Highlights: Australia has recorded a $100 million university program to back women in STEM

• Tech founder Robin Khuda's $100 million donation impact by increasing opportunities for women.
• Women still hold 15% of STEM jobs in Australia for NSW University in funding a project that hopes to shift the balance.
• Robin Khuda funded $24 billion for AirTrunk, a hyperscale data specialist in the Asia Pacific and Japan.
• The STEM program aims to attract female students to relevant high school courses and support them.
   

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Record $100 million university donation aims to support women

Women in Australia still hold only 15% of STEM jobs in Australia. However, the record donation to a NSW university funds a project that hopes to shift the balance. This program aims to add 300 female STEM graduates to the workforce with the help of Robin Khuda at Sydney University.
 

The ambitious 20-year program will create a pipeline for high school girls in western Sydney into STEM education and careers. Robin Khuda has made it possible to record a $100 million donation from the Khuda Family Foundation, the largest ever received by a university in NSW.  Mr. Khuda sold off his company to AirTrunk for a large sum. He planned to hire women for technical and senior management roles to increase the awareness of recruiting female staff.
 

The STEM program aims to attract female students to relevant high school courses and then retain and support their studies to pursue STEM.
 

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Highlights: Australia declared the new Designated Area Migration from March 2025 to 2030

• Australia declared the new Designed Area Migration (DAMA) for the Northern Territories, which came into effect on March 19, 2025.
• NT DAMA III will sponsor up to 1500 overseas workers to address the labor shortage in the country.
• NT DAMA III will continue until July 30, 2030, expanding to 325 in-demand occupations.
• Currently, there are 13 DAMAs in place and aligned with state and territory migration plans.
   

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 What is DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a unique arrangement allowing businesses in designated regions that access more flexible skilled visa pathways. Here are the benefits of DAMA:

• Expanded occupation list beyond standard skilled visa category
• Concession on skills, experience, and English Language requirements to attract more workers
• Support for employers struggling to find local talents
   

Individual DAMA Labor Agreements are formal arrangements made between the Australian government, approved employers, and businesses operating in a designated region.
 

Agreements are typically:

• Valid for five years
• Operate through following :
• Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID)
• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
• Subclass 186 – Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS)
   

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Eligibility Requirement to apply for DAMA

To apply for the Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), an applicant must:

• Applicant must be sponsored by an approved employer based on the designated area
• Must demonstrate they have made a genuine attempt to hire local Australian worker
• Only occupations included in DAMA are eligible
• Employers must provide a genuine job offer to overseas workers
• Apply through the NT DAMA portal along with the necessary documentation.
   

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Average Salary in Australia 

As of May 2025, average ordinary full-time weekly earnings (AWOTE) are A$2,010 (≈ A$104,520 per year), up ~4.5% from May 2024 (A$1,923.40). The typical (median) employee earns A$1,396 per week (≈ A$72,592 per year, reference Aug 2024). Australia—the largest country in Oceania—is a high-income economy, and wages are comparatively high on a PPP-adjusted basis among OECD peers.

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Official Salary Snapshot (2024–25)

• Average (AWOTE, full-time adults): A$1,975.80/week in Nov 2024 (≈ A$102,700/year).
• Typical (median) earnings, all employees: A$1,396/week in Aug 2024 (≈ A$72,592/year).
• Latest level check (context): In May 2025, AWOTE passed A$2,000/week for the first time (men A$2,106.40; women A$1,864.10).

Mean vs Median — What’s the Difference?

Mean (AWOTE): Average ordinary-time earnings for full-time adult employees. Useful for benchmarking full-time salaries and tracking broad wage levels, but sensitive to very high incomes.

Median: The midpoint of earnings across all employees. Best for understanding typical pay and the distribution of earnings.

Latest figures:

• Mean (AWOTE): A$2,010/week (May 2025) ≈ A$104,520/year.
• Median (all employees): A$1,396/week (Aug 2024) ≈ A$72,592/year.

