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).

Category	Earnings (Weekly)	Earnings (Annual, Approx.)
Median Earnings by Gender (All Employees, Aug 2024)
Males	A$1,577	A$82,004
Females	A$1,200	A$62,400
AWOTE by Gender (Full-Time Adults, May 2025)
Men	A$2,106.40	—
Women	A$1,864.10	—
Median Earnings by Occupation Group (Aug 2024)
Managers	A$2,100	—
Professionals	A$1,827	—
Technicians & Trades	~A$1,500	—
Sales Workers	A$714	—
Labourers	A$900	—

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.

Industry	Median Weekly Earnings	Approx. Annual Earnings
Highest Median Earnings
Mining	A$2,593	A$134,836
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste	A$1,895	A$98,540
Professional, Scientific & Technical	A$1,841	A$95,732
Lower Median Earnings
Accommodation & Food	A$650	A$33,800
Retail Trade	A$893	A$46,436
Arts & Recreation	A$1,000	A$52,000

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.

Region	Median Weekly Earnings	Approx. Annual Earnings
States & Territories
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	A$1,688	A$87,776
Northern Territory (NT)	A$1,500	A$78,000
Western Australia (WA)	A$1,500	A$78,000
Victoria (VIC)	A$1,400	A$72,800
New South Wales (NSW)	A$1,387	A$72,124
Queensland (QLD)	A$1,350	A$70,200
South Australia (SA)	A$1,250	A$65,000
Tasmania (TAS)	A$1,208	A$62,816
Capital Cities
Perth	A$1,500	A$78,000
Melbourne	A$1,450	A$75,400
Sydney	A$1,416	A$73,632

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.