A data-driven look at who really earns six figures in Australia and what it means for migrants. The moment you land a $100,000 job offer in Australia, the natural question is: how rare is this? Is this a top-tier salary or just average? The data tells a surprisingly clear story.
The short answer: fewer than 1 in 5 Australians
Four in five Australians earn less than $100,000, according to ATO tax data. That means if you earn $100K, you are already ahead of roughly 80% of the working population.
To put that in sharper context: more than three-quarters of Australian workers earn less than the average full-time wage of $104,765 a year. The average is pulled upward by a small number of very high earners at the top , the reality for most workers is significantly lower.
The median vs the average, the number that matters most
This is where most migrants get confused.
The average Australian salary is $102,741.60 annually, according to the latest ABS data (November 2024), representing an increase of 4.6% annually. That sounds like $100K is just average. But that figure is misleading.
The median weekly earnings are much lower than the average at $1,396 per week for all employees ($72,592 annually), broken down into $1,577 for males ($82,004 annually) and $1,200 for females ($62,400 annually).
The difference between average and median is the story: a small number of very high-income earners , surgeons, mining executives, investment bankers pull the average upward. Since reporting started in 2010–11, surgeons have remained the highest paid occupation, with 4,247 individuals reporting an average taxable income of $472,475 in 2022–23.
What this means for you: $100,000 puts you well above the median Australian worker, even if it sits just below the inflated average.
Where does $100K rank in the income distribution?
Median employee earnings in August 2025 were $1,425 per week, that is $74,100 annually. A $100K salary is approximately 35% above the current national median.
Only 25% of Australians had a taxable income higher than $80,000 a year, according to Grattan Institute analysis of ATO data. This means $100K comfortably places you in the top quarter of Australian earners.
For full-time workers specifically, the picture shifts by age and gender. Australian men aged 35 to 54 bring in the biggest earnings, with a median annual salary of $103,955, the only group whose median exceeds $100,000. For women, those aged 45 to 54 are the highest earners at a median salary of $85,800.
Which industries and jobs reach $100K?
The industries with the highest median weekly earnings in August 2025 were: Mining ($2,761 per week), Electricity, gas, water and waste services ($2,000), and Financial and insurance services ($2,000).
Professionals had the highest median employment income at $95,657, followed by Managers at $90,000. So even among Australia’s highest-paid occupational groups, the median sits just below $100K , confirming that six figures remains above-average territory.
Common roles that typically reach $100K include senior nurses, experienced tradespeople, mid-level IT professionals, accountants, project managers, and early-career engineers.
The migrant angle: $100K earners among migrants
The ABS Personal Income data has a specific migrant lens worth noting. In 2022–23, 4.4 million migrants generated $324.7 billion in total personal income, with permanent migrants comprising 63.8% (2.8 million people) generating $231.3 billion.
Migrants are a significant part of Australia’s workforce at the $100K+ level, particularly in technology, healthcare, engineering and financial services, the industries most reliant on skilled visa programs.
OzMoneyTalks Takeaway for Migrants
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median Australian salary (all employees) | $74,100/yr | ABS, Aug 2025 |
| Average Australian salary (full-time) | $102,742/yr | ABS, Nov 2024 |
| $100K = top % of earners | Top ~20% | ATO Tax Stats 2022–23 |
| Only group with $100K+ median | Men aged 35–54 | ABS 2024 |
| Gender pay gap at $100K level | Men earn ~13% more | ABS 2024 |
Earning $100,000 in Australia places you ahead of roughly 80% of the working population , a significant milestone for any new arrival building their financial foundation in a new country.
What this means for you:
- $100K is above the national median of $74,100 , you are in the top 20% of earners
- Men aged 35–54 are the only group whose median exceeds $100K , for everyone else, it is above average
- As a skilled migrant in IT, healthcare, engineering or finance, $100K is an achievable and realistic target
- Always confirm whether your offer includes or excludes super , this changes your real take-home by $10,000+
Use the ATO’s free income tax calculator at moneysmart.gov.au before accepting any job offer, soyou know your exact take-home before signing.
Want to understand what $100,000 actually buys you in Australia , after tax, rent and daily costs? Read our full guide: Is $100,000 a Good Salary in Australia? A Real Look for New Arrivals
