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Finding yourself Googling ‘what am I worth salary in Australia?’ or ‘how much am I worth?’ and wondering if you could be earning more for your hard work? Are you ready to step up your current base salary or wondering how do salaries work in general? Well, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re starting a new job or preparing to ask for a pay rise, understanding your true market worth as a professional can be tricky. Factors like your role, industry, years of experience, particular skills, and the company you work for, all come into play in determining the salary you deserve – and can realistically secure.
That said, with good preparation, you can go into any job interview or salary negotiation with a confident estimate of how much you’re worth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting a thorough salary check for your role and sector.
Understanding your worth in the job market can be a challenging task. What does your current base salary say about your value? What should your professional salary expectations in Australia be based on? These are common questions we're here to help answer.
One of the best ways to work out a reasonable salary is by comparing your income to others in similar roles as you. Start by visiting our salary comparison tool, where you can see average Australian salaries across key job titles and industries.
Note that typical salaries can vary significantly based on where the job is located. So it’s always best to check out average wages in your city or local region rather than count on country-wide or global averages.
Once you have this information, you can craft your pitch and go into any salary negotiation process knowing that your expectations are realistic – and you’ll be able to back up your request with market data.
While average salaries are a great benchmark, remember that more experience and specialised skills can often translate to a higher salary. With that in mind, if you have more in-depth skills or experience than the average person in your role, it’s reasonable to ask for a salary that’s at the higher end of the average range.
Take a look at our salary benchmark guide, which highlights salary expectations, plus deep-dives into Australia’s Customer Service, Finance & Accounting, Logistics and Office Support sectors. It includes an overview for different positions particularly those in high demand, so you can assess where your role sits against the average salary that best applies to your situation.
When you’ve completed your research on the salary check and decided on fair salary expectations for your circumstances, use a take-home salary calculator to see what your net income would be after a pay rise or starting a new job.
This will give you a clear picture of how much you can expect to land in your bank account on payday after income tax has been taken out – and also how much superannuation your employer is required to pay on top of your base salary.
RELATED: Free templates for salary negotiation emails
You’ve researched average salaries in your industry and found out what your new paycheck will look like – now there’s one important step left.
Write down all the skills, experience and achievements you can talk about during the salary negotiation process and make a note of those average salaries you looked up earlier so that you have market research to back you up. Refer to our thorough guide for more in-depth preparation for negotiating your new salary.
Ready for a new job with a better salary? Explore our open roles or talk to one of our specialist recruitment consultants today.
Understanding your worth in the job market is crucial to ensuring fair remuneration. If you've ever found yourself wondering, "what am I worth salary in Australia," you're not alone. Navigating professional salary negotiations can be challenging, but with the right tools and a strategic approach, you can secure a pay rise that aligns with your skills, and role, and no longer have to wonder ‘how much am I worth?’.
Knowing the salary range for your job title in your industry and location is key. Salaries can vary greatly between roles, companies, and cities, so it's essential to research this before any salary negotiation. Use a salary calculator as a tool to help you determine an accurate range. For example, professionals working in Melbourne or Sydney might earn more money than those in Western Australia due to differing living costs and competition for top talent.
Employers are interested in what you bring to the table. They're willing to pay more for employees who demonstrate value beyond their basic job duties. Review your skills, training, and contributions to the company. Have you led significant projects? Have you undertaken additional training that makes you more valuable? Use these factors to justify a pay rise.
Inflation and interest rates can impact your real income. If your salary doesn't keep up with inflation, you may effectively be earning less year on year, even with small increases. Similarly, high-interest rates can eat into your income, particularly if you have debt or a mortgage. Therefore, these economic factors should be considered in any salary negotiation.
When you've determined your worth and are prepared to negotiate, approach your employer confidently. Talk about the impact you've made in your role, your achievements, and how you've progressed in your career. Show them why you deserve a pay rise, using evidence to back up your claims. Remember, negotiation is a two-way street; be prepared for pushback and maintain a professional and open dialogue.
Salary is important, but it's also essential to consider the broader benefits package and career opportunities offered by your employer. Things like tax credits, contributions to superannuation, or opportunities for further training can significantly increase your overall earnings and should be part of any salary negotiation.
There are many resources and tools available for job seekers and employees to calculate their worth. Salary calculators, tax tables, and salary surveys can provide insights into what you should be earning. Similarly, job boards often list salaries for positions, which can give you a good idea of the salary range for your role in different companies and industries.
Understanding your worth and successfully negotiating a higher salary is about more than just asking for more money. It's about knowing your industry, understanding the factors that impact income, showcasing your value, and using the right tools to arm yourself with the necessary information.
Remember, a higher salary can lead to a higher income tax liability, but can also provide you with more financial stability, allowing you to maintain the lifestyle you're accustomed to. Therefore, don't underestimate the power of negotiating your salary—it's an important part of your financial health and career progression.