Key Factors Influencing Salaries in Australia 

Salaries in any country are shaped by multiple factors that reflect both individual qualifications and wider economic conditions. Understanding what drives pay levels helps job seekers and professionals make informed career decisions. Below are the main factors that influence salaries:

• Education & Qualifications – Higher educational achievements and specialized certifications are often linked to higher median earnings.
• Experience – Professionals with more years of relevant experience usually command better salaries than entry-level workers.
• Occupation & Industry – Knowledge-intensive and resource-linked sectors typically offer higher pay compared to consumer-facing service industries.
• Location – Salaries vary widely depending on where you work, with urban centers and high-demand regions paying more.
• Employment Status – Full-time employees often earn more consistently compared to part-time or casual workers.
• Awards & Enterprise Agreements – Negotiated workplace agreements and industry awards can significantly impact base pay and benefits.
• Economic Conditions – Broader factors such as labour demand, wage growth, and market trends influence salary levels across all sectors.

Salary Differences by Gender & Occupation in Australia

The latest wage statistics show clear differences in earnings by gender and occupation. Below is a breakdown of weekly and annual earnings based on median data and Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).

Note: Official statistics are reported by occupation groups, not individual job titles. Use groups (e.g., Professionals, Technicians & Trades) for reliable benchmarking.

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Industry-Specific Salary Insights in Australia (Official Medians)

The latest data highlights significant salary differences across industries in Australia. The figures below represent median weekly earnings as of August 2024, giving a realistic insight of what typical workers earn in each sector.

Note: These medians represent the typical earner in each industry and smooth out extremes.

Regional Salary Variations in Australia (Median Earnings)

Earnings differ significantly across Australian states, territories, and capital cities. The data below highlights the median weekly and annual earnings, showing where wages are highest and lowest.

Wage Trends & Inflation Impact in Australia

Recent statistics highlight how wages are moving in relation to inflation, showing differences across various measures of earnings.

• Wage Price Index (WPI): Increased by 3.4% year-on-year in the June quarter of 2025. This measures underlying wage changes, independent of workforce shifts.
• Median Weekly Earnings (All Employees): Rose by 7.4% year-on-year, reaching A$1,396 in August 2024. This reflects what the typical worker actually receives.
• Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE): Grew by 4.5% year-on-year, standing at A$2,010 in May 2025. This shows the mean earnings of full-time adults and can vary with workforce composition.

Cost of Living & Minimum Wages in Australia (2025)

• National Minimum Wage: From 1 July 2025, the minimum wage is set at A$24.95 per hour, which equals approximately A$948 per week for a standard 38-hour work week.
• Rental Affordability (Context): A 2025 national housing analysis showed that a single renter would need an income of about A$130,000 per year to comfortably afford the average unit rent (spending no more than 30% of income).

Note: This figure provides context when compared with ABS income data but is not an official ABS series.

How Does Australia Compare Globally?

• On a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis, Australia’s average annual wage was about USD 70,422 in 2023.
• This measure reflects wages adjusted for cost-of-living differences, providing a fair comparison across countries.
• Australia ranks above the OECD average, placing it among higher-income nations globally.
• The data highlights Australia’s strong position compared to many advanced economies, reinforcing its reputation as a high-wage country.

Maximising Your Earnings in Australia

• Lift your qualifications: Higher educational credentials are strongly linked to higher median earnings.
• Target higher-paying industries: Mining, utilities, and professional services consistently offer the best salaries.
• Build in-demand skills: Digital, engineering, healthcare, and technical skills attract salary premiums.
• Consider location: ACT, WA, and NT show higher typical wages compared to SA and TAS.
• Optimise your tax and benefits: Claim eligible work-related deductions, explore voluntary super contributions (within caps), and reduce high-interest debt to maximise take-home pay.

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to Australia? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors influence salaries most?

