Australia is a top destination for skilled professionals, students, and entrepreneurs looking to build a prosperous future. With a strong economy, high living standards, and excellent work opportunities, it’s no surprise that many individuals choose to immigrate to Australia. Understanding the average salary in Australia is crucial for those seeking permanent residency, employment, or cross-border education opportunities.
As of 2024, the average annual salary in Australia is approximately AUD 92,000, with full-time workers earning a median wage of around AUD 80,000 per year. However, salaries vary significantly based on industry, occupation, and location.
Australia has a strong labor protection framework, ensuring fair wages for workers. The minimum salary in Australia is set at AUD 23.23 per hour or approximately AUD 44,000 per year for a full-time employee working 38 hours per week. This ensures that all workers, including international students and part-time employees, receive fair compensation.
Several factors influence salary levels in Australia, including:
These figures indicate the strong earning potential in Australia, making it an attractive option for skilled professionals planning to apply for Australia PR.
Industry |
Average Weekly Earnings (AUD) |
Mining |
2,854.00 |
Information media & telecommunications |
2,317.90 |
Professional, scientific & technical services |
2,170.90 |
Financial & insurance services |
2,159.70 |
Electricity, gas, water & waste services |
2,155.40 |
Public administration & safety |
1,964.50 |
Education & training |
1,949.70 |
Health care & social assistance |
1,807.70 |
Construction |
1,802.80 |
Transport, postal & warehousing |
1,799.70 |
Rental, hiring & real estate services |
1,719.70 |
Wholesale trade |
1,685.00 |
Arts & recreation services |
1,653.30 |
Manufacturing |
1,631.10 |
Administrative & support services |
1,616.40 |
Retail trade |
1,383.70 |
Other services |
1,382.70 |
Accommodation & food services |
1,346.80 |
The location of employment plays a vital role in determining salaries. Below are the average salaries in major cities:
Larger cities typically offer higher wages but also have a higher cost of living, which is an important factor to consider when moving.
For skilled professionals looking to immigrate to Australia, securing a job in a high-demand occupation can significantly enhance earning potential. The country offers various visa options under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which allows eligible professionals to apply for permanent residency (PR).
Having an Australia PR status can improve job prospects, increase salary potential, and provide access to additional benefits like health care and education. International students pursuing education in Australia often take up part-time jobs while studying.
The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 23.23 per hour, and students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during breaks. Graduates from Australian universities can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allowing them to work and gain industry experience, further boosting their salary potential.
Conclusion
Australia continues to be a prime destination for professionals and students worldwide. With its robust job market and attractive salaries, it offers an excellent quality of life for those looking to settle permanently.
If you are looking for education opportunities or need guidance on studying and working in Australia, feel free to reach out to Cross Border Education. We provide detailed insights into career prospects, visa options, and financial planning for international students and professionals.
On average, Australians consider a 'good' base salary to be around $152,775 per year, according to a survey of just over 1000 respondents by comparison website Finder. Younger Australians have significantly higher salary expectations than other age groups
You should generally strive for a pay that is at least average. Alternatively stated, a decent wage in Australia is anything between $90,000 and $108,000 per year, or $7,500 and $9,000 per month
If you earn a total income of $375,378 a year or higher, congratulations; you are in Australia's top 1 per cent of taxpayers
According to CoreLogic's data from May 2024, the average weekly rent in Australia is $627.