How Much the Average Australian Worker Earns Per Week Amid Slowing Wage Growth
Average weekly earnings for Australian workers have continued to rise, but the pace of growth has slowed over the past six months as economic conditions remain subdued.
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows the average Australian worker is now earning $2,083.70 per week. Over a full year, that works out to slightly more than $108,000.
Average weekly earnings increased by 3.7% in the year to May 2026, although only 1.6% growth occurred during the most recent six-month period.
Wage Growth Hits Lowest Six-Month Rate Since 2022
ABS head of labour statistics Sean Crick said average weekly earnings for full-time adults increased by 1.6% during the six months to May 2026.
That represented the weakest six-month increase since May 2022.
Annual earnings growth of 3.7% was also the lowest recorded since November 2022, showing that wage increases have lost some momentum.
The slowdown comes as the Reserve Bank of Australia and major banks expect economic growth to remain relatively subdued during 2026.
Public Sector Wages Outpace Private Sector
Public sector employees recorded stronger earnings growth than workers in the private sector.
Average weekly earnings in the public sector increased by 2.3%, compared with a 1.4% rise in the private sector.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers responded to the figures by saying wage earners have gained around $300 in additional earnings over the past four years, while inflation has remained above the RBA’s 2% to 3% target for much of that period.
Workers Continue to Push for Higher Pay
Pay negotiations remain a major issue across several Australian industries.
Victorian teachers could reportedly receive a one-off $2,000 bonus after rejecting a proposed 28.3% pay increase over four years as wage negotiations continue.
The federal government has also introduced legislation aimed at securing a 15% pay rise for early childhood education and care workers.
Meanwhile, a new Fair Work Commission order means Australian delivery drivers and riders will receive a minimum hourly rate of $31.30.
Average Earnings Across All Employees
When all employees are included, rather than only full-time workers or those working ordinary hours, average weekly income stands at $1,579.20, according to the ABS.
Men continue to earn more on average than women, although the gender pay gap has narrowed to a record low of 11.3%.
Overall full-time earnings have increased by slightly more than 36% during the past decade.
Australia’s Highest-Paying Jobs
Recent Australian Taxation Office data based on tax returns also highlighted the country’s highest-paying occupations.
The top-ranked profession earns almost $520,000 a year on average.
Medical occupations continue to dominate the rankings, accounting for half of the top 10 highest-paying roles. Surgeons ranked first among the country’s highest earners.
Australian workers are earning more than they were a year ago, with average weekly earnings reaching $2,083.70. However, the latest ABS figures show wage growth is losing momentum, particularly over the past six months.
Public sector employees continue to record stronger increases than private sector workers, while several industries are still negotiating significant pay rises.
