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$90,000 a year sounds like a lot. And in 2026, it is above average — the median full-time salary in Australia sits at around AUD $90,500. But whether $90k is good enough depends almost entirely on which city you live in. In Perth, that salary feels comfortable. In Sydney, after rent, it barely leaves breathing room.
This guide uses data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and current rental market data to give you a real picture of what Australian salaries look like after tax and living costs.
Average vs Median — What the Numbers Actually Mean
The average full-time Australian salary crossed AUD $106,000 per year in 2026, according to ABS Average Weekly Earnings data for November 2025. But averages are distorted by very high earners. The median — where half earn more and half earn less — is a more useful number at approximately AUD $90,500.
Australian Salary Benchmarks 2026 (ABS Data)
Average full-time salary: AUD $106,657 | Median full-time salary: AUD $90,500
Male median: AUD $87,048 | Female median: AUD $65,000 | Gender pay gap: ~14.5%
Salary After Tax in Australia — 2026 Take-Home Pay
Australia uses a progressive income tax system with a 2% Medicare levy on top. Superannuation (11.5% in 2026) is paid on top of your salary by your employer — it doesn't come out of your take-home, but it should factor into your total compensation comparison.
| Annual Gross | Monthly Gross | Tax + Medicare/mo | Monthly Take-Home | Annual Super (not from salary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $5,000 | ~$1,050 | ~$3,950 | $6,900 |
| $75,000 | $6,250 | ~$1,430 | ~$4,820 | $8,625 |
| $90,000 | $7,500 | ~$1,820 | ~$5,680 | $10,350 |
| $110,000 | $9,167 | ~$2,450 | ~$6,717 | $12,650 |
| $130,000 | $10,833 | ~$3,100 | ~$7,733 | $14,950 |
| $150,000 | $12,500 | ~$3,800 | ~$8,700 | $17,250 |
These figures use 2025/26 tax rates. The ATO (Australian Tax Office) provides an official tax withheld calculator at ato.gov.au for precise calculations based on your specific circumstances.
What Is a Good Salary — City by City
Australia's cost of living varies more dramatically between cities than almost any other developed country. Perth offers the best salary-to-cost ratio in 2026; Sydney is the most compressed.
| City | Avg Professional Salary | Avg 1-bed Rent/mo | Take-home After Rent ($90k) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $108,000 | $2,750 | ~$2,930/mo | Tight |
| Melbourne | $110,000 | $2,200 | ~$3,480/mo | Moderate |
| Brisbane | $89,200 | $2,000 | ~$3,680/mo | Comfortable |
| Perth | $117,000 | $1,950 | ~$3,730/mo | Best value |
| Adelaide | $101,000 | $1,650 | ~$4,030/mo | Most affordable |
| Canberra | $116,000 | $1,900 | ~$3,780/mo | Government hub |
Perth stands out as Australia's best-value major city for workers in 2026. Despite offering some of the country's highest salaries (driven by mining, resources, and engineering), Perth ranks only 103rd globally for cost of living. Sydney, by contrast, ranks 35th — making the AUD $117k Perth salary go significantly further than a $108k Sydney salary in practice.
Industries That Pay Above Average in Australia
| Industry | Average Salary Range | Best Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Mining & Resources | $130,000–$200,000 | Perth, Darwin |
| Technology & IT | $95,000–$180,000 | Sydney, Melbourne |
| Finance & Banking | $90,000–$160,000 | Sydney, Melbourne |
| Healthcare & Medical | $85,000–$160,000 | All capitals |
| Engineering | $85,000–$145,000 | Perth, Brisbane |
| Education | $70,000–$100,000 | All capitals |
| Hospitality | $55,000–$80,000 | All capitals |
Mining consistently produces Australia's highest-paid workers. A fly-in fly-out (FIFO) role in the Pilbara or Queensland can pay $150,000–$200,000+ with accommodation and meals included — dramatically improving your real take-home compared to a city-based equivalent salary.
Is $100,000 a Good Salary in Australia?
$100,000 gross puts you in the top 30% of full-time earners in Australia — it is objectively above average. After tax, that is roughly $6,600/month take-home. Whether it feels good depends on your city and life stage:
Sydney: After a one-bed apartment ($2,750), food ($600), transport ($250), and basic expenses, you have around $3,000 left. Liveable but not comfortable for a family or serious savings.
Brisbane or Adelaide: After equivalent expenses at lower rent, you keep $3,500–$4,000. That allows meaningful savings or lifestyle spending.
Perth: $100k in Perth is genuinely comfortable. Lower rents, similar salaries, and a lifestyle that involves beaches and outdoor living rather than expensive city entertainment.
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