Average Salary Australia 2026 by Industry: Complete Guide with After-Tax Figures

As of the latest ABS data (November 2025), average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults in Australia is approximately $1,923.40 per week, equating to $100,016 per year. The median is lower at approximately $1,480 per week ($76,960 per year) — the median is more representative of a 'typical' worker because it is not skewed by very high earners. Male average full-time earnings are approximately $107,000 and female average full-time earnings are approximately $91,000, representing a gender pay gap of approximately 15%.

Total average earnings (including overtime and part-time workers) are approximately $1,460/week ($75,920/year). These figures include base salary only — they exclude super, bonuses, and non-cash benefits.

Average annual full-time salaries by industry, ordered from highest to lowest: Mining: $148,000. Financial and Insurance Services: $118,000. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: $112,000.

Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services: $110,000. Information Media and Telecommunications: $108,000.

Public Administration and Safety: $100,000. Construction: $96,000.

Education and Training: $94,000.

Transport, Postal and Warehousing: $88,000.

Wholesale Trade: $86,000. Manufacturing: $84,000.

Health Care and Social Assistance: $82,000. Administrative and Support Services: $72,000. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing: $70,000.

Arts and Recreation Services: $68,000. Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services: $66,000.

Retail Trade: $62,000. Accommodation and Food Services: $60,000. Other Services: $70,000. These are averages and vary significantly by role, experience, and location.

Here is what common salary levels actually look like after tax (2026-27, no HECS, including Medicare): $60,000 gross = approximately $50,280 take-home ($967/week). $80,000 gross = approximately $63,880 take-home ($1,228/week). $100,000 gross = approximately $77,480 take-home ($1,490/week). $120,000 gross = approximately $91,080 take-home ($1,752/week). $150,000 gross = approximately $110,430 take-home ($2,124/week). $200,000 gross = approximately $140,130 take-home ($2,695/week). The diminishing returns of higher salaries are clear: going from $60K to $120K (doubling your gross salary) only increases your take-home by 80%. This is because higher income pushes more of your earnings into higher tax brackets.

Use our Take Home Pay Calculator to see your exact after-tax figure.

So, the fastest salary growth in 2025-26 is in: technology and cybersecurity (10-15% year-on-year for experienced roles), healthcare (driven by workforce shortages, particularly nursing and allied health), trades (plumbers, electricians, and builders benefiting from housing construction demand), and mining (commodity price driven). For career switchers, the biggest after-tax salary gains come from moving into mining, financial services, or tech from lower-paying industries. A hospitality worker earning $60,000 who moves into mining at $148,000 increases their take-home pay from approximately $49,888 to $108,000 — a $58,000 increase in annual spending power.

Trades offer strong returns with relatively short training periods: a 4-year electrical apprenticeship leads to average earnings of $85,000-95,000 with potential for much more through overtime and contracting.