For the first time in Australian history, full-time workers have broken the $2,000 per week threshold, with a significant rise in average earnings. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that Australian workers are experiencing steady wage growth, with particular sectors leading the charge in pay.
This rise in wages comes as the Australian labour market shows resilience, with private-sector wages seeing the most significant increases. The milestone is particularly notable as it reflects a broader trend in wage growth across industries and regions, shedding light on the economic health of the nation.
Mining and Telecom Industries Lead the Pay Scale
According to the ABS, workers in the mining industry are still the highest-paid in Australia, earning an average of $3,174.50 per week. The sector, which has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, continues to see robust demand for skilled labour, driving up wages.
Following mining, information media and telecommunications workers enjoy the second-highest pay, with an average weekly earnings of $2,560.70. This sector’s growth is largely attributed to the expansion of digital and media services, which have created high-paying opportunities for skilled workers.
Other industries that feature prominently in the top tier include electricity, gas, water, and waste services, as well as professional, scientific, and technical services, which see weekly earnings of $2,366.80 and $2,327.60, respectively. These industries tend to employ highly specialised professionals, thus commanding higher wages due to their expertise and the complexity of their roles.
Regional Variations in Earnings
While national wage growth remains strong, regional discrepancies in earnings continue to persist. Workers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) record the highest average weekly earnings at $2,236.60, followed by Western Australia at $2,154.70. In contrast, workers in Tasmania earn the least, with an average weekly income of $1,793. These regional differences can be attributed to local economic conditions, industry concentrations, and cost of living variations.
Additionally, certain sectors, such as public administration, education, and healthcare, see earnings closer to the national average. Public sector wages, for instance, grew by 3.6% over the past year, according to the ABS, but still remain lower than the private sector’s 4.6% growth. These numbers indicate that while there is a broad trend of wage growth, it is not uniform across all sectors and regions.
The data, which shows full-time adult workers earning an average of $2,010 per week as of May 2025, also highlights the overall strengthening of Australia’s labour market, with the unemployment rate dropping to 4.1%. This robust economic backdrop suggests that wage growth is not just a result of inflation but also a sign of increasing productivity and job demand in key sectors.
