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UQ Salary: How University of Queensland Pay Compares to the National Average

University of Queensland salaries range from around $63,000 for entry-level professional staff to over $148,000 at senior levels, placing many roles above the national full-time average of $108,352.

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

UQ Salary and the National Average

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia's largest employers, with salary scales set by its enterprise agreement. For professional staff, these range from HEW 1 (around $63,318 per year) to HEW 10 (up to $148,862 per year). How do these figures compare to the national full-time average? The ABS reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026, or about $108,352 per year. That is the line against which all salaries on this site are measured.

UQ Professional Staff Pay Scales

UQ's Enterprise Agreement 2021–2026, effective from July 2026, sets out detailed salary points. For example:

  • HEW 1 (entry level): $63,318 per year
  • HEW 4: $79,096 per year
  • HEW 6: $97,269 per year
  • HEW 8: $120,317 per year
  • HEW 10: $140,767 per year

These are full-time annual rates before superannuation. Casual rates include a 25% loading. Many professional roles at HEW 6 and above sit above the national full-time average, while lower-level roles are below it.

Take-Home Pay Sketch

Using the 2026–27 tax rates (nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above, plus 2% Medicare levy), a UQ employee on $97,269 (HEW 6 point 1) would pay roughly $23,000–$24,000 in tax and Medicare, leaving a take-home of about $73,000–$74,000. That is close to the national all-employees median of $74,100. A senior professional on $140,767 (HEW 10 point 1) would take home around $100,000 after tax.

How UQ Compares to the Queensland Average

Queensland's full-time average ordinary-time earnings are $2,039.70 per week, or about $106,064 per year. UQ's HEW 6 and above salaries generally exceed this state average. The national full-time median is lower, at about $90,532, meaning many UQ professional roles are above the typical full-time worker.

Place a salary on the line to see exactly where a UQ salary sits against the national average. You can also explore States and territories for comparisons across Australia.

Sources and Methodology

The national averages come from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. UQ salary figures are from the university's enterprise agreement, effective July 2026. Tax estimates use ATO 2026–27 rates. All figures are before tax unless noted.

Key Takeaways

  • UQ professional staff salaries range from about $63,000 to $149,000 per year.
  • The national full-time average is $108,352; UQ roles at HEW 6 and above typically exceed this.
  • Take-home pay for a mid-level UQ professional is around $73,000–$74,000, matching the all-employees median.
  • Queensland's state average is $106,064, so UQ salaries are competitive within the state.

Questions

What is the average salary at the University of Queensland?

The University of Queensland does not publish a single average salary, but its enterprise agreement sets pay scales for professional staff from HEW 1 (about $63,318) to HEW 10 (up to $148,862). Academic salaries are covered separately.

How does a UQ salary compare to the national full-time average?

The national full-time average ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. Many UQ professional roles at HEW 6 and above exceed this average, while entry-level roles are below.

What is the take-home pay for a typical UQ professional staff salary?

For a UQ HEW 6 salary point 1 ($97,269 per year), after tax and Medicare levy (2026-27 rates) the take-home is roughly $73,000-$74,000, depending on deductions. This is above the national all-employees median of $74,100.

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