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Average Salary in Sydney 2024

How much money does a person working in Sydney make?


Average Yearly Salary
108,000 AUD
( 9,000 AUD monthly)

LOW
27,200
AUD
AVERAGE
108,000
AUD
HIGH
480,000
AUD
All salary figures displayed here are per year except when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

A person working in Sydney typically earns around 108,000 AUD. Salaries range from 27,200 AUD (lowest average) to 480,000 AUD (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Sydney vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.



Pay Scale and Salaries in Sydney

Median and salary distribution Sydney yearly
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Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
211,000 AUD or more
10% of people earn
165,000 to 211,000 AUD
20% of people earn
64,100 AUD or less
65% of people earn
64,100 to 165,000 AUD
Minimum Salary
27,200 AUD
Median
96,800 AUD
Maximum
480,000 AUD




Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range

All salary figures displayed here are per year except when noted otherwise.
  • Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary

    Salaries in Sydney range from 27,200 AUD (starting salary) to 480,000 AUD (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.

  • Median Salary

    The median salary is 96,800 AUD, which means that 50% of the population in Sydney earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

  • Percentiles and Salary Scale

    Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Sydney earn less than 69,900 AUD while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 147,000 AUD while 25% earn more than that.

  • Pay Scale Structure

    We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Sydney. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 64,100 AUD to 165,000 AUD. Approximately 20% fall under the 64,100 AUD cap. Ten percent of wages are from 165,000 AUD to 211,000 AUD. Only 5% of people grossed 211,000 AUD or more.

Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

How does a person's salary progress over time?

Salary Comparison By Experience Level
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Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.

In Sydney, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.

Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.

After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.


Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark.
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.

Salary Comparison By Education

How does the education level affect your salary?

Salary Comparison By Education
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Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.

The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?

We conducted a study in Sydney comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.

Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.

Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.

Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.

Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.


Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?

Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in Australia is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 38,000 AUD to 114,000 AUD and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.

Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.



Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Sydney

Salary comparison by gender Australia yearly
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Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In Australia, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 6% across all career fields.

Male
93,900 AUD
Female-6%
88,500 AUD
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Sydney

How much are annual salary increments in Sydney? How often do employees get salary raises?

Australia

Employees in Australia are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 8% every 16 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate Australia
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The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.

The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.

How to calculate the salary increment percentage?

The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency

The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in Australia is 6%.

Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs

World Average Annual Salary Increment
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Salary Packages and Schemes

Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.



Bonus and Incentive Rates in Australia

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate Australia
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100% of surveyed staff in Australia reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while % said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from % to % of their annual salary.

Received Bonus
%
No Bonus
100%

Types of Bonuses Considered

Individual Performance-Based Bonuses

The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.

Company Performance Bonuses

Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.

Goal-Based Bonuses

Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.

Holiday / End of Year Bonuses

These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.

Bonuses Are Not Commissions!

People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.


Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field

Finance
High
Architecture
High
Sales
High
Business Development
High
Marketing / Advertising
High
Information Technology
Moderate
Healthcare
Moderate
Insurance
Moderate
Customer Service
Moderate
Human Resources
Moderate
Construction
Low
Transport
Low
Hospitality
Low

What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?

The main two types of jobs

Revenue GeneratorsSupporting Cast

Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business.

Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations.

Example:
A graphics designer working for a graphics designing company.

Example:
A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital.


Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.

Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.

Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level

Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.

Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.

Job TitleAverage Salary
Accounting and Finance
Accountant69,300 AUD
Accounting Assistant53,500 AUD
Accounting Manager160,000 AUD
Bookkeeper48,600 AUD
Chartered Accountant96,100 AUD
Corporate Treasurer135,000 AUD
Financial Analyst129,000 AUD
Financial Manager195,000 AUD
Internal Auditor101,000 AUD

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant53,000 AUD
Office Manager90,600 AUD
Receptionist48,100 AUD
Secretary44,500 AUD

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director102,000 AUD
Creative Director103,000 AUD
Graphic Designer67,900 AUD
Photographer58,400 AUD

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer137,000 AUD
Air Traffic Controller116,000 AUD
Flight Attendant69,200 AUD
Pilot179,000 AUD

Architecture
Architect127,000 AUD
CAD Drafter51,400 AUD

Automotive
Mechanic39,900 AUD
Service Advisor71,500 AUD

Banking
Bank Branch Manager183,000 AUD
Teller39,000 AUD

Bilingual
Teacher74,600 AUD
Translator96,100 AUD

Business Planning
Business Analyst134,000 AUD
Business Development Manager164,000 AUD
Project Manager135,000 AUD

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny43,200 AUD
Nursery Teacher37,600 AUD

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer93,700 AUD
Construction Project Manager169,000 AUD
Health and Safety Officer47,700 AUD

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative38,400 AUD
Customer Service Manager136,000 AUD
Customer Service Representative37,200 AUD

Engineering
Civil Engineer96,200 AUD
Electrical Engineer98,600 AUD
Engineer92,300 AUD
Mechanical Engineer93,600 AUD

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer239,000 AUD
Chief Financial Officer218,000 AUD
General Manager176,000 AUD
Project Manager117,000 AUD

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef62,800 AUD
Executive Chef70,700 AUD
Hotel Manager182,000 AUD
Receptionist38,600 AUD
Travel Agent67,600 AUD
Waiter / Waitress33,400 AUD

Health and Medical
Dentist254,000 AUD
Dietitian204,000 AUD
Laboratory Technician74,200 AUD
Nurse80,700 AUD

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager152,000 AUD
Human Resources Officer63,900 AUD

Information Technology
Computer Technician79,500 AUD
Database Administrator99,700 AUD
Developer / Programmer97,400 AUD
Information Technology Manager169,000 AUD
Network Engineer90,100 AUD

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer61,600 AUD

Legal
Attorney197,000 AUD
Legal Assistant52,300 AUD

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist111,000 AUD

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer86,100 AUD
Pharmacist137,000 AUD

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier36,800 AUD
Sales Manager175,000 AUD
Sales Representative65,200 AUD

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher70,300 AUD
Secondary School Teacher82,900 AUD

Average Hourly Wage in Sydney


52 AUD per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Sydney is 52 AUD.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.


Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

About The Hourly Pay Rate

The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.

What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?

The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Sydney is 13 AUD. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.

Salary Comparison By City

CityAverage Salary
Adelaide101,000 AUD
Brisbane104,000 AUD
Canberra-Queanbeyan96,800 AUD
Gold Coast-Tweed98,600 AUD
Gosford89,200 AUD
Melbourne106,000 AUD
Newcastle94,800 AUD
Perth102,000 AUD
Sunshine Coast93,100 AUD
Sydney108,000 AUD
Wollongong91,000 AUD

Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison

Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in Australia is 5% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
89,000 AUD
Public Sector+5%
93,400 AUD
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value

Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide

What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Sydney?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Sydney would range anywhere between 96,800 AUD and 147,000 AUD.

Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)

All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

Base / Basic Salary

The base salary in Sydney ranges from 27,200 AUD to 69,900 AUD. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.


What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary


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