Bookkeeper salary: what your fortnight looks like after tax and Medicare
The median full-time bookkeeper earns about $1,400 a week ($72,800 a year) before tax, according to Jobs and Skills Australia, but take-home depends on tax brackets and the Medicare levy.
How much does a bookkeeper earn?
If you are a full-time bookkeeper in Australia, the median weekly earnings are $1,400 before tax, according to the latest ABS data published by Jobs and Skills Australia. That works out to about $72,800 a year. The median hourly rate is $37.
These figures are national averages. In Sydney, the range is higher: Robert Half’s 2026 guide puts the median at $92,650 base salary, excluding super. The Hays FY26/27 guide shows senior bookkeepers in Sydney earning up to $110,000, with similar jumps in Queensland. But for most bookkeepers across the country, the national median is the better yardstick.
Keep in mind that 60% of bookkeepers work part-time, and the median age is 52. The full-time figure describes fewer than half the people doing the work. If you work part-time, your weekly pay will be lower, and your tax situation may change.
What your fortnight looks like after tax
Once you know your annual salary, the next question is what lands in your bank account each fortnight. For a full-time bookkeeper on the national median of $72,800, here is how the numbers stack up under the 2026–27 tax rates.
Tax brackets and your marginal rate
Australia uses a progressive tax system. For 2026–27, the first $18,200 is tax-free. Then you pay:
- 15 cents for every dollar between $18,201 and $45,000
- 30 cents for every dollar between $45,001 and $135,000
- Higher rates above that
On $72,800, your income tax is:
- $0 on the first $18,200
- $4,020 on the next $26,800 (15c rate)
- $8,340 on the remaining $27,800 (30c rate)
- Total tax = $12,360
The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) reduces tax for lower incomes, but at $72,800 it phases out completely. So your tax bill stays at $12,360.
The Medicare levy
Everyone who earns above the thresholds pays the Medicare levy. For a single person, the full 2% applies once your taxable income exceeds $35,013. On $72,800, that is $1,456.
If you earn between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate of 10 cents per dollar over the lower threshold. Below $28,011, the levy is zero. That matters if you work part-time or have a lower income.
Superannuation
Your employer must pay super on top of your salary at 12% from 1 July 2026. That is not deducted from your take-home pay. If your salary is quoted as $72,800 plus super, your employer pays an extra $8,736 into your super fund. Your take-home is calculated on the $72,800 base.
Putting it together
For a full-time bookkeeper on $72,800:
- Annual take-home = $72,800 – $12,360 (tax) – $1,456 (Medicare) = $58,984
- Fortnightly take-home = $58,984 ÷ 26 = $2,269
That is an estimate. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. Use the Take-home pay guide to run your own numbers, and check the Tax and Medicare page for the latest thresholds.
If you are a part-time bookkeeper earning, say, $40,000 a year, your tax would be lower and you might qualify for a reduced Medicare levy. The same principles apply: work out your taxable income, apply the brackets, subtract the levy, and divide by 26.
Remember that salary guides from Prime People and Cass Scott Business Services show higher figures for senior roles and metro areas. Your actual pay will depend on your experience, qualifications (like BAS agent registration), and the complexity of the books you manage.
Questions
How much does a bookkeeper take home per fortnight?
Based on the national median full-time salary of $72,800 a year, your fortnightly take-home after income tax and the Medicare levy would be roughly $2,269. This assumes no HELP/HECS debt, no salary sacrifice, and that you are a resident for tax purposes. Your actual amount will vary with your exact income and deductions.
Does the Medicare levy apply to part-time bookkeepers?
Yes, but the full 2% rate only applies if your taxable income is above $35,013 (the upper threshold for singles). If you earn between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate of 10 cents per dollar over the lower threshold. Below $28,011, the levy is zero. Since 60% of bookkeepers work part-time, many may fall below these thresholds.
Is super included in the salary figures quoted?
No. The median weekly earnings of $1,400 from Jobs and Skills Australia are before tax and before employer superannuation. The 12% super guarantee is paid on top of that salary, not deducted from it. When you see a salary guide figure, always check whether it is 'base plus super' or 'total package'.