Average salary Australia by age: what you actually take home after tax
Median employee income varies by age, from $22,997 for under 25s to $82,589 for 45–54 year olds (ABS 2022–23). Your take-home depends on tax brackets and Medicare.
Understanding average salary Australia by age
When you search for "average salary Australia by age", you are likely trying to work out what you could earn – and more importantly, what lands in your bank account after tax. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes the most reliable figures, based on tax records. The latest data (2022–23) shows median employee income by age group. Because the data includes part-time and casual workers, the figures for younger and older Australians are lower than full-time averages.
Median earnings by age group
The ABS Personal Income in Australia release gives these medians for employee income:
- 24 and under: $22,997
- 25–34: $63,980
- 35–44: $79,933
- 45–54: $82,589
- 55–64: $71,241
- 65+: $38,967
- All ages: $61,966
These are annual figures from employment only. The mean (average) is higher at every age because high earners pull the average up. For example, at 45–54 the mean is $100,690. But the median is more representative of a typical worker.
From gross to take-home
Your take-home pay depends on the tax rates and Medicare levy for 2026–27. The tax-free threshold is $18,200. Then you pay 15c per dollar up to $45,000, 30c up to $135,000, and so on. The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) reduces tax for incomes up to $66,667. The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income, but if you earn below $28,011 you pay none, and between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate (10c per dollar over the lower threshold). Full-time salaries pay the full 2%.
Let’s apply this to the median for a 30-year-old ($63,980):
- Income tax: about $9,674 (after LITO)
- Medicare levy: about $1,280
- Total deductions: $10,954
- Take-home: $53,027 per year, or $2,039 per fortnight
For a 45-year-old on the peak median of $82,589:
- Income tax: about $15,297 (no LITO)
- Medicare levy: about $1,652
- Total deductions: $16,949
- Take-home: $65,641 per year, or $2,525 per fortnight
These are estimates only. They exclude HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary sacrifice. Use our Take-home pay guide for a more personalised calculation.
Minimum wage and its role
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week (38 hours). That annualises to $52,255. Many younger workers are on award rates that are lower, but the minimum wage sets a floor. If you are under 25 and working full-time, your take-home on the minimum wage would be roughly $41,500 per year after tax and Medicare. See our Minimum wage page for details.
Superannuation is extra
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Job advertisements often quote a salary “plus super”. That means the super is on top of the quoted figure – it is not deducted from your take-home. For example, a $70,000 salary plus super means your employer pays an extra $8,400 into your super account. Your take-home is calculated on the $70,000.
Why age matters
The ABS data shows that employee income rises until your mid-40s to mid-50s, then declines. The gap between men and women also widens with age – at 35–44 the median for men is $95,234 and for women $65,743. Part-time work is a key reason. Understanding the average salary Australia by age helps you benchmark your own earnings and plan your career moves.
For more on how averages are calculated, see our Average pay guide. And to check your own tax, visit Tax and Medicare.
Questions
How is average salary by age calculated?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses median employee income from tax data. It includes part-time and casual workers, so younger and older groups appear lower. The median is the middle figure – half earn more, half earn less.
What is the take-home pay for a 30-year-old earning the median?
For a 30-year-old with median income of $63,980, after income tax and the Medicare levy (using 2026–27 rates) you would take home about $53,000 per year, or roughly $2,039 per fortnight. This excludes super and any salary packaging.
Does the minimum wage affect average salary by age?
Yes, many younger workers are on the minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week. That annualises to $52,255, which is well above the median for under 25s ($22,997) because many in that age group work part-time.