
In Australia, $1000 per week is a salary that is higher than the minimum wage and can be considered good pay, depending on various factors. These factors include location, gender, industry, level of education, and experience. For example, in August 2024, the median weekly earnings for single job holders were $1400, while 3.8 million people earned less than $1000 per week in their main job. Additionally, the median weekly earnings varied across states and territories, with the Australian Capital Territory having the highest at $1688, and Tasmania the lowest at $1208.
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Median weekly earnings in Australia
The median weekly earnings in Australia vary depending on various factors, including gender, sector, education level, qualifications, job title, industry, and geography. As of November 2023, the average full-time weekly pay was $1,888.80, which equates to an annual salary of $98,217.60. However, this figure does not account for performance bonuses or secondary jobs.
In August 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the median weekly earnings for single job-holders were $1,400 per week. Of those with a second job, the median weekly earnings from their main job were $1,000 per week, while the median earnings from their second job were $324 per week.
The occupation groups with the highest median weekly earnings in August 2024 were Managers ($2,100 per week) and Professionals ($1,827 per week). The lowest-paid occupation groups were Sales Workers ($714 per week) and Labourers ($900 per week).
At the sub-major occupation level, Chief Executives, General Managers, and Legislators earned the highest median weekly wage of $2,669, while Food Preparation Assistants earned the lowest at $368 per week.
In terms of gender, as of 2024, Aussie men earned a median salary of $92,872 per year, while Aussie women earned a median salary of $83,200. However, the taxation data for FY20/21 reported a lower median taxable income for both men ($61,988) and women ($45,813).
Geographically, the state or territory with the highest median weekly earnings in August 2024 was the Australian Capital Territory at $1,688 per week, followed by the Northern Territory and Western Australia (both $1,500). The lowest median weekly earnings were in Tasmania ($1,208 per week), South Australia ($1,250 per week), and Queensland ($1,350 per week). Outside the capital cities, the highest median weekly earnings were in regional Western Australia ($1,442 per week), while the lowest was in regional South Australia ($1,100 per week).
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Cost of living in Australia
The cost of living in Australia varies depending on location and individual or family circumstances. In August 2024, the median weekly earnings for employees with one job were $1,400 per week, while those with two jobs earned a median of $1,000 per week from their main job and $324 per week from their second job.
The state or territory with the highest median weekly earnings in August 2024 was the Australian Capital Territory at $1,688 per week, followed by the Northern Territory and Western Australia (both $1,500). The lowest were Tasmania ($1,208 per week), South Australia ($1,250) and Queensland ($1,350). Outside the capital cities, the highest median weekly earnings were in regional Western Australia ($1,442 per week), and the lowest was regional South Australia ($1,100).
The occupation groups with the highest median weekly earnings were managers ($2,100 per week) and professionals ($1,827), while sales workers ($714) and labourers ($900) earned the least.
The cost of living in Australia is, on average, 2.3% lower than in the United States, with rent being 22.0% lower. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $3,752.20, excluding rent, while the estimated monthly costs for a single person are $1,058.80, excluding rent. Childcare is another significant expense, with the average daily cost across Australia being $135.29, but some parents pay up to $430 per day.
Among Australian cities, Sydney is one of the most expensive, with basic utility costs of around $327.19 per month for an 85m2 apartment and rental costs of about $3,435.46 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Brisbane is 15.2% less expensive than Sydney, with utility costs of $206.37 per month and rental costs of $2,354.82 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Perth is approximately 14% cheaper than Sydney, with monthly expenses for a family of four at $5,513.50 without rent or $1,536.70 for a single person.
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Gender wage gap
In Australia, a salary of $1000 per week works out at $52,000 per year. This is above the national minimum wage, and $1000 is the median weekly earnings for Australians with a second job. However, whether this is a good salary depends on the industry, occupation, and location. For example, the occupation groups with the highest median weekly earnings are Managers ($2,100 per week) and Professionals ($1,827), whereas Sales Workers and Labourers have a median weekly earning of $714 and $900, respectively.
In terms of location, the state or territory with the highest median weekly earnings is the Australian Capital Territory at $1,688 per week, whereas the lowest is Tasmania at $1,208. Outside the capital cities, the highest median weekly earnings are in regional Western Australia ($1,442 per week), and the lowest is regional South Australia ($1,100).
It is worth noting that there is a significant gender wage gap in Australia, with men earning more than women across all industries and occupations. The national gender pay gap is 11.9%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with men earning on average $2072.70 per week and women earning $1826.40. This means that for every dollar earned by a man, a woman earns 88 cents. Over the course of a year, this adds up to a difference of $12,807.60. The gender pay gap is even more pronounced in certain industries, such as mining, which has an average pay package of $195,000 and a pay gap of 19.8%. In addition, 92% of employers that have an average pay packet of $150,000 or more have pay gaps that favour men.
