Salaries in Australia – What to Expect

Average salaries in Australia like any other country vary depending on factors like industry, experience, location, and job role. However, here is a general overview of average salaries across a range of industries to give you an idea of what to expect.

Average Annual Salary: Around AUD 90,000 – AUD 95,000 (This varies based on profession, location, and experience)

By Industry

Business and Management

• General Manager: AUD 150,000 – AUD 200,000+
• Project Manager: AUD 100,000 – AUD 130,000
• Marketing Manager: AUD 110,000 – AUD 140,000
• HR Manager: AUD 95,000 – AUD 125,000

Finance & Accounting

• Financial Analyst: AUD 70,000 – AUD 100,000
• Investment Banker: AUD 120,000 – AUD 200,000+
• Accountant: AUD 65,000 – AUD 85,000
• Auditor: AUD 70,000 – AUD 95,000

Technology & IT

• Software Developer/Engineer: AUD 85,000 – AUD 120,000
• Data Scientist: AUD 100,000 – AUD 140,000
• IT Manager: AUD 110,000 – AUD 140,000
• Cybersecurity Specialist: AUD 100,000 – AUD 150,000

Salaries in Australia are competitive, with high-paying opportunities in finance, healthcare, tech, and executive roles.

Healthcare & Medical

• Doctor (Specialist): AUD 200,000 – AUD 400,000+
• Nurse: AUD 70,000 – AUD 90,000
• Pharmacist: AUD 75,000 – AUD 95,000
• Physiotherapist: AUD 70,000 – AUD 85,000

Engineering

• Civil Engineer: AUD 85,000 – AUD 110,000
• Mechanical Engineer: AUD 90,000 – AUD 110,000
• Electrical Engineer: AUD 85,000 – AUD 110,000
• Mining Engineer: AUD 100,000 – AUD 150,000

Legal

• Lawyer: AUD 80,000 – AUD 120,000
• Solicitor: AUD 70,000 – AUD 100,000
• Paralegal: AUD 60,000 – AUD 80,000

Education

• Primary/Secondary Teacher: AUD 70,000 – AUD 90,000
• University Lecturer: AUD 95,000 – AUD 120,000
• Education Administrator: AUD 90,000 – AUD 120,000

Salary by Experience Level

As you advance in your career, your salary can increase substantially, particularly if you move into senior roles or high-demand industries.

Entry-Level (0-3 years of experience)

Average Salary: AUD 50,000 – AUD 75,000

• Entry-level roles in fields like marketing, engineering, and finance typically pay on the lower end of the scale.
• Graduate programs in large companies (especially banks or multinational firms) may offer around AUD 65,000 – AUD 85,000.

Mid-Level (4-7 years of experience)

Average Salary: AUD 75,000 – AUD 110,000

• After 4-7 years, professionals in roles like project management, mid-tier engineers, and experienced accountants can expect higher salaries.
• Salaries often increase as you take on more responsibilities and may include performance bonuses.

Senior-Level (8+ years of experience)

Average Salary: AUD 120,000 – AUD 200,000+

• Senior roles such as General Managers, Directors, Senior Consultants, and experienced lawyers or doctors can command very high salaries, especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and IT.
• Executive positions (e.g., CEO, CFO) typically exceed AUD 200,000 and may include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits.

By Location

Salaries in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane tend to be higher due to the cost of living and the concentration of industries. In contrast, salaries may be lower in regional areas or smaller cities.

Location and industry have a significant impact on salary levels. Large cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer higher salaries but also come with higher living costs.

Sydney

• Highest Salaries: Sydney, as Australia’s largest city and financial hub, generally offers the highest salaries across many industries, particularly in finance, tech, and management.
• Cost of Living: Sydney’s high salaries often come with a higher cost of living, so salaries here tend to compensate for that.

Melbourne

• Competitive Salaries: Melbourne is another city with competitive salaries, especially in the creative, legal, and healthcare industries.
• Cost of Living: Slightly lower than Sydney, but still considered high by Australian standards.

Brisbane

• Slightly Lower Salaries: Salaries in Brisbane can be slightly lower than those in Sydney and Melbourne, but the cost of living is also generally lower.
• Growing Opportunities: Brisbane has a booming tech and construction sector, and the salaries here are increasing as the city continues to grow.

Regional Areas

• Lower Salaries: In regional areas and smaller cities (e.g., Adelaide, Hobart), salaries are typically lower compared to the major cities. However, living costs are also generally more affordable.
• Industry-Specific: Certain industries like agriculture, mining, and energy have higher salaries in regional areas to attract talent to those locations.

Post-MBA Salary Expectations

For MBA graduates, salaries can vary based on the level of experience and the sector you work in. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Early Career Post-MBA: AUD 100,000 – AUD 130,000
• Mid-Career: AUD 130,000 – AUD 180,000
• Senior-Level/Executive Roles: AUD 200,000+

Additional Factors

• Bonuses: Many senior roles, especially in finance, management, and tech, may come with significant performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.
• Benefits: Health insurance, retirement savings contributions (superannuation), and other perks can add value to your total compensation package.
• Superannuation: Employers must contribute 11% of an employee’s salary (as of 2025) into a retirement savings account, which is in addition to your salary.