How much Australians earn at each age, for men and women, from the ABS's Personal Income in Australia (2022–23, the latest available).
Key facts
- Employee income rises with age until the mid-40s to mid-50s: the median is $22,997 for workers 24 and under, $63,980 at 25–34 and a peak of $82,589 at 45–54 (ABS, 2022–23).
- The mean (average) is higher at every age because of high earners: $100,690 at 45–54.
- The gap between men and women widens with age, from 18% at 25–34 to 30% at 45–54 (medians), partly because more women work part-time.
- These figures include part-time and casual workers, which is why the youngest and oldest groups are much lower.
- Across all ages the median employee income is $61,966 and the mean $74,582.
Employee income by age (2022–23)
| Age | Median | Mean | Median, men | Median, women | Median 2018–19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 and Under | $22,997 | $29,923 | $25,811 | $21,000 | $19,170 |
| 25–34 | $63,980 | $69,118 | $70,402 | $57,890 | $53,706 |
| 35–44 | $79,933 | $92,110 | $95,234 | $65,743 | $67,660 |
| 45–54 | $82,589 | $100,690 | $99,122 | $68,919 | $68,762 |
| 55–64 | $71,241 | $87,319 | $85,122 | $59,629 | $61,266 |
| 65+ | $38,967 | $55,469 | $47,561 | $31,166 | $27,997 |
| All ages | $61,966 | $74,582 | $72,189 | $53,489 | $52,256 |
Income from employment over the financial year, for everyone with employee income (including part-time and casual workers).
Common questions
What is the average salary for a 25 to 34 year old in Australia?
The median employee income for 25–34 year olds was $63,980 and the mean $69,118 in 2022–23 (ABS).
At what age do Australians earn the most?
Between 45 and 54: a median of $82,589 and a mean of $100,690.
What is the average salary for a 20 year old in Australia?
The ABS groups everyone 24 and under together: a median of $22,997, low because many are students working part-time. A full-time adult on the minimum wage earns $52,255 a year from 1 July 2026.
How much do men and women earn at each age?
At 35–44, the median for men is $95,234 and for women $65,743; across all ages, $72,189 and $53,489.
See also average salary in Australia, median income in Australia and junior pay rates.
Source: ABS Personal Income in Australia, 2022–23 (Table 6.1; next release 27 November 2026). Checked 22 October 2026.