🏙️ Salary by Major Australian Cities
Cost of living varies dramatically across Australia. Here's what the same roles pay in different cities:
🏙️ Sydney, NSW
🎭 Melbourne, VIC
🌴 Brisbane, QLD
⛽ Perth, WA
🏭 Industry Salary Breakdown 2026
Different industries offer vastly different compensation packages. Here's what you can expect by sector:
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level | 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology & IT | $65,000 | $95,000 | $150,000+ | ↗ +8.5% |
| Finance & Banking | $58,000 | $85,000 | $130,000 | ↗ +5.2% |
| Healthcare & Medical | $55,000 | $78,000 | $120,000 | ↗ +6.8% |
| Engineering | $62,000 | $88,000 | $125,000 | ↗ +4.9% |
| Marketing & Communications | $48,000 | $68,000 | $95,000 | ↗ +3.8% |
| Education & Training | $52,000 | $72,000 | $95,000 | → +2.1% |
| Construction & Trades | $55,000 | $75,000 | $105,000 | ↗ +5.5% |
| Sales & Business Development | $45,000* | $72,000* | $120,000* | ↗ +4.2% |
| Government & Public Service | $58,000 | $78,000 | $110,000 | → +2.8% |
| Hospitality & Tourism | $42,000 | $55,000 | $75,000 | → +1.9% |
* Sales roles often include commission/bonuses that can significantly increase total compensation
🚀 Fastest Growing Job Categories
These roles are seeing the highest salary growth and job demand in 2026:
- AI/Machine Learning Specialists - $95K-$180K (+15.2% growth)
- Cybersecurity Analysts - $85K-$150K (+12.8% growth)
- Cloud Solutions Architects - $110K-$200K (+11.4% growth)
- Data Scientists - $90K-$165K (+10.7% growth)
- Sustainability Consultants - $75K-$130K (+9.8% growth)
- Digital Marketing Specialists - $60K-$110K (+8.9% growth)
- Aged Care Nurses - $65K-$95K (+8.5% growth)
- Solar/Renewable Energy Technicians - $60K-$90K (+8.2% growth)
💡 Salary Negotiation Tips for Australian Job Market
- Research is key: Use this guide plus Seek salary data for specific roles
- Consider total package: Superannuation, annual leave loading, car allowances
- Timing matters: Best negotiation window is during job offer, not after accepting
- Know your value: Quantify your achievements and unique skills
- Be reasonable: Ask for 10-20% above current salary, not 50%
- Consider alternatives: If salary is fixed, negotiate flexible work, training, or title
🎯 Regional vs Metro Salary Differences
Regional roles often offer unique benefits that offset lower base salaries:
- Metro Premium: Sydney/Melbourne pay 15-25% more than regional areas
- Cost of Living Offset: Regional housing costs 40-60% less than capital cities
- Regional Benefits: Shorter commutes, better work-life balance, community connections
- Government Incentives: Some rural roles offer tax benefits or relocation assistance
- Remote Work Options: Many companies now offer city salaries for remote regional workers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are these salary figures?
Our data is compiled from Seek, LinkedIn, government statistics, and industry surveys updated monthly. Figures represent median salaries across Australia in February 2026.
Should I include salary expectations in my job application?
Only if specifically requested. Use phrases like "negotiable based on total package" or provide a range rather than a fixed number.
How do I negotiate salary in Australia?
Be professional, research-backed, and focus on value you bring. Consider the total employment package, not just base salary.
What about superannuation and other benefits?
All Australian employees receive 11.5% superannuation (2026 rate) on top of their salary. Factor this into total compensation comparisons.
How often should I expect salary increases?
Performance-based increases typically happen annually (3-8%). Promotional increases can be 15-30%. Job changes often yield the highest salary jumps (20-40%).