As students begin to think about life beyond Pacific, conversations about jobs, money and success naturally come to the surface. A common comment we hear in the Careers space is, “I want a career that pays well.” While income is an important and practical consideration, this week’s Christian Studies focus on Interpersonal Competence encourages us to look deeper. As part of the Pacific community, we are reminded to act with humility, empathy and genuine care for others, valuing relationships alongside personal ambition. As we explore careers and salary information, students are encouraged to remember that strong social skills, self-regulation of emotions and having purpose are not only important to who we are as a Pacific community, but are also qualities that contribute to long-term success, fulfilment and have a positive impact on any career path.
Jobs & Careers, Money
Understanding Australia’s median salary in 2026
When you're thinking about your future or current career, one of the first questions that might pop into your head is how much you will earn. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median weekly earnings for Australian employees in August 2025 was $1,425, which translates to approximately $74,100 per year. Out of over 14 million people employed in Australia, this is what we'd call a "typical" salary. It's the middle point of what Australians earn, half the workforce makes more, and half makes less.
But what does this information mean? And is it helpful to us in any way? Understanding what you're likely to earn depends on your age, the industry you work in, your location, and whether you're working full-time or part-time. Let's break down what these figures really mean for you.
Why median matters more than average
You've probably heard people talk about both median and average salaries. They're both ways of calculating the "middle" of a set of data, but they're quite different. The average salary in Australia is around $104,000 per year, which sounds fantastic until you realise it's pulled upward by a small number of very high earners. It is calculated by adding together all the values in a dataset and dividing by the total number of values. It can be sensitive to outliers, meaning that very large or very small values can greatly influence the average.
The median, on the other hand, lines up all salaries from lowest to highest and picks the one right in the middle. It's not affected by outliers at either end of the scale. This makes the median a far more useful benchmark when you're trying to work out realistic salary expectations for your own career. For example, here are five salaries: $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, $25,000, and $100,000. The average salary is $34,000. The median of these salaries is $20,000. As we can see, $20,000 is a much closer representation of the salaries than the average, which is offset by the single large salary.
How age affects your earning potential
Your age plays a significant role in what you'll earn throughout your working life. Unsurprisingly, you'll start at the lower end when you first enter the workforce. In August 2025 full-time workers aged 15-19 earned a median of around $854 per week, whilst those in the 45-54 age bracket hit their peak earning years with median weekly salaries reaching $2,000 (Source: ABS Median earnings for employees by demographic characteristics). Don't let the lower starting figures discourage you. Everyone begins somewhere, and your earning capacity increases as you gain experience, develop specialised skills, and take on more responsibility in your field. The jump between your early twenties and your mid-thirties can be substantial, with most people seeing steady salary growth throughout this period.
Industry makes a massive difference
Where you work matters just as much as what you do. The mining industry remains Australia's highest-paying sector, with median weekly earnings of $2,761 in August 2025. That's over $143,500 per year. Workers in this industry benefit from the sector's strong economic position and the specialised skills required. Other top-paying industries include electricity, gas, water and waste services, and financial and insurance services with median weekly earnings of $2,000 in 2025.
At the other end of the spectrum, hospitality and food services typically offer lower wages, with median weekly earnings around $700. Some sectors pay better than others due to factors like demand for skilled workers, the education required, and the economic importance of the industry. If you're considering your career options, it's worth researching entire industries and then taking a deep dive into individual roles as the salaries can vary dramatically between jobs.
Location shapes your pay packet
Where you choose to live and work could also impact your salary more than you might think. Workers in states home to large cities serving as major financial and business hubs like New South Wales and Victoria generally earn higher salaries. Western Australia, driven by its mining sector, also offers competitive salaries, particularly for those in resources and engineering. The Australian Capital Territory claims the title of highest-earning region in the country, thanks to high concentrations of government and professional service roles.
Rural and regional areas typically offer lower salaries than major cities, but this doesn't tell the whole story. The cost of living in places like Sydney can be significantly higher than in regional centres, meaning your purchasing power might be better on a smaller salary outside the capital cities.
Full-time versus part-time work
It's probably no surprise to learn that in general, full-time workers earn more overall. Although some part-time workers may earn higher hourly rates than their full-time counterparts. This is often particularly true for many casual roles, to compensate for the lower overall earnings and goes towards supplementing things like paid holiday and sick leave that they aren't entitled to.
It's also worth noting that full-time work in Australia is generally considered 38 hours per week, and the Fair Work Commission regularly reviews and adjusts the national minimum wage. As of 1st July 2025, the minimum wage was $24.95 per hour or $948 per week for full-time workers.
Your gender and pay
Despite progress in recent years, on average Australian women still earn less than men across most industries and age groups. The median weekly earnings for men working full-time reached $1,841 in August 2025, whilst women working full-time earned a median of $1,631—a difference of $210 per week, or nearly $11,000 annually. Several factors contribute to this gap. Women are more likely to work part-time due to caring responsibilities, may be underrepresented in the highest-paying industries and senior roles, or face barriers to career progression. Understanding these disparities doesn't mean accepting them, being aware of these patterns could help you negotiate better and advocate for fair pay throughout your career.
Setting realistic expectations for your future
So, what does all this mean for you? If you're just finishing school or starting university, avoid disappointment and manage your salary expectations - don't expect to immediately earn the median (or average) salary. Your first job might pay significantly less, particularly if it's entry-level or part-time. That's completely normal and your earning potential grows over time. By your mid-thirties, if you've stayed in the workforce and developed your skills, you can realistically expect to be earning close to or above the median.
Choosing an industry with strong growth prospects and good pay rates certainly helps, but so does gaining experience, pursuing further training, and being strategic about career moves.
Remember that salary isn't everything. Job satisfaction, work-life balance, working conditions and sense of purpose all contribute to your overall wellbeing. A slightly lower salary in a role you love, with good conditions and growth opportunities, might serve you better in the long run than chasing the highest possible pay packet.
What's your next step?
Understanding Australia's median salary gives you a realistic foundation for planning your career. Whether you're choosing subjects for Senior College, deciding on a university course, or considering an apprenticeship, having accurate salary information helps you make informed decisions about your future.
The key takeaway- Most Australians earn around $74,100 per year, but your individual circumstances like age, industry, location, and employment type, could influence where you sit on that spectrum. Use this information as a starting point, then dig deeper into the specific careers that interest you.
Mrs Veronica Sanmarco, Head of Career Development
Invitation to Sunday Worship