What Is the Median Salary in Australia? A Guide to Take-Home Pay and Tax

Understanding the Median Salary in Australia

When you search for the median salary in Australia, you might expect a single number. However, the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides average weekly earnings rather than a precise median. The median salary in Australia is a useful benchmark, but it is not directly published in the reference we use here. Instead, we can compare it with the national minimum wage and the average full-time ordinary time earnings.

National Minimum Wage

Fair Work Ombudsman sets the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. This is the legal floor for most employees. If you earn the minimum wage full-time (38 hours per week), your annual salary is $52,255. After tax and the Medicare levy, your take-home pay will be lower. Use our Take-home pay guide to estimate your net income.

Average Full-Time Ordinary Time Earnings

The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey (May 2026, seasonally adjusted) shows full-time adult ordinary time earnings at $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 annually. This figure excludes overtime and employer super contributions. The median salary in Australia is typically below this average because high earners pull the average up. For a more accurate picture of what most workers earn, the median is a better measure, but it is not available in this reference.

Tax Rates for 2026–27

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) publishes the following resident tax rates for 2026–27:

• $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

These are marginal rates. Your effective tax rate is lower than your highest bracket.

Low Income Tax Offset (LITO)

LITO reduces your tax. The maximum offset is $700 for taxable incomes up to $37,500. It then reduces by 5c per dollar until $45,000, where it becomes $325. After $45,000, it reduces by 1.5c per dollar until it reaches zero at $66,667. LITO can only reduce your tax to zero; it cannot create a refund.

Medicare Levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. For singles, there is a shading-in range. If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no Medicare levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay 10c per dollar over the lower threshold. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. These thresholds are the latest published single-person figures. Full-time salaries typically exceed $35,013, so most full-time workers pay the full 2%.

Superannuation

Employer super contributions are 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from your take-home pay if your salary is advertised as "plus super". It is an additional benefit. For more, see our Super guide.

Fortnightly Take-Home Pay

Many Australians are paid fortnightly. To estimate your take-home, divide your annual salary by 26. Then subtract tax and Medicare. For example, if you earn $80,000 annually, your fortnightly gross is $3,076.92. After tax and Medicare, your net pay will be lower. Use our Clearance tool for a precise calculation.

Where Does the Median Salary Sit?

Without a published median, we can infer that the median salary in Australia is somewhere between the minimum wage ($52,255) and the full-time average ($108,352). The ABS all employees average (including part-time) is $82,118 annually. The median is likely closer to that figure. For a more accurate estimate, refer to industry-specific data or the ABS Characteristics of Employment survey.

Conclusion

The median salary in Australia is not a single number in this guide, but you can use the benchmarks and tax information to understand your own take-home pay. For personalised estimates, explore our Topics or Guides.