
Australia is known for its high salaries compared to other countries, thanks to its robust economy, high living costs, and labour laws. The average yearly salary in Australia is AUD 88,991 (USD 58,026), with a median of AUD 6,675 (USD 4,352) per month. The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.10 per hour, which is higher than the minimum hourly wage in the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canberra, the average annual salary is AUD 103,152, higher than in other major cities in Australia, due to the large number of public service employees and high-level officials. So, what constitutes a good wage in Canberra, Australia?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average salary in Canberra | $83,639 per year or $40 per hour |
| Average annual salary in Australia | $100,016 |
| Average salary in Canberra for full-time workers | $80,000 |
| Average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time Australian adults | $1,923.40 before tax |
| Average weekly earnings in Canberra | $2,126.50 |
| Average salary for a labourer in Canberra | $35.28 per hour |
| National Minimum Wage | $24.95 per hour or $948 per week |
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What You'll Learn

The average salary in Canberra, Australia
On the other hand, the average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time workers in Canberra, known as the ACT, are $2,126.50, which amounts to an annual salary of $110,578. This figure varies between men and women, with men earning an average of $2,215.30 per week ($115,195 annually) and women earning an average of $2,027.30 per week ($105,419.60 annually).
The high average salary in Canberra compared to other major cities in Australia is attributed to the large population of public service employees and high-level officials who typically earn higher salaries. Additionally, the ACT has a high proportion of knowledge workers, which contributes to the overall higher average earnings in the region.
While the median salary in Australia is lower at $67,600, the average annual salary across the country is around $100,016. As of July 1, 2025, the National Minimum Wage is $24.95 per hour or $948 per week.
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How much higher is the average salary in Canberra compared to the rest of Australia
The average salary in Canberra, Australia, is reported by various sources as being between $80,000 and $103,152 per year. This is significantly higher than the average Australian annual salary, which is stated by one source to be $100,016.80 for full-time workers before tax. Another source gives the average weekly earnings for full-time Australian adults as $1,923.40 before tax, which equates to $99,996.80 per year. This indicates that the average salary in Canberra is higher than the rest of Australia, though the difference is not substantial.
The higher average salary in Canberra compared to other major cities in Australia is attributed to the large number of public service employees and high-level officials in the city, who tend to earn higher salaries. Canberra is also the capital of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which has the highest average earnings of all Australian states and territories. This is likely due to the high proportion of knowledge workers and public servant jobs in the region.
The average salary in Australia varies across different industries. For example, informational technology (IT) workers earn an average of $105,600 per year, while those in engineering roles can expect an average salary of around $111,021. Marketing or sales professionals, on the other hand, earn an average of around $93,210 per year.
It is worth noting that these figures represent average salaries, and actual earnings can vary widely depending on factors such as industry, job role, experience, and gender. Additionally, regional variations exist within Australia, with states like Western Australia having higher average salaries due to the presence of industries such as mining that attract higher wages.
While Canberra does have a higher average salary compared to other parts of Australia, other factors besides wages should also be considered when evaluating a good wage for the city. Cost of living, job opportunities, and industry trends can all impact how attractive a particular wage is in a given location.
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The average salary for a labourer in Canberra
The average salary in Canberra is generally higher than in other major Australian cities. As of 2022, the average annual salary across all industries and occupations was $103,152. This is due in part to the large number of public service employees and high-level officials in the city, who tend to earn higher salaries.
Regional variations in average salaries exist throughout Australia. For example, Western Australia has higher average salaries influenced by the mining industry. Similarly, salaries in Canberra can be impacted by factors such as the cost of living, local demand, industry standards, and regional economic conditions.
When discussing a "good wage," it is essential to consider the context, such as the local job market, industry trends, and the cost of living. While the average salary for labourers in Canberra may be lower than the city's overall average, it is still a respectable income, and skilled labourers in particular can command higher wages.
In summary, while the definition of a "good wage" may vary depending on individual circumstances and the local job market, labourers in Canberra generally earn competitive salaries, and skilled labourers can earn wages comparable to the city's overall average.
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The average salary for full-time workers in Canberra
The average annual salary in Canberra, Australia, is around $83,639 AUD or $103,152 AUD according to different sources. This is higher than in other major cities in Australia, due to the large population of public service employees and high-level officials that attract higher salaries. The average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time Australian adults are $1,923.40 before tax, which is a good salary to aim for. This figure varies depending on experience, industry, and location, with some industries like mining attracting higher salaries.
The high average salary in Canberra is due to the large number of knowledge workers and public servant jobs, which typically offer competitive pay. The state of Western Australia is a close second in terms of average salaries, influenced by the mining industry. The median salary in Australia is around $67,600 AUD, which some economists consider a more accurate representation of earnings as it is less skewed by top earners.
When defining a "good" wage, it is important to consider the cost of living and individual financial needs. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, Australians are feeling the pinch, and the definition of a "good" salary may change over time. Nevertheless, with its high average salaries and attractive job opportunities, Canberra offers a promising job market for professionals seeking competitive compensation.
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The minimum wage in Australia
As of 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage in Australia is $24.95 per hour or $948 per week. This is applicable to full-time employees working 38 hours a week. The minimum wage is the lowest amount that employers are legally allowed to pay their staff for ordinary hours of work. It acts as a safety net to protect workers from exploitation and helps maintain a fair standard of living.
The minimum wage is set and reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission, an independent body. The Commission considers factors like inflation, cost of living, and productivity to ensure that the minimum wage is fair and reflects the current economic conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigates wage complaints and non-compliance, with penalties for businesses that fail to meet their obligations, including fines and reputational damage.
Some employees have a different minimum wage depending on their employment type, age, or work capacity. For example, junior employees under the age of 21 have a minimum wage that is determined as a percentage of the national minimum wage, based on their age. Apprentices also have a special national minimum wage, designed to reflect their level of training and experience.
The average salary in Canberra, Australia, is $83,639 per year or $40 per hour. However, another source states the average annual salary to be $103,152, which is higher than in other major cities in Australia. This is due to the large population of public service employees and high-level officials who attract higher salaries.
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Frequently asked questions
A good wage in Canberra, Australia, would be anything around the figure of $1,923.40 per week, which is the average weekly ordinary time earnings for Australians. The average yearly salary in Canberra is $83,639, so anything above this figure could also be considered a good wage.
The average salary in Canberra is higher than in other major cities in Australia. This is due to the large population of public service employees and high-level officials who attract higher salaries. The average yearly salary in Australia is around $100,000, so wages in Canberra are generally higher than the national average.
The average weekly ordinary time earnings for men in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) is $2,215.30, while for women, it is $2,027.30.






















