What Is the Average Yearly Salary Australia? A Guide to Benchmarks and Take-Home Pay
The average yearly salary in Australia varies by measure: the national minimum wage is $52,255, all employees average $82,118, and full-time ordinary time earnings average $108,352 (before tax).
What Is the Average Yearly Salary Australia?
When you search for the average yearly salary australia, you will find several official figures depending on the source and the group measured. The most commonly cited benchmarks come from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Fair Work Ombudsman. Understanding these numbers helps you compare your own earnings and estimate your take-home pay.
National Minimum Wage
The legal floor for most employees is set by Fair Work. From 1 July 2026 the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week. For a full-time worker (38 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) that works out to an annual salary of $52,255 (rounded). This is the minimum you can be paid before any penalty rates or allowances. You can read more on the Minimum wage page.
All Employees Average
The ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) for all employees, including part-time and casual workers. As of May 2026 (seasonally adjusted), the average weekly total earnings were $1,579.20, which annualises to $82,118. This figure is lower than the full-time average because it includes people who work fewer hours.
Full-Time Ordinary Time Earnings
For full-time adult employees (excluding overtime and employer super), the ABS reports ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 per year. This is often what people mean when they talk about the average yearly salary in Australia for a full-time role. You can explore more data on the Average pay page.
How Your Take-Home Pay Is Calculated
Your take-home pay is what lands in your bank account after the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) deducts income tax and the Medicare levy. The 2026–27 tax rates for residents are progressive, and you may also qualify for the low-income tax offset (LITO).
Income Tax Brackets
For the 2026–27 tax year:
- Up to $18,200: no tax
- $18,201 to $45,000: 15 cents for each dollar over $18,200
- $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30 cents per dollar over $45,000
- $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37 cents per dollar over $135,000
- Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45 cents per dollar over $190,000
Low-Income Tax Offset (LITO)
LITO reduces your tax bill if your taxable income is below $66,667. The maximum offset is $700 for incomes up to $37,500, then it phases out. For incomes between $45,000 and $66,667, the offset is $325 minus 1.5 cents per dollar over $45,000. Above $66,667 you receive no LITO.
Medicare Levy
Most residents pay the Medicare levy of 2% of taxable income. However, if your income is below the single lower threshold of $28,011, you pay nothing. Between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a shade rate of 10 cents per dollar over the lower threshold. Above $35,013 you pay the full 2%. These thresholds are the latest published by the ATO for singles.
Example: Take-Home on the Average Full-Time Salary
If you earn the full-time ordinary time average of $108,352:
- Income tax before offsets: $23,026
- LITO: $0 (income exceeds $66,667)
- Medicare levy: $2,167
- Total deductions: $25,193
- Take-home pay: $83,159 per year (about $3,198 per fortnight)
For the all-employees average of $82,118:
- Tax: $15,155
- LITO: $0
- Medicare: $1,642
- Take-home: $65,320 per year
For the minimum wage of $52,255:
- Tax: $6,197
- LITO: $216
- Medicare: $1,045
- Take-home: $45,229 per year
These estimates are for a single resident with no HELP/HECS debt, no Medicare levy surcharge, and no salary sacrifice. Use the Take-home pay guide to run your own numbers.
The Role of Superannuation
Employers must contribute superannuation at 12% of your ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026 (up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year). When you see a job advertisement quoting a salary, it is often plus super – meaning the super is added on top and does not reduce your take-home pay. If a salary is quoted as inclusive of super, your take-home will be lower because the super component is not available to you until retirement. Learn more on the Super page.
Putting It All Together
The average yearly salary in Australia depends on which measure you use. If you are a full-time employee, the ABS figure of $108,352 is a useful benchmark. If you work part-time or are comparing across industries, the all-employees average of $82,118 may be more relevant. And the minimum wage of $52,255 sets the legal floor. Your actual take-home will vary based on your tax situation, but the examples above give you a realistic picture of what you can expect to receive in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy.
For a personalised estimate, check the Clearance tool on this site.
Questions
What is the average yearly salary in Australia for full-time workers?
According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026, seasonally adjusted), full-time adult ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, which rounds to $108,352 per year. This figure excludes overtime and employer superannuation.
How much take-home pay can I expect from the average yearly salary?
For a single resident earning the full-time ordinary time average of $108,352 in 2026–27, after income tax and the Medicare levy you would take home approximately $83,159 per year. This estimate uses the ATO tax rates and the low-income tax offset (LITO) rules, and excludes HELP/HECS, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary sacrifice.
What are the Medicare levy thresholds for singles?
The latest published single-person Medicare 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 shade rate of 10 cents per dollar over the lower threshold; above $35,013 you pay the full 2% levy.