Is $80,000 a Good Salary in Australia? An Honest Look
An $80,000 salary is a solid income for many professionals across Australia. But with varying costs of living between cities, how far does it really go? Let's take a realistic look.
Ultimate Salary Calculator Team
Our content is written and reviewed by finance and tax enthusiasts to ensure accuracy.
Your Take-Home Pay from $80k
First, let's see your net pay. After Income Tax and the Medicare Levy are deducted, here's what you can expect to have for the 2025-2026 tax year.
Tax Breakdown for an $80,000 Annual Salary
Take-Home Pay (Annually)
A$5,301.00 per month
Gross Salary
A$80,000.00
A$6,666.67 / month
Total Deductions
A$16,388.00
A$1,365.67 / month
Tax-Free Threshold
A$18,200.00
Income not subject to tax
Effective Tax Rate
20.48%
Total deductions as % of gross salary.
Deductions Breakdown
How your gross salary is reduced.
Your annual take-home pay is approximately $63,612.00, or $5,301.00 per month. This figure is the foundation for your budget. See how your own situation compares with our Australian salary calculator.
How Does $80k Compare to the Average?
An $80,000 salary is comfortably above the median full-time salary in Australia (which is around $70,000). However, its purchasing power varies significantly depending on where you live.
- In Sydney or Melbourne: An $80k salary is manageable but can be tight. Rent will be your biggest expense, likely requiring you to live in a share house or in outer suburbs.
- In Other Capital Cities (Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide): This salary affords a more comfortable lifestyle. You could likely afford to rent a one-bedroom apartment on your own and have a healthy budget for savings and discretionary spending.
- In Regional Areas: $80,000 is a very strong salary that allows for a high quality of life with significantly lower housing costs and more disposable income.
The Verdict
An $80,000 salary in Australia is a good income that places you above the national median. It allows for a comfortable lifestyle in most parts of the country, but requires careful budgeting in the most expensive capital cities like Sydney. It's a solid financial base for building a secure future.