What Is A Good Salary in Australia? [Average Salaries 2023] (2024)

Are you considering a move Down Under? Expats seeking fresh experiences have long chosen the land of magnificent landscapes, bustling towns, and distinctive animals. Before quitting, you must ask yourself: What is a good salaryin Australia?

The average salary in Australia reached 7,570 Australian dollars (AUD) per month, equating to roughly USD 5,032 per month. But there are more things you need to know about the salary in this country.

In this guide, we’ll talk about salaries in Australia, exploring the average yearly salary, median income, and other key metrics to help you make an informed decision about your future financial prospects.

Let’s navigate the Australian job market together and ensure you’re well-prepared for your exciting journey!

What is The Average Salary in Australia?

In 2023, Salaryexplorer.com reported that the average salary in Australia reached 7,570 Australian dollars (AUD) per month, equating to roughly USD 5,032 per month. This figure represented the average wage across various job titles and industries.

Median income, reflecting the middle point of earnings, is closely aligned with the average salary.

Wage growth and salary increments were observed in some sectors, while public sector employees with bachelor’s degrees generally earned higher than the minimum wage.

However, the minimum salary for hourly workers remained a concern, highlighting the need for equitable pay across the workforce.

If you’re looking for work in a major city like Sydney or Melbourne, you can expect to earn a little more than the national average.

What is a Median Salary?

A median salary refers to the midpoint of earnings within a specific job, city, or country, where half of the population earns more and half earns less. It accounts for variations in skills, experience levels, and industries.

Employers often consider this data when determining pay. It’s distinct from the average annual income, as outliers like bonuses, overtime, and incentives can skew the latter.

Additionally, taxes, gas prices, and cost of living can impact the difference between median and average salaries.

Gender wage gaps persist, with women typically earning less in the same roles. Employer benefits, such as healthcare and retirement investment, also affect overall compensation.

The median salaries for some typical jobs in Australia are listed below. This data is based on figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and other sources.

Median salaries for common jobs:

1. Surgeons: AU$316,000
2. Anesthetists: AU$294,000
3. Dentists: AU$269,000
4. Primary school teacher: AU$65,000
5. Registered nurse: AU$66,000
6. Electrician: AU$59.00 per hour
7. Carpenter: AU$55.00 per hour
8. Bus driver: AU$37.00 per hour
9. Receptionist: AU$22.00 per hour

Read more about good salaries in Melbourne and Sydney.

Official Facts About Salaries In Australia

The Australian Capital Territory boasted the highest average salary, notably surpassing New South Wales and Western Australia, according to Bosshunting.com.au.

However, industry disparities existed, with the mining industry typically yielding higher salaries.

The gender pay gap remained a concern, standing at 13.3%. Salaries varied based on education level, with Master’s degree holders often earning more in the private sector.

Social assistance and the other half of the workforce faced differing wage scales, underscoring the need for equitable pay across jobs. These figures emphasized the importance of addressing the wage gap and promoting fair compensation practices in Australia.

What is a Good Salary in Sydney? [2023]

Common Salaries Across Various Sectors In Australia

If you are curious about the common salaries across various sectors in Australia, you may find the following information helpful.

According to Indeed, the average salary in Australia by profession and industry in 2022 was as follows:

• Accommodation and food services: $1,218.80 per week or $63,377.60 per year in Australia.

• Retail: Expect to earn an average of $1,314.40 per week or $68,348.80 per year.

• Administrative and support services: Earn an average $1,520.30 per week or $79,055.60 per year in Australia.

• Arts and recreation services: Wages are around $1,543.50 per week or $80,262.00 per year

• Manufacturing: Expect to get paid around $1,557.10 per week or $80,969.20 average annual in Australia.

• Transportation: The income or pay is around $1,690.80 per week or $87,921.60 per year.

• Healthcare and social assistance: Their salaries in Australia are around $1,691.40 per week or $87,952.80 per year.

• Construction: They can earn money around $1,734.10 per week or $90,173.20 per annum.

• Education and training: Earn an average of $1,760.70 per week or $91,556.40 per year in Australia

• Professional, scientific, and technical services: The average income is around $1,787.90 per week or $92,970.80 per year.

• Mining: Companies pay them $2,669.30 per week or $138,803.60 per year, and that doesn’t include the bonuses.

These figures are based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Payscale data, which show the average weekly and annual earnings for different industries in Australia.

Your salary in Australia may also vary depending on your experience and location. For example, the average salary for a CEO or Managing Director is around AU$308,000 in Sydney, while the average salary for the same position is around AU$235,000 in Melbourne.

Is 100k a good Average Yearly Salary in Australia?

People generally perceive an annual average salary of $100,000 in Australia as substantial. It exceeds the average salary for many jobs and industries across the country.

