Average AFL player salary: What it means for your take-home pay

Average AFL player salary: How much lands in your bank account

If you’re an AFL player or just curious about the numbers, the average AFL player salary is a headline figure that often misses the real story: what you actually take home after tax, the Medicare levy, and super. In 2025, the average gross earnings for an AFL listed player hit $505,961, according to data reported by ESPN. That’s up from $459,173 in 2024, as detailed by . But those are gross figures. Let’s break down what changes your fortnightly pay.

The tax brackets that bite

Australia’s progressive tax system means the more you earn, the higher the marginal rate. For 2026–27, the thresholds are:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
• $190,001+: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000

On $505,961, you’re deep into the top bracket. Tax = $51,370 + 45% of ($505,961 – $190,000) = $51,370 + $142,182 = $193,552. That’s before the Medicare levy.

Medicare levy: the extra 2%

The Medicare levy is a flat 2% of taxable income for full-time workers. The latest single-person thresholds ($28,011 and $35,013) don’t apply here – your income is well above. So add $10,119 (2% of $505,961). Total deductions: $203,671.

Super: separate or included?

AFL salary reports often quote “total player payments” which may include super. If your contract says “$505,961 plus super”, then super is on top and doesn’t reduce your take-home. But if the figure is total remuneration, the super component (12% from 1 July 2026) is directed to your super fund, not your bank account. For this example, we treat the average as base salary, with super additional.

Fortnightly take-home

Annual take-home after tax and Medicare: $505,961 – $203,671 = $302,290. Divide by 26 fortnights: $11,627 per fortnight. That’s what hits your account – before any salary packaging, HELP repayments, or other deductions.

How the average AFL player salary compares

The average AFL player salary of $505,961 is far above the national full-time adult ordinary time earnings of $108,352 (ABS, May 2026). But the tax system ensures a large chunk goes to the ATO. For a sense of your own situation, use our Take-home pay calculator or check the Tax and Medicare guide.

What about super contributions?

If your salary is quoted “plus super”, your employer adds 12% on top – that’s $60,715 extra into your super fund. That money is preserved until retirement, so it doesn’t affect your fortnightly cash flow. But it’s a key part of your total compensation. Learn more about Super.

The bottom line

The average AFL player salary is a massive number, but after tax and Medicare, the fortnightly take-home is about $11,627. That’s still a high income, but the gap between gross and net is substantial. Always look at the after-tax figure when comparing jobs or planning your budget.