The average income in Australia varies significantly by state and territory. The ACT and Western Australia consistently sit at the top. Tasmania and South Australia sit at the bottom. The gap between highest and lowest is substantial — average full-time earnings in the ACT are approximately 30% higher than in Tasmania.
Quick fact: The average full-time ordinary time earnings in Australia nationally are approximately $99,100 per year (ABS 2025). But if you live in the ACT, that benchmark is closer to $116,000. If you’re in Tasmania, it’s approximately $85,000.
Average Income by State and Territory — Australia 2026
| State / Territory | Full-Time Average | Median (All Workers) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | ~$116,000 | ~$80,000 | Federal govt concentration |
| WA | ~$108,000 | ~$68,000 | Mining sector premium |
| NSW | ~$101,200 | ~$62,000 | Finance, professional services |
| VIC | ~$97,500 | ~$60,000 | Diversified professional economy |
| QLD | ~$93,000 | ~$57,000 | Resources, tourism, services |
| SA | ~$88,500 | ~$53,000 | Healthcare, defence, agriculture |
| NT | ~$96,000 | ~$58,000 | Mining, government, remote loading |
| TAS | ~$85,000 | ~$50,000 | Lowest average nationally |
| National | ~$99,100 | ~$55,868 | ATO median taxable income |
Full-time average based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings (ordinary time), annualised. Median based on ATO Taxation Statistics 2022-23.
Why Incomes Vary So Much by State
Three factors drive most of the interstate income variation in Australia:
1. Industry mix. States with heavy representation of high-paying industries (mining in WA, federal government in ACT, finance in NSW) pull average wages up. States dominated by retail, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture (Tasmania, South Australia) have lower average wages.
2. Cost of living adjustment. Higher wages in NSW and Victoria partly compensate for substantially higher housing costs. A $100,000 salary in Sydney, where median house prices exceed $1.4 million, buys less financial security than the same salary in Adelaide, where median house prices are approximately $750,000.
3. Remote area and FIFO loadings. Workers in remote parts of WA and NT receive location allowances and FIFO (fly-in fly-out) premiums that can add $15,000–$40,000 to annual income. These loadings inflate state averages for WA and NT significantly.
State by State Breakdown
New South Wales — $101,200 average full-time salary
NSW is Australia’s largest economy and home to a high concentration of financial services, professional services, and technology jobs — all of which pay above the national average. Sydney’s CBD is the main driver. Regional NSW wages are substantially lower than the Sydney average.
For context: A $90,000 salary in Sydney places you around the 60th–65th income percentile nationally — above average, but not dramatically so in a city where median rents for a 2-bedroom apartment exceed $2,800/month.
Victoria — $97,500 average full-time salary
Melbourne’s strong professional economy across finance, healthcare, education, and technology supports above-average wages. Victoria’s wages have been growing faster than the national average over the past five years, driven by infrastructure projects and technology sector expansion.
Queensland — $93,000 average full-time salary
Queensland’s economy spans resources (coal, LNG), tourism, agriculture, and a growing professional services sector in Brisbane. Average wages are solidly above the national median but below NSW and VIC due to a larger share of hospitality and agricultural employment.
Western Australia — $108,000 average full-time salary
WA’s mining sector drives one of the highest average wage outcomes of any state. Underground miners, haul truck operators, and process workers on FIFO rosters commonly earn $130,000–$200,000 per year — significantly above state and national averages. Perth’s professional services wages are more comparable to other capital cities.
South Australia — $88,500 average full-time salary
SA’s economy is anchored by healthcare, defence, and agriculture — industries that pay below the national average for most roles. Adelaide’s lower cost of living partially offsets lower wages; housing costs are among the lowest of Australia’s capital cities.
ACT — $116,000 average full-time salary
The ACT’s uniquely high average income reflects its function as Australia’s federal capital. The largest employer is the Commonwealth public service, where professional and management roles are concentrated. Entry-level APS (Australian Public Service) roles start at approximately $60,000–$70,000; senior executive service roles exceed $200,000.
Tasmania — $85,000 average full-time salary
Tasmania consistently records the lowest average wages of any Australian state. The economy is concentrated in agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and education. Hobart’s growing appeal for sea-changers has pushed housing costs up without a corresponding wage increase, reducing real income relative to other regions.
Northern Territory — $96,000 average full-time salary
NT’s average is elevated by mining and remote area loadings in places like Darwin and mining operations across the territory. Darwin itself has relatively high wages for a city of its size, partly due to its remote location premium.
Cost of Living Adjustment: Real Income by State
Nominal wages tell only half the story. Adjusting for housing costs produces a different picture:
| State | Full-Time Average | Median House Price | Years of Income to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | $116,000 | ~$850,000 | 7.3 |
| WA | $108,000 | ~$750,000 | 6.9 |
| NSW | $101,200 | ~$1,400,000 | 13.8 |
| VIC | $97,500 | ~$940,000 | 9.6 |
| QLD | $93,000 | ~$870,000 | 9.4 |
| SA | $88,500 | ~$750,000 | 8.5 |
| TAS | $85,000 | ~$580,000 | 6.8 |
| NT | $96,000 | ~$490,000 | 5.1 |
On this measure, the NT and Tasmania offer stronger housing affordability relative to income than NSW or Victoria — despite lower absolute wages.
Related Articles
- Income Percentile Calculator — Australia
- Average Income by Age in Australia
- Average Salary in Australia
- Net Worth Percentile Calculator — Australia
- Average Net Worth by Age in Australia
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy