Does $100,000 include superannuation?

No. When an employer quotes a salary of $100,000, that is usually the base salary before super. The super guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of ordinary time earnings, so the total employment cost would be around $112,000. Always check whether a salary figure includes super or is exclusive.

If I earn $100,000, am I covered by a modern award?

Not necessarily. Awards set minimum pay and conditions for specific industries and occupations. If your role is classified under an award, the award rate may be higher or lower than $100,000 depending on your classification and experience. Many professional and managerial roles are award-free, meaning the national minimum wage is the floor, but your actual salary is negotiated. Check with the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or your enterprise agreement.

How does $100,000 compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. That works out to about $52,255 per year. So $100,000 is roughly 91% higher than the minimum. However, some award rates (especially introductory rates) and junior rates are lower than the national minimum. For award‑free juniors, rates can be as low as $9.73 per hour for under‑16s.

Is $100k a Good Salary in Australia? A Practical Pay Check

As of July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week), so $100,000 a year is roughly double the minimum and slightly below the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352.

Is $100k a Good Salary in Australia? A Practical Check

If you’ve searched “is 100k a good salary in australia”, you’re probably weighing a job offer, planning a move, or just wondering where you stand. The short answer: $100,000 a year is a solid income – well above the legal minimum and close to the average full‑time salary. But “good” depends on your industry, location, experience, and what you’re comparing it to. This guide breaks down the numbers using official Australian sources.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

Every national‑system employee in Australia is entitled to at least the national minimum wage. As of 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set this at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week (Fair Work Commission). That annualises to about $52,255 before tax.

If you’re a casual employee, you get a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour – about $65,300 a year for 38 hours a week. But remember: the national minimum only applies if you’re not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Most employees in hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and many other sectors have award rates that are often higher than the national minimum.

Award rates can include introductory rates (e.g., $25.74 per hour for the first six months) and junior rates (as low as $9.73 per hour for under‑16s). So $100,000 is far above any award floor for an adult worker.

The Average: What the ABS Says

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings data. In May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year. That’s the average for people working full‑time in ordinary hours (excluding overtime).

If you earn $100,000, you’re about 4% below that average. But averages can be skewed by high earners. The median – the middle point – is typically lower. The ABS does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for all employees, but the median for full‑time employees is usually around 80–85% of the mean. That would put the median full‑time salary somewhere in the $86,000–$92,000 range. So $100,000 is above the likely median.

Award Rates vs. Negotiated Salaries

Awards set minimum pay for specific jobs. For example, a retail employee Level 1 might earn around $24–$26 per hour under the General Retail Industry Award. A nurse under the Nurses Award might earn $35–$45 per hour depending on classification. These are minimums – many employers pay above award.

If you’re in a professional role (e.g., IT, finance, engineering), you’re likely award‑free. Your salary is negotiated. $100,000 is common for mid‑level professionals in Sydney or Melbourne, but may be high for entry‑level roles or low for senior management.

Superannuation: The Extra 12%

When discussing salary, remember that Australian employers must pay superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12%. So if your base salary is $100,000, your employer pays an additional $12,000 into your super fund. Your total remuneration package is $112,000. This is not cash in hand, but it’s part of your compensation.

Tax and Take‑Home Pay

For the 2026–27 tax year, a resident earning $100,000 pays about $22,967 in tax (using the full tax‑free threshold) plus about $2,000 in Medicare levy (2% once income exceeds $30,000). That leaves roughly $75,033 after tax and Medicare. That’s about $6,253 per month or $1,443 per week. Whether that’s “good” depends on your rent or mortgage, lifestyle, and location. In expensive cities like Sydney, $100,000 may feel tight; in regional areas, it can go far.

How to Check Your Own Rate

To see if your pay is correct, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or check your award’s pay guide. If you’re award‑free, the national minimum is your floor. For juniors, apprentices, or supported employees, special rates apply – see our rate tables for details.

Summary

$100,000 is about double the national minimum wage ($52,255) and slightly below the average full‑time earnings ($108,352).
It’s above the likely median full‑time salary (estimated $86k–$92k).
Award rates for many jobs are lower, so $100k is well above minimums in most industries.
Super is extra – your total package is $112,000.
Tax takes about $25,000, leaving ~$75,000 take‑home.

Ultimately, “good” is personal. But by the numbers, $100,000 is a strong, above‑average salary in Australia.

For more context, see our guides on which minimum wage applies and how the figures work.