Average Salary in Australia 2025 – National & State Insights
Australia offers competitive salaries for skilled professionals across sectors such as IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and construction. Salaries vary depending on occupation, experience, and location.
This guide includes state-specific salary insights for South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), Northern Australia (NT), and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), helping skilled migrants plan their career and migration pathway effectively.
National Average Salary
The national average full-time salary in Australia is approximately AUD 90,000 per year.
- Entry-level positions: AUD 50,000–60,000/year
- Mid-level professionals: AUD 70,000–120,000/year
- Senior positions & high-demand sectors: AUD 120,000–180,000/year
Popular Industries and Average Salaries:
| Occupation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 95,000 – 150,000 |
| Registered Nurse | 70,000 – 200,000 |
| Civil Engineer | 85,000 – 160,000 |
| Accountant | 75,000 – 130,000 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 65,000 – 110,000 |
| Construction Manager | 90,000 – 130,000 |
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South Australia Average Salary
South Australia (SA) offers affordable living costs and growing opportunities in healthcare, IT, engineering, and education.
Top Occupations and Salaries in South Australia:
| Occupation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 70,000 – 95,000 |
| Software Engineer | 85,000 – 125,000 |
| Civil Engineer | 80,000 – 120,000 |
| Accountant | 70,000 – 110,000 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 65,000 – 100,000 |
| Construction Project Manager | 90,000 – 130,000 |
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Western Australia Average Salary
Western Australia (WA) is a resource-rich state with high-paying opportunities in mining, engineering, healthcare, and IT.
Top Occupations and Salaries in Western Australia:
| Occupation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| Mining Engineer | 120,000 – 180,000 |
| Civil Engineer | 90,000 – 150,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 85,000 – 140,000 |
| Software Engineer | 95,000 – 160,000 |
| Registered Nurse | 75,000 – 100,000 |
| Accountant | 75,000 – 130,000 |
Northern Australia (NT) Average Salary
Northern Australia, including the Northern Territory (NT), offers competitive salaries to attract skilled workers in healthcare, construction, IT, and mining. The region has fewer professionals, making certain roles high-demand with attractive pay.
Top Occupations and Salaries in Northern Australia:
| Occupation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| Mining Engineer | 110,000 – 170,000 |
| Registered Nurse | 75,000 – 100,000 |
| Civil Engineer | 85,000 – 130,000 |
| Software Engineer | 90,000 – 140,000 |
| Accountant | 70,000 – 120,000 |
| Construction Manager | 90,000 – 130,000 |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Average Salary
The ACT, including Canberra, provides high salaries in IT, government, healthcare, and education. Salaries are slightly higher due to the concentration of government and public sector roles.
Top Occupations and Salaries in ACT:
| Occupation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 95,000 – 160,000 |
| Registered Nurse | 75,000 – 110,000 |
| Civil Engineer | 85,000 – 145,000 |
| Accountant | 75,000 – 135,000 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 70,000 – 110,000 |
| Construction Project Manager | 95,000 – 140,000 |
Why Average Salary Matters for Skilled Migrants
- Helps plan relocation and cost of living.
- Identifies high-demand, well-paying occupations.
- Supports decision-making for state nomination (subclass 190 / 491).
- Assists in career and migration planning in different Australian regions.
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FAQs – Average Salary in Australia
Q1. Which state pays the highest salary in Australia?
Western Australia and the ACT generally offer the highest salaries, especially for mining, IT, and engineering roles.
Q2. Does salary vary by occupation?
Yes. Healthcare specialists, engineers, IT professionals, and accountants usually earn higher salaries than education or administrative roles.
Q3. How can I increase my salary in Australia?
Gain relevant work experience, certifications, and improve English proficiency. Occupations listed on state occupation lists have higher demand and pay.
Q4. Can salary data help with PR applications?
Yes. Choosing high-demand, well-paying occupations improves chances for state nomination and employment.