According to statistics and figures, it’s significantly higher than the one-year mark, particularly for employees with high school-level education. While wages vary by industry, workers typically aim to reach this milestone within two to five years of experience.

Such salaries in Australia provide employees with financial stability and allow them to manage expenses week by week comfortably. Many Australians consider a $100,000 wage a solid and enviable income.

Note: Based on the user replies on whirlpool.com.au, $100,000 is considered a lot by the majority of Australians.

“Someone earning the minimum wage will perceive a $100k annual salary as super-high, while someone with a $200k annual salary will perceive it as super-low. On average, people should perceive it as “high” (because it is higher than the median annual salary in Australia).”

What is the Minimum Salary in Australia?

The minimum wage in Australia, as set by the Australian Bureau, is $21.38 per hour, equating to $812.60 per week for full-time employees working 38 hours. While this forms the baseline, salaries vary significantly based on job title, industry, and location.

An average salary in Australia typically surpasses this minimum wage, particularly for roles requiring a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, different regions, like Western Australia, may have slightly higher minimum wage rates to account for varying living costs.

To get a clearer picture, it’s essential to consider the specific job and its corresponding annual salary rather than just the minimum hourly wage.

Where To Find Jobs In Australia?

Numerous reputable job search websites and platforms that cater to diverse industries and job seekers facilitate finding jobs in Australia.

Seek (seek.com.au)

Seek is one of Australia’s most popular job portals, offering a vast range of job listings across various industries. Job seekers can filter listings by location, job type, and salary range to find positions that match their qualifications and salary expectations.

Indeed (indeed.com.au)

This is the second place you must visit if you’re looking for jobs in Australia. Indeed is a global job search engine that is available in any country. It also operates in Australia.

This business-oriented website aggregates job listings from various sources, making it a comprehensive platform for job seekers and employers hiring quality applicants.

Users can search for jobs by location and industry and access company reviews for insights into average salaries and employee experiences.

LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

LinkedIn is widely used for professional networking and job searching. Job seekers can follow companies, join industry-specific groups, and search for job listings. It’s a valuable resource for researching companies and industries to gauge average salaries and job opportunities.

Government Job Boards

The Australian government offers job search services through websites like Jobactive and My Skills.

Moreover, these platforms provide information about government programs, apprenticeships, and job vacancies in various sectors.

Although they don’t typically list salaries, public sector careers can still offer valuable insights.

Industry-Specific Websites

Depending on your industry, you can find specialized job boards or websites that cater to specific professions.

For instance, HealthcareLink is dedicated to healthcare jobs, and Australian Mining focuses on mining industry positions.

Importantly, these websites often provide salary information and industry-specific insights.

Salary Comparison Websites

Websites like PayScale and Glassdoor offer salary information and employee reviews, thus helping job seekers understand the average salaries and employee experiences in specific roles and industries.

When searching for jobs in Australia, it’s essential to research the average salary within your industry and location. Therefore, ensure that the job you’re considering aligns with your salary expectations and experience level.

This research will help you make informed decisions and negotiate competitive compensation packages to get paid and earn the average income in Australia.

Tips When Negotiating Salary in Australia

Negotiating salary in Australia can be a crucial aspect of your job offer. As a result, here are five tips to consider:

1. Research Average Salaries

Before negotiations begin, research the average salaries for your role and industry in Australia. Understanding the typical pay scale will help you establish realistic salary expectations per hour or week.

2. Know Your Worth

Recognize your value in terms of skills, experience, and qualifications. In other words, highlight how your expertise can make a difference in the company and contribute to its success.

3. Consider Benefits

Remember that compensation isn’t just about the money. Consequently, evaluate the entire package, including benefits such as healthcare, retirement investment, and bonuses. So, these can make a significant difference in your overall financial health.

4. Gender Pay Gap Awareness

Remember to be aware of the gender pay gap and advocate for fair and equal pay, especially for women. For instance, ensure that your compensation aligns with your qualifications and not your gender.

5. Timing Matters

Timing is crucial in negotiations. Typically, wait for the right moment after extending the job offer. Politely express your interest in the position and discuss the compensation. And lastly, be prepared to explain why you believe you deserve a higher salary.

Remember, salary negotiations are a two-way conversation. Be respectful and professional throughout the process, focusing on the mutual benefit of securing a fair and competitive compensation package.

Final Thoughts About What You Need to Know About Salary in Australia

In conclusion, understanding salary dynamics in Australia is crucial when considering a move or career change. The average salary in Australia in 2023 hovers around AUD 7,570 per month, offering financial stability for many.

However, disparities exist across industries and regions, highlighting the importance of research and negotiation when pursuing job opportunities.

We hope this guide has given you useful insights on salary in Australia and that you have enjoyed reading it.

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