What is the average accountant salary in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports median full-time earnings for accountants at $2,003 per week and $53 per hour (Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). The on-site reference from ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) shows full-time adult ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. Both figures are above the national minimum wage and reflect the professional nature of the role.

How is super calculated on an accountant salary?

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. For example, on a $104,728 annual salary, super would be $12,567.40, bringing total remuneration to $117,295.40. The super guarantee is capped at the maximum contribution base of $270,830 (2026–27). Salary packaging and personal contributions are not included in this estimate.

What is the difference between award rates and market rates for accountants?

Award rates are minimum pay rates set by the Fair Work Commission for employees covered by an award, such as the Professional Employees Award. Market rates, like the ABS median of $53 per hour, are often higher and reflect what employers typically pay. Many accountants are paid above award via enterprise agreements or individual contracts. Always check your award or agreement for minimum entitlements.

Accountant Salary in Australia: Hourly to Annual Pay Guide

Based on ABS data, the median accountant hourly rate is $53, which for a standard 38-hour week gives an annual salary of about $104,728 before tax, plus 12% super.

Understanding Your Accountant Salary

If you're an accountant in Australia, knowing how your hourly rate translates to annual, fortnightly, and after-tax pay is essential for budgeting and negotiating. This guide uses the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Fair Work Ombudsman to help you convert your accountant salary accurately. We assume a standard 38-hour week unless stated otherwise, and we explain how tax, super, and casual loading affect your take-home pay.

How to Convert Accountant Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

The basic formula is: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For a full-time accountant working 38 hours per week, multiply your hourly rate by 1,976 (38 × 52). For example, at the median hourly rate of $53, the annual salary is $53 × 38 × 52 = $104,728. This is your gross income before tax and super.

If you work more than 38 hours, adjust the calculation accordingly. The ABS reports that accountants average 43 hours per week, but the median hourly rate of $53 is based on all full-time workers. Use our hourly conversion tool to try different hours.

Accountant Salary Benchmarks from ABS

The ABS provides two key measures for accountant pay:

Median full-time earnings (Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025): $2,003 per week, $53 per hour. This is the middle point – half earn more, half earn less.
Average weekly ordinary time earnings (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026): $2,083.70 per week for full-time adults. This is higher because it includes higher-paid roles.

Both figures are significantly above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). For comparison, the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides set minimum rates for award-covered accountants, but most accountants earn above award.

Tax and Super Considerations

Your accountant salary is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are:

$0–$18,200: nil
$18,201–$45,000: 15%
$45,001–$135,000: 30%
$135,001–$190,000: 37%
Over $190,000: 45%

Plus a 2% Medicare levy (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds). For a $104,728 annual salary, the estimated tax is around $24,167 plus Medicare, giving a take-home of about $78,000. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.

Superannuation is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid on top by your employer. On $104,728, that's $12,567.40, up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Learn more about super and packaging.

Fortnightly Pay

If you're paid fortnightly, divide your annual salary by 26. For $104,728, that's $4,028 per fortnight before tax. After tax and Medicare, you'd take home roughly $3,000 per fortnight. This is useful for budgeting and comparing with weekly pay cycles.

Casual Loading and Award Rates

Casual accountants are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate under most awards. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides specify minimum rates for casual employees. For example, if the base award rate is $30 per hour, a casual accountant would receive $37.50 per hour (including loading). Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading into our calculator – check the box to add it automatically. See our casual loading page for more.

Annualised Wages and Salaries

Many accountants are paid an annual salary that covers minimum entitlements like penalties, overtime, and allowances. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that annualised wage arrangements must be reviewed every 12 months to ensure the employee is not worse off. If your salary is below what you would earn under the award, your employer must pay the difference. Always check your award or agreement.

Conclusion

Your accountant salary depends on your experience, location, and whether you are permanent or casual. Use the ABS median of $53 per hour as a benchmark, but remember that your actual pay may differ. For a quick conversion, try our reference tables or the timesheet. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for award-specific rates and the ATO for tax obligations.