Why your pay may sit off the national line
When you compare your salary to the national full-time average of $108,352 a year, you might find your figure is higher or lower. Two big reasons are your state and your award. Toyota salary packaging adds another layer: it changes how much of your pay is taxable, but the national average is based on gross earnings before any packaging.
State averages vary
The national average hides big differences between states. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026 shows:
- New South Wales: about $109,658
- Victoria: about $106,137
- Queensland: about $106,064
- South Australia: about $102,450
- Western Australia: about $115,825
- Tasmania: about $96,008
- Northern Territory: about $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: about $119,090
If you work in Western Australia, your pay is likely above the national line. In Tasmania, it is likely below. Toyota salary packaging does not change your state, but if you live in a state with a higher average, your packaged salary might still be above the national line even after the packaging deduction.
Award rates set a floor
Your minimum pay is set by your award or enterprise agreement. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, or $52,255 a year on 38 hours. But most employees are covered by an award with higher rates. For example, the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 has minimum rates that vary by classification. If you work in a Toyota dealership or service centre, your base rate is set by that award. Award minimums rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026.
Your actual salary may be above the award minimum. Toyota salary packaging is often offered to employees who earn above a certain threshold. The packaging reduces your taxable income, but your gross salary (before packaging) is still compared to the national average.
How salary packaging changes the picture
Toyota salary packaging lets you pay for a car, car expenses, or other benefits from pre-tax income. This lowers your taxable income and your tax bill. But the national full-time average of $108,352 is gross ordinary-time earnings before any salary sacrifice. So if your gross salary is $110,000 and you package $15,000 for a car, your taxable income is $95,000. On the site, you enter your gross salary of $110,000. The line shows you are above the national average. But after packaging, your take-home pay may be similar to someone earning $95,000.
Medians tell a different story
The full-time median is about $90,532 (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median is about $74,100. These are lower than the average because high earners pull the average up. If your packaged salary is around the median, you are closer to the middle of the distribution.
Tax brackets matter
For 2026–27, the 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
- 45% above $190,000 Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (reductions apply for low incomes).
Toyota salary packaging reduces your taxable income, so you may drop into a lower tax bracket. But the national average is before tax. The site shows your gross salary and its distance from the line, not your after-tax position.
Where to find more
- Place a salary on the line to see how your pay compares to the national average.
- States and territories to see the average for your state.
- Job medians and Industry medians for more detailed comparisons.
- Guides explain salary packaging and awards.
- How the figures are set describes the ABS and Fair Work sources.
- About this site has more on the methodology.
Key takeaway
Toyota salary packaging does not change your gross salary, but it changes your taxable income. The national average is gross earnings. So your distance from the line is based on your gross pay. State and award differences are the main reasons your gross pay may be above or below the national average. Use the site to enter your gross salary and see where you stand.