What is the average salary in Perth?

The on-site reference does not include a specific average salary figure for Perth. The ABS publishes regional earnings data, but this guide relies on the national figures provided. For Perth, you would need to consult the ABS's regional average weekly earnings release or a reputable salary survey. The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week (ABS May 2026), but Perth may differ.

How does the national minimum wage compare to average earnings in Perth?

The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026) is significantly lower than the national average full-time earnings. Perth's average is likely higher than the national minimum, but without a specific figure in the reference, we cannot give a precise comparison. Many workers in Perth are covered by modern awards or enterprise agreements that set rates above the minimum.

Do I have to be paid the national minimum wage if I work in Perth?

If you are a national-system employee (most private-sector workers in WA), you must be paid at least the national minimum wage unless a modern award or enterprise agreement applies and sets a higher rate. Some state-system employees (e.g., certain state public sector or local government) may be covered by WA state awards. Always check your award or agreement first. The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces these rules.

Average Salary Perth: How the Legal Minimum Compares to Market Rates

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but the on-site reference does not provide a specific average salary figure for Perth.

Average Salary Perth: Understanding the Pay Floor

When people search for the "average salary Perth," they often want a single number that represents typical earnings in Western Australia's capital. However, the legal minimum wage and market averages are different concepts. This guide explains the pay floor that applies to most workers in Perth and how it relates to broader earnings data, using the on-site reference from the Fair Work Commission and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The Legal Minimum Wage for Perth Workers

The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is the lowest amount an employer can pay an adult employee who is not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. From 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour ordinary week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. This is the absolute floor – no employer can pay less, unless a specific exemption applies (such as junior rates, apprentices, or supported wages).

Superannuation is an additional employer payment. The super guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. So if you earn $26.44 per hour, your employer must also contribute $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a compulsory benefit.

Award Rates and Negotiated Salaries

Most employees in Perth are covered by a modern award that sets minimum pay rates for their industry and role. Award rates are often higher than the national minimum. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in a modern award cannot fall below $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but many classifications are above that. Introductory rates (first six months) are capped at $25.74 per hour. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates through negotiation between employers and employees.

If you are award-free and agreement-free, the national minimum applies. But if you have a contract that says "salary of $70,000 per year," that is a negotiated rate – it must still be at least the legal minimum when converted to an hourly equivalent (including super).

What the Reference Says About Average Earnings

The on-site reference includes ABS data from May 2026: full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (national average) and all employees average total earnings of $1,579.20 per week. These are national figures, not specific to Perth. The ABS does publish regional averages, but this guide does not have a precise figure for Perth. Therefore, we cannot say what the "average salary Perth" is from this reference.

However, it is safe to say that the legal minimum ($1,004.90 per week) is well below the national average. In Perth, where the cost of living and wages in sectors like mining and construction can be higher, the average is likely above the national average. But without a specific number, we stick to what the reference provides.

How to Find Your Correct Pay

To know which pay floor applies to you, follow these steps:

Check if you are covered by a modern award – use the Fair Work Ombudsman's online tools or Which minimum wage applies on this site.
If no award, check for an enterprise agreement – your employer should provide a copy.
If award-free and agreement-free, the national minimum wage applies.
Compare your hourly rate (including casual loading if applicable) to the relevant minimum. Remember that juniors, apprentices, and trainees may have lower rates.

For a full list of current rates, see the Rate tables page.

Important Distinctions

Legal minimum vs survey average: The legal minimum is a floor; the average is a statistical midpoint. They are not the same.
Award rate vs negotiated salary: An award sets a minimum for a classification; a salary can be higher but must still meet the award minimum.
Super is on top: When comparing salaries, remember that super is an additional 12% cost to the employer. A $70,000 salary plus 12% super means the employer pays $78,400 total.

FAQs

(Three FAQs are provided in the JSON above.)

Summary

While the "average salary Perth" is a common query, this site's reference does not contain a specific figure for Perth. The legal minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, with super on top. Most workers in Perth are covered by awards or agreements that pay more. For precise market rates, consult ABS regional data or industry surveys. Always ensure your pay meets at least the legal minimum – the Fair Work Ombudsman can help if you have concerns.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.