Australian Salary Guide 2026: What to Expect Across Key Industries

Understanding Australian salaries before you arrive is essential for financial planning and negotiating a fair package. This guide covers average salaries across the key industries that employ the most skilled migrants.

All figures are in Australian Dollars (AUD) per year and represent base salary before superannuation (employers are also required to contribute 11.5% super on top of your base salary).

Healthcare & Medical

| Role | Average Salary | |------|---------------| | Registered Nurse | $75,000 – $95,000 | | Physiotherapist | $80,000 – $100,000 | | Aged Care Worker | $58,000 – $68,000 | | Pharmacist | $95,000 – $120,000 | | GP / Doctor | $180,000 – $280,000+ |

Information Technology

| Role | Average Salary | |------|---------------| | Software Developer | $95,000 – $145,000 | | Data Scientist | $105,000 – $155,000 | | Cybersecurity Analyst | $100,000 – $140,000 | | Cloud Engineer | $110,000 – $160,000 | | IT Project Manager | $110,000 – $150,000 |

Construction & Trades

| Role | Average Salary | |------|---------------| | Electrician | $80,000 – $110,000 | | Plumber | $80,000 – $115,000 | | Civil Engineer | $90,000 – $130,000 | | Project Manager (Construction) | $120,000 – $180,000 | | Carpenter | $70,000 – $95,000 |

Hospitality & Tourism

| Role | Average Salary | |------|---------------| | Chef (Qualified) | $60,000 – $85,000 | | Hotel Manager | $75,000 – $110,000 | | Restaurant Manager | $65,000 – $85,000 | | Barista / Waiter | $47,000 – $58,000 |

Education

| Role | Average Salary | |------|---------------| | Primary School Teacher | $75,000 – $100,000 | | Secondary Teacher | $78,000 – $105,000 | | Early Childhood Educator | $55,000 – $70,000 | | TAFE Trainer | $70,000 – $95,000 |

Engineering

| Role | Average Salary | |------|---------------| | Mechanical Engineer | $90,000 – $130,000 | | Electrical Engineer | $95,000 – $135,000 | | Mining Engineer | $120,000 – $180,000 | | Structural Engineer | $90,000 – $130,000 |

Understanding Australian Pay Structures

Superannuation

All employers must contribute 11.5% of your base salary into a superannuation (retirement) fund. This is in addition to your salary — so a $90,000 base salary effectively costs the employer $100,350.

Award Rates

Many Australian industries are governed by 'Modern Awards' which set minimum pay rates, penalty rates for weekends/public holidays, and overtime conditions. Even if your contract is above the award rate, you're entitled to all other award entitlements.

Tax

Australia has a progressive income tax system:

• $0 – $18,200: 0%
• $18,201 – $45,000: 19%
• $45,001 – $120,000: 32.5%
• $120,001 – $180,000: 37%
• $180,001+: 45%

Medicare levy of 2% applies to most residents.

Negotiating Your Salary

1. Research the market — Use Seek Salary Insights, LinkedIn Salary, and Glassdoor.
2. Know the TSMIT — For sponsored workers, your salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (AUD $73,150 in 2026).
3. Factor in total package — Salary + super + leave entitlements + any allowances.
4. Don't undersell yourself — Australian employers respect confidence in salary discussions.

Arrive informed, negotiate confidently, and make sure your Australian career starts on the right financial footing.