What Is a Good Salary in Australia? The Numbers May Surprise You

If you’ve recently moved to Australia — or you’re studying here and planning your future — one big question often comes up: What’s a good salary in Australia?

The answer isn’t just a number. It depends on your lifestyle, your city, your visa goals, and your career stage. In this guide, I’ll break it down so you can set realistic expectations, aim higher, and understand how your salary affects your long-term plans — especially if permanent residency (PR) is your goal.

Why Salary Matters for International Students and Migrants

Your salary doesn’t just pay the bills — it can directly impact your:

PR eligibility (some visa pathways have minimum income requirements)
Quality of life (cost of living varies widely by city)
Savings and investments (how fast you can build security in Australia)
Career trajectory (starting higher can compound into bigger pay rises later)

For many migrants, the first job in Australia sets the tone for years to come. Starting too low can make it harder to catch up — both financially and in your career progression.

Average Salaries in Australia

According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS):

Full-time adult average weekly earnings: around $1,900–$2,000 before tax
That’s about $98,000–$104,000 annually

But remember:

This figure includes high-earning professions (like mining, engineering, and IT) that pull the average up.
Many entry-level or early-career roles start lower, in the $55,000–$75,000 range.
Your field, experience, and location make a huge difference.

What’s “Good” for a Skilled Migrant or International Graduate?

For international students and skilled migrants aiming for PR, a “good” salary is one that:

Meets PR pathway requirements (if applicable to your visa)
Covers your living expenses comfortably while allowing you to save
Positions you for growth in your career field

Here’s a quick benchmark for different scenarios:

Entry-level skilled role (just graduated): $55,000–$70,000
Mid-level professional (3–5 years’ experience): $70,000–$90,000
Senior or specialised role: $90,000–$120,000+
High-demand sectors (IT, engineering, healthcare, mining): $100,000+ even at mid-level

Cost of Living: Why Location Changes Everything

A $70,000 salary in one city can feel very different in another.

Sydney & Melbourne

High cost of living, especially for rent. $80,000+ is often needed to live comfortably without constant financial stress.

Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth

Slightly lower housing costs, but still rising. A salary of $70,000–$80,000 can provide a good standard of living.

Regional Areas

Lower housing costs, but fewer job opportunities in some sectors. A salary in the $65,000–$75,000 range can stretch further.

The PR Connection: Salary as Part of the Bigger Picture

While not all PR pathways have income thresholds, some employer-sponsored visas or state nominations may require you to earn above a certain level.

For example:

Some employer sponsorships expect market rate salaries for your occupation.
Certain skilled visas may require you to prove your work meets industry standards — and salary is one way to show that.

In short: a strong salary offer not only benefits you financially but can strengthen your migration case.

How to Negotiate a Better Starting Salary

If you’re new to the Australian job market, it’s tempting to accept the first offer you get — especially if you’re worried about visa timelines. But under-selling yourself can set you back for years.

Here’s what I recommend:

Research salary benchmarks for your role using tools like Seek, Hays Salary Guide, or Glassdoor.
Highlight your unique value — overseas experience, bilingual skills, specialised training.
Negotiate professionally — express enthusiasm for the role, then ask if the salary is flexible based on your skills and contributions.

Even a $5,000 higher starting salary compounds over time with percentage-based raises.

Why Your First Skilled Job Matters More Than You Think

Many migrants start in casual or low-skilled work just to survive — and that’s understandable in the short term. But if your goal is PR and long-term career growth, your focus should be on moving into a full-time skilled role as quickly as possible.

That skilled job:

Counts towards PR work experience requirements
Builds your Australian resume credibility
Opens the door to higher-paying opportunities

The sooner you make that move, the sooner your salary starts compounding.

Avoiding Salary Traps

A few common mistakes to avoid:

Accepting an underpaid “skilled” role just to tick the PR box (it can hurt your finances long-term)
Not checking market rates and assuming the offer is fair
Failing to negotiate because you fear losing the offer

Remember: good employers expect negotiation — and respect candidates who know their worth.

Key Takeaways

A “good” salary in Australia depends on your city, field, and career stage, but for most skilled migrants and graduates, $70,000–$80,000+ is a strong starting point.
Your salary can impact your PR pathway — aim for offers that meet both career and migration goals.
Negotiate based on research and value, not desperation.
The faster you land a skilled job, the faster your salary and opportunities grow.

Ready to Land a Skilled Job That Pays What You’re Worth?

If you’re an international student or migrant in Australia, your next career move is crucial — for both your income and your future PR prospects.

Download the Skilled Job Starter Kit to get:

A proven resume template that beats Applicant Tracking Systems
A LinkedIn checklist to attract the right employers
Interview tips to help you secure offers faster

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FAQs

What’s the average graduate salary in Australia?
Most graduate roles start between $55,000 and $70,000, depending on the field.

Does my salary affect my PR application?
For some visa pathways, yes — especially employer sponsorships or state nominations where a “market rate” salary is required.

Can I survive in Sydney or Melbourne on $65,000?
It’s possible, but you’ll need to budget carefully due to high rent and living costs.