Understanding the 482 Salary Requirement and Your Take-Home Pay

What Is the 482 Salary Requirement?

If you are sponsoring a worker for a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, you must meet the 482 salary requirement. This means the salary you offer must be at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and also reflect the market rate for that occupation in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs states that you must pay the worker no less than the annual market salary rate and the TSMIT, whichever is higher.

Because the TSMIT is reviewed periodically and market rates vary by industry and location, the 482 salary requirement is not a single fixed number. For the most current TSMIT figure, refer to the Australian Government's immigration website.

How the 482 Salary Requirement Compares to Australian Benchmarks

To give you context, here are key Australian pay benchmarks from the on-site reference:

• National minimum wage (from 1 July 2026): $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year (Fair Work Ombudsman).
• All employees average weekly total earnings: $1,579.20 per week ($82,118 per year), including part-time workers (ABS, May 2026).
• Full-time adult ordinary time earnings: $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year), excluding overtime and employer super (ABS, May 2026).

The 482 salary requirement is designed to ensure sponsored workers are paid above the minimum wage. In most cases, the TSMIT (currently $70,000) is well above the national minimum wage but below the full-time ordinary time average. However, for some highly skilled occupations, the market rate may exceed the TSMIT, meaning the 482 salary requirement could be higher.

Your Take-Home Pay After Tax and Medicare

Once you know the salary offered under the 482 visa, you can estimate your after-tax income. The Australian Taxation Office provides resident tax rates for 2026–27:

Taxable income	Tax on this income
$0 – $18,200	Nil
$18,201 – $45,000	15c for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000	$4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000	$31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
$190,001 and over	$51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

Plus, you pay the Medicare levy of 2% of your taxable income. For 2026–27, the single-person Medicare levy thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper). If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no Medicare levy; between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate; above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Most full-time workers on a 482 salary will pay the full 2%.

Example: $70,000 Salary

• Taxable income: $70,000
• Income tax: $4,020 + 30c × ($70,000 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $7,500 = $11,520
• Medicare levy: 2% × $70,000 = $1,400
• Total deductions: $12,920
• Take-home pay: $57,080

This is a simplified estimate. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. For a more accurate calculation, use the Clearance tool.

Superannuation and the 482 Salary Requirement

Employer superannuation contributions are not part of the 482 salary requirement. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026, but this is paid on top of your salary. Your take-home pay is calculated from your gross salary before super. Job advertisements often state "plus super", meaning the super is additional. When comparing offers, remember that super does not reduce your take-home pay but adds to your retirement savings.

Key Considerations for 482 Visa Holders

• Market salary rate: Your employer must demonstrate that your salary is consistent with what an Australian worker in the same role would earn. This can vary by location, experience, and industry.
• TSMIT updates: The government may adjust the TSMIT. Always check the latest on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Tax residency: As a 482 visa holder, you are generally an Australian resident for tax purposes, so the tax rates above apply. Non-resident rates are different.

Using This Guide

This guide helps you understand where the 482 salary requirement sits against national benchmarks. For personalised estimates, explore our Take-home pay calculator and Salary packaging options. Remember that your actual take-home pay depends on your specific circumstances.