Understanding the national average
When you ask "what's the salary?", the most useful benchmark is the national full-time adult ordinary-time average. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 puts that figure at $2,083.70 per week. Multiplied by 52 weeks, that works out to about $108,352 per year before tax. This is the line that Average line uses to show how your pay compares.
It is important to remember that this is a mean average. High earners pull it up, so more than half of full-time workers earn less than this amount. The full-time median, from the ABS Employee earnings survey for August 2025, is about $90,532 per year. The all-employees median (including part-time and casual workers) is about $74,100. These medians give a better sense of what a typical worker earns.
What moves pay above the average?
Several factors can lift your salary above the national full-time average:
Industry and occupation
Some industries pay well above the average. The ABS data shows that the public sector average weekly ordinary-time earnings are $2,263.10 per week, compared to $2,034.10 in the private sector. Within the private sector, mining, professional services, and information technology tend to be higher. If you work in a high-paying occupation, your salary is more likely to be above the line. You can explore [Industry medians](/industries] to see where your field sits.
Location
State and territory averages vary significantly. According to the ABS, the highest full-time average is in the Australian Capital Territory at about $119,090 per year. Western Australia follows at $115,825. New South Wales is $109,658, Victoria $106,137, Queensland $106,064, South Australia $102,450, Tasmania $96,008, and the Northern Territory $103,173. If you live in the ACT or WA, your pay is more likely to be above the national average. Use the States and territories page to compare.
Gender
Men's full-time ordinary-time average is about $113,412 per year, while women's is about $100,594. This gap reflects differences in industry, hours, and seniority. Women are overrepresented in lower-paid industries and part-time work, which pulls the female average below the overall average. If you are a man in a male-dominated industry, your salary may be above the line.
Full-time versus part-time
The national average is for full-time adults only. If you work part-time or casually, your weekly earnings will naturally be lower. The all-employees average weekly total earnings are $1,579.20, about $82,118 per year. That is well below the full-time average.
What keeps pay below the average?
Entry-level and junior roles
Awards often have lower rates for new employees. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. That is roughly half the full-time average. Even after the 4.75% award increase in 2026, many award rates remain below the average.
Industry choice
Retail, hospitality, and accommodation have lower average earnings. If you work in these sectors, your salary is likely below the line. The ABS industry breakdown shows that mining and finance are at the top, while retail and food services are at the bottom.
Regional differences
Tasmania has the lowest state average at $96,008, about $12,000 below the national average. South Australia and the Northern Territory are also below. If you live in these areas, your pay may be lower even in the same occupation.
How to use this site
Average line lets you place your own salary on the line. Enter your yearly salary before tax, and the tool shows your weekly and hourly rate based on a standard 38-hour week. It also calculates the distance from the national full-time average. You can see whether you are above or below the line, and by how much.
Start by placing a salary on the line. If you want to see how your state compares, visit the States and territories page. For more detailed guides on pay and conditions, check the Guides section.
Tax and take-home pay
Remember that the salary shown is before tax. For 2026–27, the ATO 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 adds 2% for most people, though some may be eligible for reductions. The site does not calculate after-tax income, but knowing the tax brackets helps you estimate your net pay.
The bottom line
When you ask "what's the salary?", the answer depends on your circumstances. The national full-time average is a useful starting point, but your industry, location, gender, and hours all affect where you sit. Use the tools on this site to see exactly how your pay compares.