Town Planner Salary Guide: Median Pay and Take-Home Amounts
The median full-time town planner salary is $2,316 per week ($120,432 per year), resulting in an estimated take-home pay of about $1,757 per week after income tax and the Medicare levy.
Town Planner Salary Overview
If you're considering a career as a town planner or negotiating your pay, understanding the town planner salary landscape is essential. This guide uses the latest public data from Jobs and Skills Australia, the Planning Institute of Australia, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to give you a clear picture of median earnings, take-home pay, and how the role compares to national benchmarks.
Median Earnings
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for Urban and Regional Planners (the official ANZSCO classification for town planners) is $2,316 per week as of May 2025. This translates to an annual salary of $120,432 before tax. The median hourly rate is $62. These figures are for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate.
The Planning Institute of Australia's 2021 State of the Profession report found a slightly lower median of $2,177 per week, reflecting growth in the profession since then. The profession is growing, with Jobs and Skills Australia forecasting 16,200 planning roles in 2026.
Take-Home Pay Calculation
Your actual bank deposit depends on income tax and the Medicare levy. Using the 2026–27 tax rates:
- Taxable income: $120,432
- Income tax: $4,020 plus 30¢ for each $1 over $45,000 = $26,649.60 (after the Low Income Tax Offset reduces to $0 at this income level)
- Medicare levy: 2% of $120,432 = $2,408.64 (full rate applies as your income exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013)
- Total deductions: $29,058.24
- Estimated take-home pay: $91,373.76 per year, or $1,757 per week
This is a resident estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. Use the Take-home pay calculator for your personal situation.
How It Compares
The town planner salary sits well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week (Fair Work Ombudsman, from 1 July 2026). It also exceeds the ABS full-time adult ordinary time earnings benchmark of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026, seasonally adjusted). This means town planners earn about 11% more than the average full-time worker.
For context, the all-employees average weekly total earnings (including part-time) is $1,579.20 per week. The town planner median is 47% higher than that.
Award Coverage and Conditions
Fair Work advises that town planners employed in local government are covered by the Local Government Industry Award. Town planners in other sectors may not be covered by an award and are entitled to the national minimum wage and National Employment Standards. Always check your employment contract for specific conditions.
Superannuation
Employer superannuation is additional to the salary figures quoted. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% on earnings up to $270,830 per year. If your job advertisement says "$120,432 plus super", your total remuneration is higher, but super is not part of your take-home pay. Learn more about Super and how it affects your overall package.
Tax and Medicare Considerations
Because the median town planner salary exceeds the Medicare levy single upper threshold of $35,013, you pay the full 2% Medicare levy. The lower threshold of $28,011 and the shading rate (10¢ per $1 over the lower threshold) only apply to incomes between $28,011 and $35,013. For a full-time town planner, the full rate applies. See Tax and Medicare for detailed thresholds.
Final Thoughts
The town planner salary is competitive, offering above-average earnings and strong growth prospects. Your take-home pay will vary based on your exact income, deductions, and whether you salary package. Use the Benchmarks page to compare your salary against national averages.
Questions
What is the take-home pay for a town planner earning the median salary?
Based on the median full-time weekly earnings of $2,316 ($120,432 per year), your estimated take-home pay after income tax and the Medicare levy is about $1,757 per week. This assumes no HELP/HECS debt, salary sacrifice, or Medicare levy surcharge. The calculation uses 2026–27 tax rates and the full 2% Medicare levy because the salary exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013.
How does the town planner salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week. The median town planner salary of $2,316 per week is more than double the minimum wage. It also exceeds the full-time adult ordinary time earnings benchmark of $2,083.70 per week from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Is superannuation included in the town planner salary figures?
No. The median earnings reported by Jobs and Skills Australia are before tax and do not include employer superannuation. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% on earnings up to $270,830 per year. If your salary is quoted as 'plus super', your total remuneration package is higher, but super is not part of your take-home pay.