Understanding how your paycheck measures up
You’ve probably seen salary reports before. But what do those averages really mean?
In this guide, we break down average salaries using the latest 2024 data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). We’ll explore how pay varies across industries, locations, education and experience levels. We’ll reveal where gaps may be hiding in the national averages.
What’s the Average Salary in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that as of November 2024, the average salary in Australia is $1,975.80 weekly.
| Type of Earnings | Weekly Pay | Annual Equivalent | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Time Earnings | $1,975.80 | $102,740 | Gross earnings for normal hours worked, excluding overtime. Includes regular bonuses, allowances, and penalty rates. |
| Total Earnings (with Overtime) | $2,043.00 | $106,236 | Gross earnings including OTE plus overtime. More reflective of total pay before tax. |
But here’s the catch: averages can be misleading. A few super high earners can skew the numbers, making the average look higher than what most people actually take home. You can find more information about Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE) on the ATO website.
The median salary (the middle point where half earn more and half earn less) gives us a clearer picture. Data from ABS Employee Earnings August 2024:
| Type of Earnings | Weekly Pay | Annual Equivalent | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Earnings | $1,396 | $72,592 | Represents the midpoint of earnings for all employees, including full-time and part-time workers, and encompasses base pay, overtime, and bonuses. |
That’s about $33,644 difference between average and median.
What does this mean? Half of all Australian workers earn less than $72,592. So if you’re earning around $70,000-75,000, you’re not behind. You are actually typical. If you are earning more than this, you are doing better than half of Australian workers. Earning less? You might have room to negotiate, explore other opportunities, cross-skill or upskill.
How Pay Varies by Industry
Let’s take a quick look at how average salaries differ across industries based on ABS data from November 2024:
| Industry | Average Weekly Earnings | Annual Equivalent (x52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining | $3,111.70 | $161,808 |
| Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services | $2,352.20 | $122,314 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $2,319.80 | $120,629 |
| Public Administration & Safety | $2,068.40 | $107,556 |
| Financial & Insurance Services | $2,290.20 | $119,090 |
| Retail Trade | $1,496.20 | $77,802 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $1,430.60 | $74,391 |
Here’s a quick look at how different fields stack up by median salary based on ABS data from August 2024:
| Industry | Median Weekly Earnings | Annual Equivalent (x52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining | $2,593 | $134,836 |
| Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services | $1,895 | $98,540 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $1,841 | $95,732 |
| Public Administration & Safety | $1,750 | $91,000 |
| Financial & Insurance Services | $1,750 | $91,000 |
| Retail Trade | $893 | $46,436 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $650 | $33,800 |
These are ballpark figures and don’t account for job title, experience, or conditions.
How Experience and Education Impact Your Salary
It’s also important to note that your salary isn’t just determined by the industry you’re in—it’s also influenced by your experience and education.
- Entry-Level Positions
If you’re just starting out in your career, you might earn significantly less than the average. For example, a junior accountant might earn $50,000-$60,000 per year, while a senior accountant with years of experience could earn upwards of $100,000.
- Mid-Career Professionals
After gaining some experience, your salary usually increases. Many people in their 30s and 40s find themselves in this bracket, earning closer to or above the average salary as they advance in their careers.
- Senior Roles
As you climb the ladder, your pay increases too. Senior managers, executives and specialists often earn well over $150,000, especially in high-demand fields.
Education also plays a role. A university degree can open doors to higher-paying jobs, but it’s not the only path. Trades and vocational training can also lead to well-paid careers, particularly in industries like construction and mining.
According to ABS data from August 2024, employees with postgraduate degrees had the highest median weekly earnings at $1,925, while those without any non-school qualifications earned the least, around $1,000 per week.
| Education Level | Median Weekly Earnings | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Degree | $1,925 | $100,100 |
| No Non-School Qualifications | $1,000 | $52,000 |
Regional Differences: City vs. Country
Where you live in Australia can have a big impact on your salary and living expenses.
- City Life
Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer higher salaries, but they also come with higher costs of living. Housing, food and transport are more expensive, so even with a higher salary, you might not feel as well off.
- Regional Areas
In smaller towns and rural areas, the cost of living is generally lower. Housing is cheaper, and you might not spend as much on transport or entertainment. However, salaries are often lower too, reflecting the local economy and job market.
For example, a teacher in Sydney might earn around $90,000 per year, but a teacher in a rural area might earn closer to $70,000. However, the teacher in the rural area might be able to buy a house for much less, making their lower salary stretch further.
How Do You Compare?
So, how does your salary compare? If you’re earning around the average or above, you’re in a much better position than half of the Australian workers, but it still depends on your personal circumstances. Many factors such as the industry you’re in, your years of experience, where you live impact your pay.
And if you’re feeling the pinch, you’re not alone. Many Aussies find themselves in a similar situation, especially with the rising cost of living. But by understanding where you stand and making informed choices, the better you can plan, negotiate, or make changes on how far your pay can go
What Averages Don’t Show
While median and average earnings from ABS data offer useful insights, they don’t capture the full picture of how pay works in practice. Here are key factors that average figures often overlook:
- Gender, cultural background, race, disability, or employment type can still affect pay, even among people with the same qualifications.
- Casual and fixed-term workers may earn more per hour but miss out on sick leave, annual leave, and job security.
- Unpaid overtime is still common, reducing actual hourly earnings.
- Education and experience play a role, but they aren’t the only factors driving pay differences.
- Industry-specific conditions, like FIFO arrangements, shift penalties, or remote work allowances, can significantly alter pay structures.
- Bonuses, perks, and benefits vary widely across employers and aren’t reflected in base salary figures.
- Regional cost-of-living differences mean a lower salary might go further in some locations than others.
How Can You Use This Info?
Now that you’ve seen both the data and the bigger picture behind it, here’s how you can apply it to your career and financial decisions.
- Check your pay: Compare your earnings to others in similar roles, industries, and locations
- Factor in total compensation: Consider superannuation, bonuses, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities
- Be ready to negotiate: Use this data to support salary review discussions with evidence
- Plan your career: Identify high-growth industries and roles that align with your skills and interests
- Consider location trade-offs: Weigh higher salaries against cost of living when considering relocations
- Keep learning: Higher qualifications and more training often mean higher pay (but they’re not the only way)
Understanding the average salary in Australia is just the beginning. While averages provide a general picture, they don’t tell the whole story. Echochime was built to empower workers through real, anonymous salary insights, so you can see where you stand and help others do the same.
Don’t Just Wonder. Help Change the System.
Together, we can build a more transparent, fair, and honest job market, one salary at a time.
Want to know if minimum wage is still enough? Check out our next article coming soon, Minimum Salary in Australia (2025): How Far Can It Go?
Disclaimer:
This article provides general information and uses publicly available data from sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It includes illustrative examples and general commentary to help readers understand national trends. Figures presented are before tax and may not reflect individual experiences, specific occupations, awards, contract types, or regions. For personal or professional decisions, please consult a qualified financial or workplace advisor.
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