What is the median salary in Australia?

The median salary is the middle point of all salaries when arranged in order. Half of employees earn more and half earn less. The on-site reference does not provide a median salary figure. The ABS publishes median earnings data separately, but this guide does not include it. For the most recent median, you would need to consult ABS publications such as 'Employee Earnings and Hours'.

How does the median salary compare with the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is a legal floor, not a median. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. The median salary is typically higher because it reflects the earnings of the typical worker, not the lowest. Without a median figure in the reference, we cannot give a direct comparison, but the ABS average total earnings of $1,579.20 per week (May 2026) suggests the median is likely lower than that average.

Where can I find the official median salary for Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes median earnings data in its 'Employee Earnings and Hours' release. You can also check the ABS website for the latest figures. This site does not provide median salary data; we focus on minimum wages and award rates. For a broader view, refer to the [Topics](/topics) page for related guides.

Median salary in Australia: how the legal minimum and average earnings compare

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, but the reference does not contain a median salary figure; the ABS average total earnings for all employees is $1,579.20 per week.

Median salary in Australia: what you need to know

When people ask about the median salary in Australia, they are looking for the earnings figure that sits right in the middle of all salaries. It is a useful benchmark, but it is not the same as the legal minimum wage, an award rate, or the average salary. This guide explains the difference and what the on-site reference tells us.

What the reference says about earnings

The on-site reference includes ABS data from May 2026. It gives two figures:

Full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week (an average)
All employees average total earnings: $1,579.20 per week (an average)

Neither of these is a median. The reference does not contain a median salary figure. If you need a precise median, you must look to the ABS directly. This site cannot invent one.

The legal minimum: a separate concept

The national minimum wage is the lowest lawful pay for award-free and agreement-free employees. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is:

$26.44 per hour
$1,004.90 per week (based on 38 ordinary hours)
Casual employees receive a 25% loading: $33.05 per hour

Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. That is an extra payment, not part of the hourly rate.

A modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher rate than the national minimum. Many employees are covered by awards that have their own minimum wages. The lowest ongoing classification in an award cannot fall below the national minimum. Introductory rates (first six months) are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week from 1 July 2026.

How the median salary differs

The median salary is a market measure, not a legal floor. It reflects what the typical worker earns. Because it is a midpoint, it is usually higher than the minimum wage. For example, if the median were $1,200 per week, half of all employees would earn more than that and half less. The national minimum is much lower at $1,004.90 per week.

Without a median figure in the reference, we cannot give a number. But you can see that the average total earnings ($1,579.20) is well above the minimum. The median is typically below the average because high earners pull the average up.

Award rates and negotiated salaries

Award rates vary by industry and classification. They are minimums, not medians. For example, a retail employee Level 1 might earn $24.95 per hour (2025 rate) while the median retail salary could be higher. Enterprise agreements and individual contracts can also set pay above the award.

If you are negotiating a salary, remember that the legal minimum is only a starting point. Your actual pay may be higher based on your skills, experience, and the market. The median salary for your occupation is a better guide, but you need to find that from sources like the ABS or industry surveys.

Superannuation on top

Whenever pay is discussed, remember that super is an employer payment on top. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a worker on the national minimum of $1,004.90 per week, the employer must also contribute $120.59 to super. This is not part of the wage but is additional compensation.

Which pay floor applies to you?

To know your legal minimum, check if you are covered by a modern award. If not, and you are a national-system employee, the national minimum applies. Award-free juniors have lower percentages (e.g., 16-year-olds get 47.3% of the adult rate). Apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award rates.

For more details, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Summary

The median salary is a useful benchmark but is not provided in this reference. The legal minimum is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. Average earnings from the ABS are $1,579.20 per week. Always separate the legal floor from market averages. For your own situation, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a pay advisor.

For further reading, visit Guides and How the figures work.