Human resources Australia

Average Salary in Australia: A Guide to Recruiting Top Talent

Emmanuel Bisi
Author

September 2, 2025
Published on

Recruiting in Australia requires a deep understanding of local salary structures to attract and retain top talent.

This article provides HR managers, business directors, and CEOs with a detailed analysis of the Australian job market, comparing it with France, and highlighting salary components, perks, regional disparities, and practical tips for building an effective remuneration policy.

Job Market Comparison: Australia vs. France

The Australian job market is known for its flexibility and skills-based orientation, while the French market is often perceived as more structured, with strong employment protection.

In Australia, fixed-term contracts and temporary work are common, giving employers greater adaptability.
In France, collective agreements play a key role, setting industry-specific salary norms and working conditions.
In Australia, “Awards” are the equivalent of collective agreements. They set minimum conditions for pay, leave, and other industry-specific terms. There are over 120 Awards, covering a wide range of sectors and professions.

Minimum and Average Salary in Australia

Since July 1, 2024, the national minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.10/hour, or approximately AUD 915.90/week for a standard 38-hour week.

However, many industries are regulated by Modern Awards, which set higher minimum wages depending on:

The industry (e.g., hospitality, construction, healthcare)
Level of experience or qualifications
Age (junior rates may apply)
Specific job responsibilities

These salary scales are regularly updated by the Fair Work Commission, and compliance is mandatory.

The average annual gross salary in Australia is about AUD 95,726, or AUD 7,977/month, with significant disparities:

High-paying sectors: Mining, IT, finance, legal.
Lower-paying sectors: Retail, hospitality, personal services.
Regional differences: Salaries are typically higher in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth compared to regional or rural areas.

💡 For foreign companies, understanding these parameters is crucial to creating an attractive and compliant job offer.

Salaries of Country Managers and General Managers in Australia

For French companies operating in Australia, the position of Country Manager or General Manager is crucial to the success of their local development. These leadership roles, often entrusted to highly experienced profiles, are compensated accordingly.

In 2024, the annual gross salaries for these positions typically range between AUD 150,000 and AUD 250,000, depending on factors such as:

The size of the subsidiary and its local revenue
The industry sector (e.g., industry, luxury, tech, agri-food)
The level of autonomy of the role (direct reporting to headquarters vs. full local management)
The candidate’s managerial and cross-cultural experience

These packages often include performance-based bonuses, company cars, or superannuation contributions above the legal minimum. In some cases, mobility from France may come with partial or temporary expatriation support.

Here are some annual gross salary ranges observed in 2024, based on the subsidiary size and sector:

Compensation for Country Managers and General Managers

For French companies looking to establish a subsidiary in Australia, determining the right compensation for local executives is a strategic decision. The role of a Country Manager or General Manager is critical, encompassing operational management, business development, regulatory compliance, and coordination with headquarters.

Profil	Contexte	Secteurs	Fourchette salariale annuelle
Country Manager	Start-up (1-5 staff)	B2B, light industry, tech	130 000 – 160 000 AUD
General Manager	Established (6 - 20 staff)	FMCG, mode, retail, construction	150 000 – 200 000 AUD
Country Manager	Large Subsidiary (>20 personnes)	Energy, defense, infrastructures	200 000 – 280 000+ AUD

Profil

Contexte

Secteurs

Fourchette salariale annuelle

Country Manager

Start-up (1-5 staff)

B2B, light industry, tech

130 000 – 160 000 AUD

General Manager

Established (6 - 20 staff)

FMCG, mode, retail, construction

150 000 – 200 000 AUD

Country Manager

Large Subsidiary (>20 personnes)

Energy, defense, infrastructures

200 000 – 280 000+ AUD

These salary packages often include performance bonuses, retirement contributions (superannuation) above the legal minimum, and benefits such as a company car.
Positioning your offer effectively is crucial to attracting experienced talent, whether local or expatriate.

💡 Expandys regularly supports French companies in structuring competitive packages while ensuring compliance with Australian standards.

Salary Structure in Australia

Understanding the components of Australian salaries is key to creating appealing and compliant offers.

1. Superannuation

The employer’s mandatory retirement contribution.

Current rate: 11.5% of gross salary
Increasing to 12% from July 1, 2025
Must be budgeted in addition to the base salary.

2. Benefits

Employers often offer additional perks to attract and retain talent:

Company car for professional/personal use.
Phone allowance to cover communication expenses.
Flexible schedules to promote work-life balance.

These benefits complement, but do not replace, the base salary.

Regional Salary Disparities

Wages vary across Australian states and territories, influenced by cost of living, sectoral demand, and talent availability.

Sydney (NSW) & Melbourne (Victoria): Higher salaries due to higher living costs.
South Australia or Tasmania: Lower salary averages reflecting local economies.

4 Tips for French Recruiters
1. Analyze the local market: Research salary benchmarks for your sector and region.
2. Include superannuation in budgeting: Factor in this additional cost in all offers.
3. Offer attractive perks: Use benefits to make offers more competitive without increasing base salaries.
4. Stay up to date on regulations: Superannuation rates and legal requirements can change.