The gender wage gap is partly due to men holding more senior or technical roles within companies, as well as cultural expectations that women will take on caring responsibilities, limiting their opportunities in the workplace. Additionally, some companies do not allow senior roles to be held by part-time employees, and women make up the majority of part-time workers. Furthermore, in women-dominated industries, the midpoint of average gender pay gaps is 5.5%, increasing to 13.2% in gender-balanced industries and 16.1% in men-dominated industries.
Despite this, progress is being made, with 56% of employers improving their gender pay gap in 2023-24 compared to the previous reporting period. However, as Mary Wooldridge, CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, stated, "The rate of change has been slow [...] But we are tackling some deep-seated cultural views and perspectives, including things like gender stereotypes in relation to roles and occupations."
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Average salary by industry
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median weekly earnings in Australia in August 2024 were $1,400 for single-job holders, $1,000 for a main job, and $324 for a second job. The national median personal income was $805 per week, with 9.6 million people earning below this or earning no income. The average yearly salary in Australia is $88,991 AUD, with monthly salaries ranging from $1,961 AUD to $33,750 AUD.
Several factors influence salary prospects in Australia, including the industry, level of experience, education, and location. Here is a breakdown of average salaries across various industries:
- Accommodation and Food Services: This industry includes hospitality establishments like hotels, restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
- Retail: The retail industry involves selling products or services to the public, including electronics, furniture, clothing, sporting goods, service stations, and supermarkets.
- Administrative and Support Services: These are jobs that support the work of others, such as office administration, building cleaning, and pest control.
- Arts and Recreation Services: This industry covers creative work, performing arts, professional sports, amusement centres, zoos, and museums.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry involves the production of various products and materials, including food, petroleum, machinery, and furniture.
- Transportation: This industry involves the movement of people and goods by cars, trains, and planes.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This industry provides medical services like hospital care and social services like childcare. It is the largest employing industry in Australia, constituting 14.5% of the workforce.
- Construction: The construction industry deals with building and engineering projects. It accounts for approximately 9% of Australia's GDP and is expected to have a predicted annual increase of 2.4%.
- Mining: The mining industry has experienced significant growth due to increased iron ore prices. It had the highest median weekly earnings in August 2024 at $2,593 per week.
- Electricity, Gas, Water, and Waste Services: This industry is undergoing a transformation as Australia transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Additionally, within these industries, specific occupations will have varying salaries. For instance, in August 2024, the occupation groups with the highest median weekly earnings were Managers ($2,100 per week) and Professionals ($1,827), while Sales Workers ($714) and Labourers ($900) had the lowest earnings.
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$14.99

Salary expectations for career starters
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average wage for all employees is $1,344.70 per week, or $69,888 per year. The average full-time wage is $1,835.20 per week or $95,000 per year (pre-tax), and the minimum wage for full-time employees working at least 38 hours per week is $812.60. The median weekly earnings for single job-holders are $1,400 per week, while the median for those with a second job is $1,000 per week.
The highest median weekly earnings by state or territory are in the Australian Capital Territory at $1,688 per week, followed by the Northern Territory and Western Australia (both $1,500). The lowest are in Tasmania ($1,208 per week), South Australia ($1,250), and Queensland ($1,350). Outside capital cities, the highest median weekly earnings are in regional Western Australia ($1,442 per week), and the lowest is in regional South Australia ($1,100).
In terms of industries, the highest-paying sectors include healthcare, finance, tech, and mining and natural resources. The mining industry has the highest median weekly earnings by sector, at $2,593 per week. Within this sector, males earn $444 more on average than females. The lowest-paying sector is hospitality and food, with an average weekly wage of $1,220.
For those just starting their careers, a reasonable salary expectation is between $4,000 and $5,000 per month, or $48,000 to $60,000 annually. This range provides a good starting point for entry-level positions, allowing individuals to gain experience and build their careers.
It's important to note that salary expectations can vary based on an individual's specific circumstances, and other benefits or compensation may also factor into overall career satisfaction and financial stability.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on various factors, such as location, occupation, gender, level of education, and experience. For instance, in August 2024, the median weekly earnings for single job holders were $1,400, while 3.8 million people who earned less than $1,000 weekly had a second job.
$1000 per week is equivalent to an annual salary of $52,000.
The average wage for all employees in Australia is $1,344.70 per week, or $69,888 per year. The average full-time wage is $1,835.20 per week, or $95,000 per year (pre-tax).
The occupation groups with the highest median weekly earnings are Managers ($2,100 per week) and Professionals ($1,827). The highest-paying industries include healthcare, finance, tech, and mining and natural resources.
The median rent in Australia is $627 per week, and the average quarterly electricity and gas bills are $393 and $203, respectively.











