Salaries in Australia are shaped by a combination of personal, occupational, and economic factors. Education and qualifications are key drivers, as higher degrees and certifications are closely linked to higher earnings. Experience also plays a major role, with skilled professionals typically earning more than entry-level workers. Occupation and industry matter, as sectors like mining and professional services pay much more than retail or hospitality. Location is another factor, with states like ACT and WA offering higher median wages. Employment basis—whether full-time, part-time, or casual—along with wider labour market conditions such as wage growth and demand, also influence salaries.

Why is the average salary in Australia relatively high?
Australia’s relatively high average salary reflects its status as a high-income economy with strong labour protections. The country has one of the highest minimum wages globally, set by the Fair Work Commission, ensuring workers receive fair pay. Productivity levels are comparatively strong, and industries such as mining, energy, and professional services contribute significantly to wage growth. Enterprise agreements and workplace awards also guarantee minimum standards above the national minimum wage in many sectors. Combined with robust labour laws, these factors place Australia above the OECD average, making it a country where workers enjoy higher wages and stronger income security.

What is the current minimum wage?
As of 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage in Australia is A$24.95 per hour, equivalent to about A$948 for a standard 38-hour work week. This rate is set annually by the Fair Work Commission to ensure it reflects changes in the cost of living and overall economic conditions. It applies to most adult employees, though workers covered by awards or enterprise agreements may receive higher rates depending on their industry and occupation. The minimum wage underpins Australia’s strong labour protections and is a key factor in supporting wage fairness and reducing income inequality across the workforce.

What does the workforce earn on average?
Australia’s workforce earnings can be measured in two key ways. The Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) for full-time adults was A$2,010 per week in May 2025, which equals about A$104,520 annually. This figure reflects the average across all full-time workers. Meanwhile, the median weekly earnings for all employees, including part-time and casual workers, stood at A$1,396 in August 2024, or around A$72,592 annually. The median provides a more representative picture of what a typical worker earns, as it reduces the impact of very high salaries. Together, these figures highlight Australia’s comparatively strong wage environment.

The Skilled work regional provisional visa, also known as the Subclass 491 visa, allows skilled migrants to live, work, and study in designed regional areas of Australia for up to five years. After three years of residing in the country, the applicant can apply for Australia PR. To be eligible for this visa, an applicant must be sponsored by a qualifying relative or nominated to apply for an Australian state or territory government to meet the visa requirements.

Generally, the processing time for a Subclass 491 visa is around 9-19 months, unlike other Australian visas. However, applicants have sixty days from the date of the invitation to apply once the application is being reviewed.

491 Visa Processing Time for Main Applicant’s Points Tested Stream

Visa 491 Points Tested Stream Processing Times (Subsequent Entrant)

Subclass 491 Visa Processing Time 2024 Skilled Migration

There are three processing times for Subclass 491 visa Skilled Migration:

• Skilled Nomination (Permanent visa) (Subclass 190): Processing takes around 2-8 weeks
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491): Processing takes 2-8 weeks.
• Registration of Interest: ROI application processing times are unavailable

Factors That Affect Visa 491 Processing Time

The Processing time of Subclass 491 can vary depending on the specific of each application, including:

• If your application for a Subclass 491 visa is complete and attached with the required documentation.
• If the applicant acknowledges and replies quickly when asked for more information.
• It depends on how long the centre takes to verify the applicant’s information.
• It depends on how long it takes the applicant to get information on their skilled regional 491 visa application from outside agencies
• Depends on the number of applications received
• Adjustment to the plans and the ministerial instruction

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to Australia? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the processing time to get a Subclass 491 visa?

The Subclass 491 visa processing time takes around 9-19 months for most of the applicants.

2. Can 491 be granted offshore?

If an applicant has lived either in NSW for at least three months or offshore or has lived outside Australia continuously for at least three years, they can be granted offshore.

3. Does 491 guarantee PR?

No, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) doesn’t guarantee a PR. It allows skilled migrants to live, study, and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. However, it provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting certain eligibility criteria.

