What Is the Average Income in Australia?
Navigate Australian income data with clarity. Understand what 'average' truly means, current figures, and key influencing factors.
Understanding the average income in Australia provides insight into the economic landscape and the financial well-being of its residents. The term “average income” can be complex, as different statistical measures offer varied perspectives on earnings. This article clarifies these distinctions, presenting current income data and outlining factors that influence income levels across the country.
Key Income Measures in Australia
To understand income levels, it is important to distinguish between different statistical measures. Mean income represents the total income of a group divided by the number of individuals or households. While useful for showing overall economic output, the mean can be significantly skewed by a small number of very high earners, potentially misrepresenting the income of the typical person.
Median income is the point where half the individuals or households earn more and half earn less. This measure is often considered a more representative indicator of typical income, as it is less affected by extreme values. Both mean and median figures are collected for individual income, which refers to a single person’s earnings, and household income, which includes the combined earnings of all household members.
Income measures generally encompass various sources, such as wages, salaries, business profits for self-employed individuals, and investment income. They also include government benefits, pensions, and allowances, which are significant for many Australians. These definitions allow for a broader understanding of financial resources available to individuals and families.
Current Income Data for Australia
Recent data provides a picture of earnings for individuals and households across Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that the average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults reached $2,010.00 in May 2025. This figure represents an annual income of approximately $104,520 before tax, excluding superannuation, bonuses, or overtime pay. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reported a slightly different average taxable income for individuals, which was $74,240 for the 2022–23 financial year.
For a more representative view, median income figures are particularly insightful. The ABS Census 2021 data indicated a national median personal income of $805 per week, equivalent to approximately $41,860 annually. This median encompasses all adults aged 15 to 85, including those unemployed or retired. The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey from May 2023 showed the median weekly earnings for all employees as $1,300.00, translating to roughly $67,600 per year.
For household income, the most recent comprehensive data comes from the ABS Census 2021, reporting a national median weekly household income of $1,746. The Australian Bureau of Statistics announced that the Survey of Income and Housing (SIH) data for 2023-24 would not be released due to data collection issues. The next reliable SIH release for household income statistics is anticipated in mid-2027, covering the 2025-26 period.
Factors Affecting Income Levels
Income levels in Australia are influenced by demographic and economic factors. The industry and occupation significantly shape an individual’s earning potential. For example, the mining sector, information media, telecommunications, and professional, scientific, and technical services generally exhibit higher average weekly earnings for full-time employees. Common occupations like sales assistants, registered nurses, and general clerks typically have different income profiles.
Educational attainment also correlates with income, as higher qualifications often lead to increased earning capacity and access to higher-paying roles. Income typically progresses with age and experience, with earnings often peaking during mid-career years as individuals accumulate skills and responsibilities.
Differences in average income between genders persist, despite efforts to achieve pay equity. In May 2025, ABS data showed that average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adult males were higher than for females. The gender pay gap was recorded at 11.5%. Geographic location also plays a part, with average weekly earnings varying across states and territories; Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory generally show higher figures, while Tasmania and South Australia report lower averages.