Salary guide2026AU data
Payroll Officer salary in Australia (2026).
A$58,000 to A$72,000 national range. State-by-state breakdown below. Source: Changing Careers estimates, not an official release, as of 2026-05.
National range.
A$58,000
toA$72,000
Source: Changing Careers estimates, not an official release. As of 2026-05.
State by state.
Ranges vary by location, employer size, and experience.
| Location | Low | High | Midpoint | Approx. hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National | A$58,000 | to A$72,000 | Midpoint A$65,000 | about A$33 an hour |
| NSW | A$62,000 | to A$76,000 | Midpoint A$69,000 | about A$35 an hour |
| VIC | A$60,000 | to A$74,000 | Midpoint A$67,000 | about A$34 an hour |
| QLD | A$55,000 | to A$68,000 | Midpoint A$62,000 | about A$31 an hour |
| WA | A$57,000 | to A$70,000 | Midpoint A$64,000 | about A$32 an hour |
| SA | A$53,000 | to A$66,000 | Midpoint A$60,000 | about A$30 an hour |
What affects pay in this role.
- Location: Sydney and Melbourne pay 10 to 15 per cent more than regional areas.
- Experience: entry-level sits at the low end; 3 or more years pushes toward the top.
- Industry: financial services and mining services pay above the median; not-for-profits below.
- Qualifications: a relevant Certificate IV or Diploma can lift you A$3,000 to A$8,000.
- Employer size: large employers (500+ staff) typically pay 5 to 10 per cent more than small businesses.
Where this role pays best.
NSW pays the highest for Payroll Officer roles, with the top of the range reaching A$76,000. If you are flexible on location, targeting NSW-based employers gives you the best salary outcome.
Adjacent roles by salary.
Compare pay across related roles.
Compare with related roles.
See how this salary stacks up against roles you could move into.
| Role | National range | How to move |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts Officer | A$58,000 to A$72,000 | |
| Council Administration Officer | A$55,000 to A$72,000 | |
| Bookkeeper | A$55,000 to A$70,000 | |
| Claims Assessor | A$58,000 to A$75,000 | |
| NDIS Plan Manager | A$58,000 to A$75,000 |
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