What is the average yearly salary in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, which equates to about $108,352 per year. For all employees (including part-time and casual), average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week, or roughly $82,118 per year. These figures are before tax and do not include superannuation.

How does the national minimum wage compare to the average salary?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week. That is about $52,255 per year before tax. The average full-time adult salary is roughly double that. However, many employees are covered by awards or agreements that set higher minimum rates than the national minimum.

Does superannuation count as part of my salary or wages?

No. The superannuation guarantee is an employer contribution paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. It is not part of your take-home pay or the salary figures quoted by the ABS. When comparing job offers, remember that super is extra.

Average Yearly Salary Australia: How It Compares to the Legal Minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adult award-free employees. Average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week (ABS May 2026).

Average yearly salary Australia: a practical check with your hourly rate

When you search for "average yearly salary Australia", you are likely trying to gauge whether your own pay is typical or fair. This guide separates the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. We use the most recent public figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The legal minimum: national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the rate for adult employees not covered by an award or registered agreement is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These are before-tax (gross) figures. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top by the employer.

Not every worker must receive $26.44 an hour. Junior employees (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and some employees with disability have lower minimum rates. For example, an award-free 16-year-old must be paid at least $12.51 per hour (47.3% of the adult rate), or $15.64 casual. Award-free juniors follow a percentage scale set by the Fair Work Commission. Apprentice and trainee rates for award-free employees are based on the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages.

Award rates: often higher than the national minimum

Most employees in Australia are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries or occupations. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, modern award minimum wages rose by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. Some awards have introductory rates for the first six months, which cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. Always check your award using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates than the award.

Average yearly salary: what the ABS says

The ABS publishes average weekly earnings. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. That is about $108,352 per year. When all employees (including part-time and casual) are included, average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week, or about $82,118 per year. These are before tax and do not include superannuation. The average is a different measure from the minimum. Many people earn below the average, and many earn above. The average can be pulled up by high earners.

How to check your own rate

Take your hourly rate (before tax) and multiply by 38 for a weekly figure. Compare that to the national minimum of $1,004.90. If you are award-covered, compare to the award rate for your classification. Remember that super is extra. If your rate seems low, check Which minimum wage applies or look up Rate tables for your award. If you are award-free and over 21, you should receive at least the national minimum. If you are under 21, use the junior percentage table.

Superannuation: an employer payment on top

When discussing pay, remember that the superannuation guarantee is an employer contribution, not part of your hourly or weekly wage. From 1 July 2026, it is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For a full-time worker on the national minimum, that is an extra $120.59 per week paid into your super fund. The average salary figures from the ABS also exclude super.

What if my pay is below the minimum?

If you believe you are being paid less than the legal minimum, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. They can investigate and help recover unpaid wages. Employers cannot advertise pay rates that breach the Fair Work Act. Job ads must comply with the relevant award or the national minimum.

Summary

The "average yearly salary Australia" is a useful benchmark, but your legal entitlement depends on your award, agreement, age, and employment type. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. Award rates are often higher. Always check your specific situation. For more detail, see How the figures work or Topics.