The average salary Australia workers earn is a key question for skilled professionals, graduates and anyone considering a move Down Under. Australia is known for high wages and a strong economy, but how much do Australians really take home once tax is deducted? This guide breaks it down using official government data.
What Is the Average Salary in Australia?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the median full-time salary was around A$1,741 per week in August 2025, which works out to roughly A$90,500 per year, or about A$7,540 per month before tax. The mean (average) full-time wage is higher, at over A$106,000, but it is pushed up by a small number of very high earners. The median is generally considered the more realistic figure for what a typical worker actually earns.
Average Salary After Tax in Australia
Australia has a progressive tax system, plus a 2% Medicare levy that funds public healthcare. For someone earning the median salary of around A$90,500, the effective tax rate is roughly 22–24%, leaving take-home pay of about A$5,750 per month. Employers must also pay superannuation (currently 12% of earnings) into a retirement fund on top of your salary, which is a significant long-term benefit not reflected in the monthly figure.
Minimum Wage and Cost of Living in Australia
Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world. As of 2025, the national minimum wage sits at around A$24 per hour, which works out to roughly A$48,000 per year for a full-time worker. This helps explain why even lower-paid jobs in Australia often pay more than equivalent roles in many other developed countries.
However, a high salary does not automatically mean a comfortable life. Housing is the biggest expense for most Australians, and rent or mortgage costs in Sydney and Melbourne are among the steepest in the world. A single person typically needs A$4,000 to A$5,000 net per month to live comfortably in a major city, while smaller cities and regional areas are considerably cheaper. When weighing up an Australian salary, the cost of living in your chosen city matters just as much as the headline figure.
Average Salary by Australian State
Earnings vary widely across Australia. Western Australia consistently tops the rankings thanks to its mining and resources sector, followed closely by the Australian Capital Territory, where many well-paid government roles are based. The table below shows approximate average annual full-time salaries by state.
| State | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Western Australia | A$100,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory | A$97,000 |
| New South Wales | A$92,000 |
| Victoria | A$89,000 |
| Tasmania | A$82,000 |
Which Industries Pay the Most in Australia?
Industry is one of the biggest factors in Australian pay. The mining sector leads by a wide margin, with median earnings well above A$140,000 per year. Other high-paying fields include technology, finance, engineering and medicine, where specialists and senior professionals can earn six figures comfortably. At the other end, sales, hospitality and retail roles tend to sit closest to the minimum wage. As in most countries, education and experience are decisive: workers in the 45–54 age bracket typically reach their peak earnings.
How Does the Average Salary in Australia Compare?
Australian salaries are broadly comparable to those in the United States and noticeably higher than in the United Kingdom or Canada. However, the cost of living in cities like Sydney and Melbourne is among the highest in the world, so high wages do not always translate into greater purchasing power. Free public healthcare through Medicare and compulsory superannuation are major advantages of the Australian system.
Conclusion
With a median salary of around A$90,500 per year, Australia offers some of the highest wages in the world alongside a high quality of life. Earnings are strongest in Western Australia, the ACT and high-skill sectors like mining and technology, while real purchasing power depends heavily on the city and its cost of living. For official figures, you can consult the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).