Average vs Median — Which Number Matters?
Australia reports two salary figures. The average is pulled up by very high earners in mining and finance. The median is the middle earner — a better guide for most migrants starting a new career.
| Measure | Weekly | Annual | Who it reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time average (excl. overtime) | $2,051 | $106,657 | Full-time adults only |
| Full-time average (incl. overtime) | $2,126 | $110,552 | Full-time + overtime pay |
| All employees average | $1,562 | $81,224 | Full-time + part-time + casual |
| Median — all employees | $1,425 | $74,100 | Most realistic starting benchmark |
Average Salary by Industry in Australia
Industry choice is the single biggest factor in your Australian salary. Indian migrants working in IT, engineering, finance, or healthcare will typically earn well above the national average from day one.
| Industry | Weekly (Full-time) | Annual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining | $3,174 | $164,800 | Highest |
| IT, Media & Telecommunications | $2,685 | $139,600 | |
| Electricity, Gas & Water | $2,514 | $130,700 | |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical | $2,376 | $123,500 | |
| Financial & Insurance Services | $2,339 | $121,600 | |
| Education & Training | $2,153 | $111,900 | |
| Public Administration & Safety | $2,148 | $111,700 | |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $1,996 | $103,800 | |
| Construction | $1,958 | $101,800 | |
| Retail Trade | $1,565 | $81,400 | |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $1,502 | $78,100 | Lowest |
Source: ABS Average Weekly Earnings, November 2025. Full-time adult ordinary time earnings.
Average Salary by State & Territory
Where you settle in Australia affects your pay significantly. The ACT (Canberra) leads due to government jobs concentration; WA pays a premium because of the resources sector.
| State / Territory | Avg Weekly | Avg Annual | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT (Canberra) | $2,249 | $116,948 | +10% |
| Western Australia | $2,189 | $113,828 | +7% |
| New South Wales | $2,087 | $108,524 | +2% |
| Queensland | ~$2,010 | ~$104,500 | ≈ avg |
| Victoria | ~$2,000 | ~$104,000 | ≈ avg |
| South Australia | ~$1,930 | ~$100,400 | −6% |
| Tasmania | ~$1,900 | ~$98,800 | −7% |
Source: ABS AWOTE by State/Territory, November 2025. ACT & WA are exact figures; others are trend estimates.
Male vs Female Earnings
A gender pay gap still exists in Australia — women earn around 11% less than men on average in full-time roles. The gap is smaller in the public sector.
Males — Full-Time
$2,148/week $111,700/year- Public sector: $2,348/wk
- Private sector: $2,109/wk
Females — Full-Time
$1,901/week $98,850/year- Public sector: $2,102/wk
- Private sector: $1,813/wk
Source: ABS Average Weekly Earnings, November 2025 (seasonally adjusted).
What Does This Mean in Indian Rupees?
Median earner (all employees): $1,425/wk → approx. ₹78,400/wk · ₹40.8 lakh/year
Full-time average: $2,051/wk → approx. ₹1,12,800/wk · ₹58.6 lakh/year
IT / Tech professional: $2,685/wk → approx. ₹1,47,700/wk · ₹76.8 lakh/year
Mining / Resources: $3,174/wk → approx. ₹1,74,600/wk · ₹90.8 lakh/year
Exchange rate: 1 AUD ≈ ₹55 (June 2026). Rates fluctuate — check live rates before planning. All figures are gross (before tax).Salary by Occupation Type
| Occupation | Median Hourly Rate | Approx. Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Managers | $69.20/hr | ~$136,000 |
| Professionals | $64.50/hr | ~$126,800 |
| Technicians & Trades | ~$42/hr | ~$82,600 |
| Community & Personal Services | ~$35/hr | ~$68,800 |
| Clerical & Administrative | ~$33/hr | ~$64,900 |
| Sales Workers | ~$25/hr | ~$49,200 |
| Labourers | ~$26/hr | ~$51,100 |
Source: ABS Employee Earnings & Hours, May 2025.
- IT, engineering, finance: These are the sweet spots — all pay above the national average and have strong skilled visa pathways (482, 186, 189).
- Tax reality check: At $106,000/year, you’ll pay roughly $28,000–$30,000 in income tax. Take-home is closer to $76,000–$78,000/year.
- Superannuation: Employers must contribute 11.5% on top of your salary into your super fund. Always clarify whether a salary offer includes or excludes super.
- Minimum wage floor: Australia’s national minimum wage is $24.10/hr — no full-time role can legally pay less.
- Not in Sydney or Melbourne? QLD, VIC, and SA still pay close to or above the national average in skilled roles — don’t rule out Brisbane or Adelaide.
- ABS — Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, November 2025 — abs.gov.au
- ABS — Employee Earnings, August 2025 — abs.gov.au
- ABS — Employee Earnings & Hours, May 2025 — abs.gov.au
- ATO — Income Tax Estimator — ato.gov.au
- Fair Work — National Minimum Wage — fairwork.gov.au
Data from ABS November 2025 (published Feb 2026). All figures are gross (before tax) in AUD. INR conversions are indicative only. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
