Is $100,000 a Good Salary in Australia 2025?
Wondering if that $100k job offer is worth it? Here's the complete breakdown of what $100,000 actually means for your lifestyle, savings, and financial security across Australia's major cities.
Ultimate Salary Calculator Team
Our content is written and reviewed by finance and tax enthusiasts to ensure accuracy.
Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay
The Short Answer: Yes, $100k is a Good Salary
Let's cut to the chase – $100,000 is a solid salary in Australia in 2025. It's above the national average of $92,000 and puts you comfortably in the middle class. But the real question isn't whether it's "good," it's whether it gives you the lifestyle you want in the city you want to live in.
Quick Reality Check
What $100k Gets You
- • $6,253 monthly take-home pay
- • Comfortable 1-bedroom apartment in most cities
- • $1,200-$1,800 monthly savings potential
- • Regular dining out and entertainment
- • Annual overseas holiday budget
Reality Check
- • You're in the top 40% of Australian earners
- • Sydney will be tight, but doable
- • Melbourne and Brisbane offer great lifestyle
- • You can start serious wealth building
- • House deposits become realistic
Your Take-Home Pay Breakdown
Here's exactly what $100,000 looks like after the Australian Taxation Office and Medicare take their share:
$100,000 Salary Breakdown (2025 Tax Rates)
Annual Breakdown
Monthly Breakdown
City-by-City Lifestyle Analysis
Your $100k salary will stretch very differently depending on where you live. Here's the honest breakdown of what $6,253 monthly take-home pay means in each major Australian city:
Sydney
Monthly Living Costs
Expensive but world-class
Pros
- • Best job opportunities
- • World-class dining/culture
- • Harbor lifestyle
Cons
- • Highest rent
- • Traffic congestion
- • Competitive market
Melbourne
Monthly Living Costs
Cultural hub with better value
Pros
- • Great coffee/food scene
- • Better rent value
- • Cultural capital
Cons
- • Weather can be unpredictable
- • Tram strikes
- • Growing traffic issues
Brisbane
Monthly Living Costs
Relaxed with good weather
Pros
- • Great weather year-round
- • Lower cost of living
- • Growing job market
Cons
- • Fewer cultural options
- • Limited public transport
- • Summer humidity
Perth
Monthly Living Costs
Beaches and mining money
Pros
- • Beautiful beaches
- • Mining industry jobs
- • Lowest living costs
Cons
- • Isolated from other cities
- • Limited flight options
- • Smaller job market
Adelaide
Monthly Living Costs
Affordable with great wine
Pros
- • Most affordable
- • Wine regions nearby
- • Manageable city size
Cons
- • Fewer job opportunities
- • Limited nightlife
- • Hot dry summers
Monthly Budget Examples: Three Australian Cities
Let's get specific about where your $6,253 monthly take-home pay actually goes. Here are realistic budgets for living on $100k in three major cities:
Sydney: Tight but Doable
$6,253/month
Left after essentials: $2,200
Melbourne: Comfortable Middle Class
$6,253/month
Left after essentials: $2,600
Brisbane: Living the Dream
$6,253/month
Left after essentials: $3,000
How $100k Compares by Industry
Context matters. Here's how your $100,000 salary stacks up across different industries in Australia:
| Industry | Average Salary | $100k Position | Job Security | Growth Potential | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | $110,000 | Below average | High | Excellent | Entry-level to mid-level developer range |
| Finance | $95,000 | Above average | High | Good | Good for analysts and junior managers |
| Engineering | $105,000 | Slightly below average | High | Good | Varies significantly by specialization |
| Healthcare | $85,000 | Well above average | Very high | Stable | Excellent for registered nurses and allied health |
| Education | $75,000 | Excellent | High | Limited | Principal or senior teacher level |
| Marketing | $80,000 | Well above average | Medium | Good | Senior marketing manager level |
Age and Experience Context
Your age makes a huge difference in how impressive a $100k salary really is. Here's the context:
Age 25-29
Median: $65,000
Excellent start
Focus on aggressive saving and skill development
Age 30-34
Median: $75,000
Above average
Consider property investment and career advancement
Age 35-39
Median: $85,000
Solid middle class
Focus on family financial security and wealth building
Age 40-44
Median: $90,000
Comfortable
Maximize superannuation and consider income diversification
Age 45+
Median: $95,000
Stable
Focus on retirement planning and debt reduction
The Wealth-Building Potential
Here's where $100k really shines – it's not just about lifestyle, it's about building long-term wealth. With smart money management, this salary can set you up for financial independence.
Your Wealth-Building Blueprint
Short-term (1-3 years)
- • Build $20,000 emergency fund
- • Save $50,000-$80,000 house deposit
- • Max out superannuation contributions
- • Consider investment property research
Long-term (5-10 years)
- • Own your first property
- • $200,000+ investment portfolio
- • Multiple income streams
- • Financial independence planning
When $100k Might Not Be Enough
Let's be realistic – there are scenarios where $100,000 won't cut it for your lifestyle goals:
Consider Aiming Higher If You:
- • Want to live alone in premium Sydney suburbs
- • Plan to start a family soon (childcare costs)
- • Have significant existing debt (HECS, credit cards)
- • Want luxury lifestyle (premium cars, frequent travel)
- • Need to support family members financially
- • Want to buy property in Sydney/Melbourne quickly
- • Have expensive hobbies or interests
- • Value having domestic help or premium services
Maximizing Your $100k Salary
Smart money management can make your $100k feel like $120k. Here's how to optimize every dollar:
Tax Optimization
Salary sacrifice: Reduce taxable income through super contributions
Work deductions: Home office, professional development, equipment
Investment strategy: Negative gearing and franking credits
Smart Living
Location choice: Balance commute vs rent costs
Shared accommodation: Temporary strategy to boost savings
Lifestyle inflation: Keep expenses growing slower than income
Income Growth
Skill development: Invest in courses and certifications
Side hustles: Freelancing, consulting, or passive income
Career strategy: Target $120k-$150k within 3-5 years
The Bottom Line
$100,000 is a genuinely good salary in Australia in 2025. It puts you above average, provides financial security, and opens doors to wealth building that many Australians don't have access to.
The key is managing expectations and making smart choices about where you live and how you spend. In Sydney, you'll live comfortably but won't feel wealthy. In Brisbane or Perth, you'll genuinely enjoy a great lifestyle with solid savings potential.
Your Action Plan
- 1. Calculate your exact take-home: Use our calculator with your specific circumstances
- 2. Choose your city strategically: Balance career opportunities with cost of living
- 3. Create a savings plan: Aim for 20-30% savings rate if possible
- 4. Invest in your future earning potential: Skills, certifications, networking
- 5. Plan your next salary milestone: Target $120k-$140k within 3-5 years
Final verdict: $100,000 is a solid foundation for a great life in Australia. It's not "rich," but it's definitely "comfortable" – and with smart choices, it's a springboard to real wealth.