Australia’s Average Salary in 2025 Will Stun You: If you’ve ever wondered how your income compares to the rest of the nation, you’re not alone. In 2025, Australia’s average salary is a hot topic—and the numbers might surprise you. With rising living costs, booming industries, and skill shortages affecting the employment landscape, understanding where your earnings fall on the national scale is more important than ever.
Whether you’re a student planning your future, a seasoned professional eyeing a career move, or simply curious about the economic pulse of the country, this guide will break down Australia’s average salary in 2025 in a way that’s easy to understand and professionally valuable. Plus, it offers actionable insights to help you assess your financial position and make strategic decisions about your career.
Australia’s Average Salary in 2025
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Full-Time Salary | ~AUD 98,000 to AUD 100,000/year (Source) |
| Median Full-Time Salary | AUD 72,592/year |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | AUD 24.10/hour or AUD 915.90/week (Source) |
| Top Paying Industry | Mining: AUD 3,015/week |
| Highest Earning State | Australian Capital Territory: AUD 2,126/week |
| Income Needed to Afford Average Rent | ~AUD 130,000/year (Source) |
Australia’s average salary in 2025 reveals both progress and challenges in the workforce. While wages are rising, so too is the cost of living. Understanding these dynamics is essential for making sound career and financial choices.
Whether you’re just entering the job market or looking to level up, stay engaged with your industry’s standards, keep improving your skills, and don’t be afraid to seek fair compensation for your work. Knowledge is power—and it pays.
Understanding Australia’s Average Salary in 2025
To fully grasp how salaries in Australia stack up in 2025, it’s important to look at both the average and median income. These two indicators provide unique insights into income distribution across the workforce.
- Average Salary refers to the total sum of all salaries divided by the number of wage earners. This figure can be disproportionately influenced by top earners in high-paying fields.
- Median Salary, on the other hand, is the midpoint—meaning half the population earns more and half earns less. It’s a more balanced representation of typical earnings.
In 2025, the average full-time salary in Australia is around AUD 98,000 to 100,000, while the median salary is AUD 72,592, as per the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Why the Difference Matters
High-paying executive roles and booming sectors like mining, tech, and finance drive up the average. But the median is often a better benchmark when evaluating living standards, negotiating pay, or budgeting.
Understanding this difference can also help employees recognize wage gaps and identify whether their current compensation aligns with national or industry-specific trends.
What Affects Your Salary in Australia?
Numerous factors impact your salary, from industry and location to education level and years of experience. Knowing these can help you identify areas for improvement or negotiation.
Industry and Job Role
Some industries offer significantly higher wages due to specialized skills, safety risks, or global demand. Here’s a snapshot of average weekly earnings by sector:
| Industry | Average Weekly Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mining | 3,015 |
| Information Media & Telecommunications | 2,437 |
| Financial & Insurance Services | 2,283 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | 2,245 |
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | 1,850 |
| Education & Training | 1,802 |
| Construction | 1,793 |
The disparity is clear: while a mining engineer might bring home over AUD 150,000 annually, a childcare worker may earn closer to AUD 50,000. These figures highlight the importance of sector choice when planning your career path.
Location
Salary levels vary widely across Australia’s states and territories. Larger cities often pay more due to demand and cost of living, but regional roles may offer other benefits like housing allowances or lower expenses.
| State/Territory | Average Weekly Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | 2,126 |
| Western Australia | 2,094 |
| New South Wales | 1,936 |
| Victoria | 1,882 |
| Queensland | 1,845 |
| South Australia | 1,751 |
| Tasmania | 1,711 |
| Northern Territory | 1,775 |
Salaries in ACT and WA often lead the pack due to the concentration of public service roles and natural resource industries. Conversely, Tasmania and South Australia tend to offer lower pay, but also a lower cost of living.
Education and Experience
There’s a direct correlation between higher education and increased earning potential. Employees with advanced degrees tend to access higher-paying roles, particularly in law, engineering, medicine, and technology.
Experience matters too. A graduate starting out in accounting may earn AUD 60,000 per year, while a senior accountant with a CPA designation and ten years’ experience can command over AUD 120,000.
Continuing professional development (CPD) and certifications (like AWS for IT professionals or PMP for project managers) are often key to career progression and salary bumps.
Salary vs. Cost of Living
Having a six-figure salary might sound luxurious, but when we weigh it against the current cost of living—especially housing—many Australians are finding their income stretched.
In 2025, rent has skyrocketed across urban centers. According to SGS Economics & Planning, the median weekly rent is now AUD 566, which equates to nearly AUD 30,000 per year.
“Australians now need to earn AUD 130,000 annually to comfortably afford average rental properties,” reports The Guardian (source).
This makes it critical for wage earners to plan wisely, track their spending, and consider relocating if their salary doesn’t match the financial demands of their city.
Additionally, inflation has affected the prices of utilities, groceries, transport, and childcare. Budgeting apps and financial advisors suggest aiming to keep housing costs below 30% of net income—a goal becoming increasingly difficult for many.
A Australia’s Average Salary in 2025 Guide to Comparing Your Salary
Want to know how you stack up? Here’s a practical guide to measuring your earnings against the national average:
- Know Your Numbers: Gather your latest payslips or tax return. Identify your gross annual income (before tax) and net income (after tax and superannuation deductions).
- Compare with National Medians: See how your current salary compares to the national median of AUD 72,592. Falling below doesn’t necessarily mean underpaid—but it may be worth a deeper look.
- Analyze Industry Averages: Refer to ABS and job boards like SEEK or Indeed. Match your job title and location to published salary bands to understand your market value.
- Consider Your Region’s Cost of Living: Use tools like Numbeo or government budget planners to estimate your real-world spending power. Two people earning AUD 90,000 can live very different lifestyles in Sydney vs. Hobart.
- Plan for Progress: If you’re under-earning, it’s not the end of the road. Consider,
- Upskilling or pursuing further education
- Switching industries or employers
- Negotiating your current salary with evidence and performance reviews
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Career Planning Tips for 2025 and Beyond
Future-proofing your career means being proactive. Here are some expert-recommended tips to grow your income and career satisfaction:
- Upskill Regularly: The job market favors those who evolve. Fields like data science, AI, and sustainability offer growing demand and high salaries.
- Stay Informed: Government platforms like Job Outlook help identify growing careers and salaries.
- Go Remote If Possible: Remote work continues to thrive. You might earn a Sydney wage while enjoying rural NSW’s lower costs.
- Build Your Network: Attend industry events, join online groups, and connect on LinkedIn. Many high-paying jobs are filled through referrals.
- Track Industry Trends: Read annual reports, industry whitepapers, and salary guides to anticipate where growth (and pay rises) are coming next.
FAQs On Australia’s Average Salary in 2025
What is a good salary in Australia in 2025?
A good salary varies by city and lifestyle. In general, anything above AUD 100,000/year is considered high. However, AUD 80,000–90,000 can still support a comfortable lifestyle in many parts of Australia.
Is AUD 75,000 a good salary in Australia?
Yes. It’s slightly above the national median and allows a comfortable lifestyle in most areas outside the major capital cities.
What industries pay the most?
Top-paying industries in 2025 include:
- Mining and Resources
- Financial Services
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Medical Specialists
How can I increase my salary?
- Get additional certifications or qualifications
- Improve your negotiation skills
- Change employers or industries
- Request a performance-based raise
Where can I find reliable salary data?
Official sources include the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Fair Work Ombudsman, and Labour Market Insights.
