Account executive salary: what you take home after tax and Medicare
Account executive salaries in Australia vary widely by industry, experience, and location, with typical base salaries ranging from $52,000 to $106,000 plus commissions and bonuses.
Your account executive salary: from gross to fortnightly take-home
If you're an account executive in Australia, your pay package can look very different depending on your industry, experience, and location. But what really matters is the amount that lands in your bank account each fortnight after tax, the Medicare levy, and super. This guide breaks down how your account executive salary translates to take-home pay, using the latest publicly available data.
What affects your account executive salary?
According to , the average account executive salary in Australia is $85,000 per year, with entry-level roles around $70,000 and experienced workers earning $90,000 or more. However, reports a median base salary of $70,027, with a range from $52,000 to $106,000. Total compensation can reach $109,000 when commissions and bonuses are included.
Industry plays a major role. SEEK data shows that account executives in Information & Communication Technology earn an average of $148,595, while those in Sales average $100,126. Banking & Financial Services roles average $87,345, and Marketing & Communications roles average $63,343. Location also matters: in Sydney, the average account executive salary is $115,000, according to SEEK.
Your experience level directly affects your earning potential. PayScale indicates that entry-level account executives (less than 1 year) earn around $52,674 total compensation, while experienced workers (10+ years) earn about 32% more than the median. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a strong sales track record can further boost your salary.
How tax and Medicare change your fortnight
Once you know your gross annual account executive salary, you can estimate your take-home pay using the 2026–27 tax rates. For a resident earning $85,000, the tax calculation is:
- Tax on first $18,200: $0
- Tax on $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200 = $4,020
- Tax on $45,001 to $85,000: 30c per $1 over $45,000 = $12,000
- Total income tax: $16,020
- Medicare levy (2% of $85,000): $1,700
- Total tax and Medicare: $17,720
- Annual take-home: $67,280
- Fortnightly take-home: approximately $2,587 (before any salary packaging or HELP deductions)
If your account executive salary is lower, you may be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO). For example, at $60,000, LITO reduces your tax by $325 minus 1.5c per $1 over $45,000, giving a small offset. At $85,000, LITO phases out completely.
The Medicare levy has a shading-in range for singles earning between $28,011 and $35,013. If your salary falls in that band, you pay a reduced rate. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Since most full-time account executive salaries exceed this threshold, you will likely pay the full levy.
Super and salary packaging considerations
Super is a key part of your total remuneration. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your account executive salary is quoted as 'plus super', your employer adds 12% on top. For a $85,000 salary, that means an extra $10,200 into your super account each year. This does not reduce your take-home pay.
However, if your salary is quoted as 'including super', then the super amount is deducted from the quoted figure. Always clarify which applies. Salary packaging – such as novated leases or additional super contributions – can reduce your taxable income and increase your take-home pay, but it also affects your super and Medicare levy calculations.
Putting it all together
Your account executive salary is just one piece of the puzzle. To understand your true financial position, consider:
- Your base salary plus any commissions or bonuses
- Whether super is on top or included
- Your tax bracket and eligibility for offsets
- The Medicare levy (full 2% for most full-time roles)
- Any salary packaging arrangements
Use the Take-home pay calculator on this site to see how different salary figures translate to fortnightly amounts. For a deeper look at how tax and Medicare interact, visit Tax and Medicare.
Remember, the figures here are estimates based on publicly available salary data and the 2026–27 tax rates. Your actual take-home pay may vary due to your specific circumstances, including HELP/HECS debts, the Medicare levy surcharge, or payroll tax-table rounding. Always consult a tax professional for personalised advice.
Questions
What is the average account executive salary in Australia?
The average base salary for an account executive is around $70,000 to $85,000 per year, according to PayScale and Randstad. However, total compensation often includes commissions and bonuses, which can push total pay above $100,000. Salaries vary significantly by industry – for example, ICT account executives average $148,595 per SEEK – and by location, with Sydney roles averaging $115,000.
How does the Medicare levy affect my take-home pay?
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. For the 2026–27 tax year, the single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your account executive salary is above $35,013, you pay the full 2% levy. This is deducted from your pay along with income tax, reducing your fortnightly take-home amount.
Does super come out of my salary or is it on top?
Super is generally paid on top of your base salary. The mandatory super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. When you see a salary figure in a job ad, it is often 'plus super', meaning the super amount is additional and not deducted from your take-home pay. Always check whether the quoted figure includes super.