After-tax salary.au

Your Guide to CFO Salary in Australia: What You Can Expect to Take Home in 2026–27

CFO salaries vary widely by company size and experience, with typical ranges from $200,000 to $375,000 per year plus super.

Fortnight that clears

$3,198

Keeps 77% of taxable pay

Super
  • Nil to $18,200
  • 15%
  • 30%
  • 37%
  • 45% over $190,000

The next dollar of taxable pay is taxed at 30%, before the Medicare levy.

  • Clears
  • Income tax
  • Medicare levy
Income tax
$23,026
Medicare levy
$2,167
Super
$13,002
Week that clears
$1,599
Hour, 38h week
$42.08

Super of $13,002 is on top of this salary. It is not taken out of the fortnight.

  • This salary$3,198
  • Minimum wage$1,740
  • Full-time ordinary$3,198

Starting point is full-time ordinary-time earnings, not a rate for this role. Type a gross salary to clear it.

Minimum wageFull-time average$80,000$120,000$180,000

Understanding CFO Salary in Australia

If you are a Chief Financial Officer or aspiring to become one, knowing what you can expect to earn and take home is essential. The cfo salary landscape in Australia varies significantly depending on the size of the organisation, your experience, and the industry. This guide uses the latest publicly available data from reputable salary surveys to give you a clear picture.

What the Data Shows

According to , the national salary range for a CFO at a small to medium enterprise (SME) is $200,000 to $240,000 per year. For a CFO at a large or multinational company, the range jumps to $255,000 to $375,000 per year. These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, benefits, or superannuation.

/Salary) reports a broader average base salary of $172,175, with a range from $118,000 to $255,000. The difference reflects that PayScale includes all CFOs regardless of company size, while Robert Half separates SME and large-company roles. Both sources agree that experience matters: early-career CFOs (1–4 years) earn around $144,871 total compensation, while mid-career (5–9 years) earn about $168,083.

What You Take Home After Tax and Medicare

Your take-home pay depends on the 2026–27 tax rates and the Medicare levy. For a CFO earning $220,000 (the midpoint of the SME range), here is an estimate:

  • Gross annual salary: $220,000
  • Income tax: $51,370 plus 45c for each dollar over $190,000 = $51,370 + $13,500 = $64,870
  • Medicare levy: 2% of $220,000 = $4,400 (full rate applies as your income exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013)
  • Total deductions: $69,270
  • Net annual take-home: $150,730
  • Fortnightly take-home: approximately $5,797 (before any salary packaging or HELP deductions)

If you earn at the top of the large-company range ($375,000), your tax and Medicare would be higher, but your take-home remains substantial. Use our Take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

How CFO Salaries Compare to Benchmarks

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 per year). A CFO at $200,000 earns nearly four times that. The full-time adult ordinary time average (excluding overtime and employer super) is $108,352 per year according to the ABS. A CFO at $220,000 earns more than double that average. This places the CFO role firmly in the top echelons of Australian earners.

Factors That Influence Your Offer

  • Company size: SME vs large/multinational is the biggest differentiator.
  • Experience: As noted, early-career CFOs earn less than those with 10+ years.
  • Industry: Financial services, mining, and technology tend to pay more.
  • Location: Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries than other capitals.
  • Equity and bonuses: Many CFO packages include performance bonuses or share options, which can significantly boost total compensation.

Superannuation and Salary Packaging

Employer super contributions are 12% from 1 July 2026, on top of your base salary. For a $220,000 salary, that adds $26,400 to your super account each year (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). Salary packaging options like novated leases or additional super contributions can reduce your taxable income. See our Salary packaging guide for details.

Final Thoughts

A CFO salary in Australia is well above average, but the exact figure depends on your circumstances. Use the ranges from Robert Half and PayScale as a starting point, and always negotiate based on your experience and the role’s responsibilities. For a more precise take-home estimate, refer to the Tax and Medicare page and our Clearance tool.

Questions

How much of a $220,000 CFO salary do I actually take home each fortnight?

Using the 2026–27 tax rates, a $220,000 annual salary (excluding super) results in about $6,300 per fortnight after income tax and the 2% Medicare levy, assuming no other deductions. This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home may differ due to salary packaging, HELP repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

How does a CFO salary compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 per year). Even the lower end of a CFO salary ($200,000) is nearly four times that amount. The full-time adult ordinary time average is $108,352 per year, so a CFO at the 50th percentile ($220,000) earns more than double that benchmark.

What factors affect CFO salary offers in Australia?

Company size is the biggest factor: SME CFOs typically earn $200,000–$240,000, while large/multinational CFOs earn $255,000–$375,000. Experience, industry, location, and whether the role includes equity or bonuses also influence the package. Superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is usually on top of the base salary.

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