How to compare a job offer using the median salary Sydney and your take-home pay

Understanding the median salary in Sydney

When you're comparing job offers, the headline salary number can be misleading. The median salary Sydney figure gives you a realistic benchmark because it represents the middle of the earnings distribution. According to the latest ABS data for Greater Sydney (2022–23), the median employee income is $66,619 per year . That means half of all employees in Sydney earn less than this, and half earn more. For the whole of New South Wales, the more recent median weekly earnings (August 2025) are $1,464 per week, or about $76,128 per year .

Why does this matter? Because a job offer that looks high on paper might not translate into as much take-home pay as you expect. The median gives you a reference point: if your offer is above $66,619, you're earning more than the typical Sydney employee. But what really counts is what lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy.

How to calculate your take-home pay

Your take-home pay is your salary minus income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, the rates are:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil tax
• $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+: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

You also pay the Medicare levy of 2% of your taxable income. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no Medicare levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate (10c per $1 over the lower threshold). Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Most full-time salaries will attract the full 2%.

Don't forget the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO). For 2026–27, the maximum offset is $700 for taxable incomes up to $37,500, then it phases out. This can reduce your tax bill but cannot create a refund.

To see the exact numbers for your situation, use our Clearance tool or read more about Tax and Medicare.

Comparing job offers: what to look for

When you receive a job offer, look beyond the annual salary. Here's a checklist:

1. Is the salary 'plus super' or 'including super'? Most professional roles advertise a base salary plus super. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026, and it's paid on top of your salary. It does not reduce your take-home pay. If the offer says 'total package', the super is included in the figure, so your take-home will be lower.

2. What is the hourly rate? If the role is part-time or casual, convert the offer to an hourly rate. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week (Fair Work Ombudsman, from 1 July 2026). Compare your offer to that benchmark.

3. Calculate your fortnightly take-home. Use the tax rates above or our Take-home pay guide. For example, on the median Sydney salary of $66,619, your annual tax would be approximately $10,236 (including Medicare), leaving you about $56,383 per year or $2,168 per fortnight. This is a rough estimate – your exact amount depends on your circumstances.

4. Consider other benefits. Salary packaging, bonuses, and allowances can affect your taxable income. See our Salary packaging guide for details.

5. Check the industry and location. The median varies by area. For instance, North Sydney and Hornsby have a median of $81,308, while the Central Coast is $59,400 . Use our Average pay page to see benchmarks by region.