. For a more detailed breakdown by occupation, visit Job medians to see how your role compares to others.
The Bottom Line
Team leader salary is not a single number. It spans a wide range, from below the all-employees median to well above the full-time average. The key drivers are industry, location, and level of responsibility. If you are a team leader earning around $90,000–$110,000, you are close to the national average. If you earn less, you may be in a lower-paying industry or covered by an award. If you earn more, you are likely in a high-paying sector or have significant experience. Use the data from the ABS and Fair Work to benchmark your pay, and remember that the average is just one point on the line.