Project administrator salary: what lands in your bank account after tax
The median full-time project administrator earns $110,760 per year, but your take-home pay depends on tax and Medicare.
Project administrator salary: what you actually take home
When you're comparing job offers as a project administrator, the headline figure can be misleading. The amount that lands in your bank account each fortnight is what matters for your budget. This guide explains how to work out your take-home pay from a project administrator salary, using the latest Australian data.
What the data says about project administrator pay
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time project administrator earns $110,760 per year. That's based on the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) and works out to about $2,130 per week or $59 per hour. However, this figure is for full-time non-managerial employees and excludes part-time workers. The Australian Taxation Office's 2023–24 tax return data shows a broader category, 'Administrator - program', with a median of $72,911 – that includes part-time and casual workers, which pulls the median down.
For a realistic comparison, focus on full-time roles if that's what you're after. The median of $110,760 is a solid benchmark for a typical project administrator role.
How tax and Medicare affect your take-home pay
Your project administrator salary is subject to Australian resident tax rates for 2026–27. The first $18,200 is tax-free. Then you pay:
- 15c for each dollar between $18,201 and $45,000
- 30c for each dollar between $45,001 and $135,000
- 37c for each dollar between $135,001 and $190,000
- 45c for each dollar over $190,000
On top of that, the Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. If your income is below $28,011 (single), you pay no levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, the levy is reduced on a sliding scale. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Most full-time project administrators will pay the full levy.
You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) if your taxable income is under $66,667. LITO can reduce your tax by up to $700, but it phases out above $37,500.
Example: take-home pay on $110,760
Let's run a rough calculation for a resident earning $110,760 in 2026–27, with no other deductions or offsets (except LITO if applicable).
- Tax on first $18,200: $0
- Tax on $26,800 ($18,201 to $45,000): $4,020
- Tax on $65,760 ($45,001 to $110,760): $19,728 (30c per dollar)
- Total tax before offsets: $23,748
- LITO: At $110,760, LITO is fully phased out ($0)
- Medicare levy: 2% of $110,760 = $2,215.20
- Total deductions: $25,963.20
- Annual take-home: $84,796.80
- Fortnightly take-home: about $3,261 (before any salary sacrifice or HELP repayments)
This is an estimate only. Your actual tax may differ due to deductions, HELP/HECS, or the Medicare levy surcharge.
Super is extra – not part of your take-home
Most job ads list a project administrator salary as 'plus super'. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. If your base salary is $110,760, your employer pays an additional $13,291.20 into your super fund. That money is not available as cash until you retire. When comparing offers, always check whether the advertised figure includes super or is exclusive.
How to compare job offers using take-home pay
- Get the base salary – exclude super, bonuses, and allowances.
- Calculate your annual tax and Medicare using the rates above or our Take-home pay guide.
- Divide by 26 to see your fortnightly net amount.
- Consider hours – a role offering $100,000 for 40 hours a week may be worse than $95,000 for 38 hours.
- Factor in benefits – salary packaging (e.g., for not-for-profit employers) can reduce your taxable income.
Use our Clearance tool to get a personalised estimate for any salary.
What about part-time or casual project administrators?
If you work part-time, your annual salary will be lower. The ATO data shows that many program administrators work part-time (about 20% according to Jobs and Skills Australia). Your take-home pay will be proportionally less, but your tax rates are the same. Casual workers get a loading (usually 25%) but may have less job security and no paid leave.
Remember the minimum wage benchmark
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). A project administrator salary should be well above this. If an offer seems low, check against the Minimum wage guide.
Final thoughts
A project administrator salary of $110,760 is a strong median, but your actual take-home depends on your personal circumstances. Use the tax tables and Medicare thresholds to estimate your net pay. Always ask employers whether the salary is inclusive of super and what the expected hours are. For a detailed breakdown, see our Tax and Medicare page.
Remember: this is an estimate, not a tax assessment. For personalised advice, consult a registered tax agent.
Questions
How much tax will I pay on a project administrator salary?
For 2026–27, resident tax rates apply: no tax on the first $18,200, then 15c per dollar up to $45,000, then 30c up to $135,000. Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (full rate for salaries above $35,013). The Low Income Tax Offset may reduce tax if your taxable income is under $66,667. Use our Take-home pay guide for a personalised estimate.
Does the advertised project administrator salary include super?
Job ads often state a salary 'plus super'. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, paid on top of your base salary. If the ad says $110,760 plus super, your total remuneration is about $124,051, but super is not available as cash in your bank account. Always check whether super is included or additional.
How do I compare two project administrator job offers?
Look at the base salary (excluding super), then calculate your after-tax income using the tax rates and Medicare levy. Consider hours per week – full-time is typically 38 hours. Also factor in salary packaging options, leave entitlements, and any bonuses. Our Clearance tool can help you estimate the net amount you'll receive each fortnight.