In 2026, the average full-time salary in Australia hovers around $100,000 per year, but the median wage, which better reflects typical earnings, ranges from $72,000 to $78,000. Salaries vary widely depending on where you live, what sector you work in, and your job role.
Key Salary Figures for 2026
- Average full-time earnings across Australia: approximately $100,000 per year
- Median wage range: $72,000 to $78,000 per year
- Highest average salaries by state: ACT at ~$110,000, WA at ~$105,000
- Lowest average salaries by state: Tasmania around $82,000, South Australia roughly $85,000
- Top-paying industries: Mining over $145,000, Finance $110,000, IT/Tech $105,000
- Lower-paying industries: Retail $55,000, Hospitality $50,000
- Highest-paid occupations: Surgeons earning $300,000+, dentists $160,000
- Gender pay gap: Women earn $26,596 less annually than men, a 21.8% difference
- National minimum wage: $24.10 per hour, $47,627 annually
- Penalty rates: Saturdays 125-150%, Sundays 150-200%, public holidays 200-250%
Salary Breakdown by State
The Australian Capital Territory leads with the highest average full-time salary of about $110,000, largely due to its large public service sector and concentration of federal government jobs which tend to offer higher remuneration. Western Australia follows closely at $105,000, buoyed by the mining industry’s high wages and ongoing resource projects.
New South Wales workers earn around $98,000 on average, reflecting Sydney’s role as a financial and commercial hub. Victoria sits at $92,000, supported by strong sectors like education, healthcare and finance.
Queensland average earnings are about $88,000, reflecting a mix of tourism, agriculture and mining-related jobs. South Australia’s average is roughly $85,000, with manufacturing and defence industries playing a part.
Tasmania records the lowest average full-time salary at around $82,000, partly due to its smaller economy and fewer high-paying roles.
The Northern Territory is a bit of an outlier with an average closer to $95,000, supported by mining, public sector roles and industries related to natural resources. Its relatively small population means average figures can fluctuate more than in other states.
Industry Salaries
Mining tops the charts, with average full-time salaries exceeding $145,000.
High demand for skilled workers and fly-in fly-out arrangements contribute to these figures. The finance sector averages around $110,000, reflecting strong demand for specialised roles in banking, insurance and investment.
Information technology and technology-related jobs pay about $105,000 on average, driven by growth in cybersecurity, software development and data science roles. Healthcare workers average close to $90,000, with nurses, allied health professionals and aged care staff included.
Construction workers also earn near $90,000, boosted by ongoing infrastructure projects and residential building demand. Education workers, including teachers and trainers, earn about $85,000 on average.
Retail jobs come in at about $55,000, reflecting part-time roles and lower-skilled positions common in the sector. Hospitality workers earn around $50,000, impacted by casual employment arrangements and minimum wage levels.
Occupation Salaries
Surgeons earn the highest wages, with average annual salaries surpassing $300,000, reflecting their specialist skills and critical responsibilities. Dentists are next, averaging about $160,000 per year.
Other high-paying occupations include engineering managers with salaries around $150,000, IT managers earning approximately $140,000, and legal professionals averaging $130,000. Mid-level health professionals like physiotherapists earn near $90,000.
Tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers typically earn between $80,000 and $95,000, depending on experience and location. Teachers and early childhood educators average closer to $70,000, while retail assistants and hospitality staff often earn near the national minimum wage, especially in casual roles.
Gender Pay Gap
The gender pay gap remains a challenge in Australia. In 2026, women earn on average $26,596 less annually than men, representing a 21.8% difference. This gap is influenced by factors such as industry concentration, part-time work prevalence, and career interruptions.
Industries like mining and finance with higher male representation tend to offer bigger pay packets. Conversely, sectors with more female workers, such as healthcare and education, generally pay less on average. Efforts to close this gap include workplace flexibility initiatives and pay equity legislation.
Minimum Wage and Penalty Rates
The national minimum wage stands at $24.10 per hour in 2026, equating to $47,627 annually for a full-time worker. This rate ensures a basic standard of living but is well below average full-time salaries.
Penalty rates apply for work outside standard hours: Saturdays attract 125-150% pay, Sundays between 150-200%, and public holidays are the most costly at 200-250%. These rates are critical for retail, hospitality and healthcare workers who often work weekends and holidays.
In 2026, full-time Australian workers can expect an average salary near $100,000, but typical earnings sit closer to $72,000-$78,000. Location is a big factor — living in the ACT or WA usually means higher pay. Your industry matters too, with mining and finance leading the pack, while retail and hospitality lag behind. Occupation plays a key role, from surgeons making over $300,000 to hospitality workers near the minimum wage. Despite progress, the gender pay gap still means women earn nearly $27,000 less on average. Minimum wages and penalty rates also shape earnings for many. So depending on where you are and what you do, your take-home pay can vary a lot.
This article was created with AI assistance.