4. What is the 491 visa latest news?

According to the NSW government, it has made changes to the Subclass 491 visa under Pathway 1. Now, skilled workers have only 6 months of employment instead of the previous requirement of 12 months. A new English Language requirement has also been announced for Student and Temporary Graduate visas in Australia.

What is a 3 year Multiple visa in Australia?

A 3 year multiple entry visa is a type of visitor visa (Subclass 600) that allows candidates to visit Australia for tourism and business purposes or to visit family and friends. The 3 year multiple entry visa Australia allows an applicant to visit Australia numerous times over 3 years’ time period.

Australia offers 3 year multiple-entry visas that allow visitors to leave and enter the country multiple times over three years. The visa will enable visitors to apply for it once and enter the country multiple times without the need to re-apply. This visa is the most suitable option for business professionals, tourists, and visitors.

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Streams of a 3-Year Multiple Entry Visa in Australia (Subclass 600)

There are five stream of 3 year multiple visa Australia with different requirements and conditions to apply. The five main streams of 3-year multiple entry visas are:

• Tourist visa
• Sponsored Family stream
• Business Visitor stream
• Frequent Traveller stream
• Approved Destination Status stream

Tourist stream (Subclass 600)

The Tourist stream is designed for tourists who want to visit Australia for tourism purposes or to visit their family and friends. An applicant can stay in Australia with this visa for 12 months and can submit an application for this visa both onshore and offshore.

Business Visitor stream (Subclass 600)

The Business Visitor visa is designed for business applicants who want to visit Australia for temporary business activities, such as attending conferences and meetings. Under this visa, applicants are prohibited from working. An applicant can stay in Australia with this visa for up to three months and be allowed to conduct business there.

Sponsored Family stream (Subclass 600)

The Sponsored Family stream is designed for eligible family members who being sponsored by Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. An applicant can visit their family with this visa for up to 12 months and reunite with their loved ones.

Frequent Traveller stream (Subclass 600)

The Frequent Traveller stream is designed for Chinese citizens who often want to travel to Australia for business. An applicant can enter the country for up to 10 years and up to 3 months each time without needing to reapply for the visa every time.

Approved Destination status stream (Subclass 600)

The Approved Destination status stream is designed exclusively for Chinese citizens to enter Australia on a group tour. An applicant can enter the country for a maximum of 3 months.

Visa Cost of 3 Year Multiple Entry Visa in Australia

Below mentioned are the visa costs of 3 Year Multiple Entry Visa:

Eligibility Criteria to apply for a 3-Year Multiple Entry Visa in Australia

An applicant must fulfill the given eligibility criteria to apply for a 3 Year Multiple Entry Visa Australia:

• Valid passport
• State the reason for your visit to the country
• Sufficient funds to stay in the country
• Character and Health certificate
• Must not have previously canceled or refused a visa
• Genuine visitor to reside in Australia temporarily

How to apply for a 3-Year Multiple Entry Visa in Australia?

An applicant can follow this step-by-step procedure to apply for a 3 Year Multiple Entry Visa Australia:

Step 1: Check your eligibility for the visa

Step 2: Sort out all the documentation

Step 3: Apply for a Subclass 600 visa

Step 4: Wait for the visa approval

Step 5: Once approved, visit Australia

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to Australia? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.

FAQs

Is a 3-year visitor visa a Subclass 600 visa?

Yes, a 3-year multiple entry visa to Australia is also a Subclass 600 visa that allows business professionals, visitors, and tourists to visit Australia temporarily.  

Can I work in Australia on a 3-year multiple entry visa?

No, you cannot work in Australia under this visa. A 3-year multiple-entry visa is designed for business visitor activities, tourism, or visiting friends and family.

Do I need health insurance for a 3-year multiple entry visa?

You don’t require health insurance for a 3-year multiple entry visa. However, it is advisable to have health insurance for the duration of the stay.

 Can I extend my stay with a 3-year multiple entry visa in Australia?

A 3-year multiple-entry visa in Australia does not allow you to extend your stay. Instead, you must leave after the visa expires.