Quick Summary

Average Annual Salary by State (2025)

The following table shows the latest average (mean) annual salary by state and territory in Australia for 2025:

State/Territory Average Annual Salary (2025)
Australian Capital Territory$113,277
Western Australia$112,154
New South Wales$103,251
Queensland$101,592
Victoria$100,251
Northern Territory$98,103
South Australia$96,585
Tasmania$91,011

State figures are indicative estimates from industry sources (2025). The national headline figures above are from the ABS.

National Average and Median Salary (2025)

According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings release (November 2025), average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults were $2,051.10 - about $106,700 a year before tax. The median tells a more grounded story: ABS Employee Earnings (August 2025) put median weekly earnings at $1,741 for full-time workers (~$90,500 a year) and $1,425 across all employees including part-time (~$74,100 a year). Because the median is not pulled up by a small number of very high earners, it better reflects what a typical worker actually takes home.

Average Annual Salary by Industry (2025)

Industry Average Annual Salary (2025)
Mining$143,467
Information Media & Telecommunications$108,334
Financial & Insurance Services$106,730
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services$103,789
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services$102,507
Education & Training$98,649
Public Administration & Safety$96,877
Health Care & Social Assistance$93,496
Transport, Postal & Warehousing$88,199
Construction$88,186
Wholesale Trade$83,595
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services$82,388
Arts & Recreation Services$80,958
Administrative & Support Services$80,388
Manufacturing$80,319
Other Services$71,739
Retail Trade$66,092
Accommodation, Cafes & Restaurants$59,452

Industry figures are indicative estimates (2025). See the ABS for official earnings data.

What Affects Living Standards?

Living standards in Australia are influenced by more than just income. Cost of living, housing, access to services, and local job opportunities all play a role. States with higher average earnings often have higher living costs, especially in capital cities. Regional areas may have lower wages but also lower expenses. Industry mix, education, and demographics also significantly impact average incomes across the country.

How Does Your Salary Compare?

Use our Simple Salary Calculator to see how your pay stacks up against the national and state averages, and estimate your take-home pay after tax, super, and deductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Per the ABS (November 2025), average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults were $2,051.10 - about $106,700 a year before tax, across all industries and states.

Per the ABS (August 2025), median weekly earnings were $1,741 for full-time employees (~$90,500/year) and $1,425 across all employees including part-time (~$74,100/year). The median is a better indicator of typical earnings, as it is less affected by very high salaries.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has the highest average annual salary in 2025, at $113,277, followed closely by Western Australia at $112,154.

Tasmania has the lowest average annual salary in 2025, at $91,011.

From 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage is $24.95 per hour ($948 per week) - about $49,300 a year for full-time work.

Mining, Information Technology, and Financial Services are among the highest-paying industries in Australia, with average annual salaries well above $100,000.

States and cities with higher living costs, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, tend to offer higher average salaries to compensate for increased expenses. Regional and rural areas may have lower salaries but also lower costs of living.

Use the Simple Salary Calculator to compare your pay to the national and state averages, and estimate your take-home pay after tax, super, and deductions.

Key Takeaways

References & Sources

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