How to negotiate salary in Australia

Know what the number includes

Employers in Australia must make super guarantee contributions for most employees. The Australian Taxation Office confirms the super guarantee rate rose to 12% on 1 July 2025, the final scheduled increase.

An offer may be quoted two ways, and the difference is significant:

Always confirm which one you are being offered, and compare offers on the same basis. Super is generally calculated on ordinary time earnings, so check how overtime or bonuses are treated in the contract.

Check the minimum

For most employees, the Fair Work Ombudsman explains that the minimum wage is set by the award covering their industry or occupation, or by an enterprise agreement. Job ads cannot advertise pay rates below those minimums. The Fair Work Ombudsman's job ads page explains how to report one that does.

If a role is covered by an award, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to find the minimum for your classification. Negotiation happens above that floor.

Research the market range

Look for:

• salary ranges in comparable job ads, adjusted for city and seniority
• the pay band in public sector classifications, which are usually published
• what people in similar roles earn

On that last point, the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay secrecy guidance explains that employees have a workplace right to share, or not share, their pay and related conditions, and to ask other employees about theirs. Colleagues can decline to tell you.

When to talk about salary

If an application form asks for expected salary, give a range rather than a single number, for example "$95,000–$105,000 plus super". In interviews, it is reasonable to say you would like to understand the full role first. The strongest position is after an offer, when the employer has decided they want you.

How to ask

Be specific, positive and brief. Tie your request to the role's requirements and your evidence, not to personal costs.

Worked example. Fictional applicant Mia Robertson receives an offer for a senior analyst role at $110,000 plus super. Her research suggests $115,000–$125,000 for similar roles in Melbourne, and the role includes managing two junior analysts, which her current job does not.

Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about the role and the team. Given the people-management responsibilities and my experience building the reporting model you discussed in the interview, I was hoping for a base salary of $120,000 plus super. Is there flexibility to move closer to that figure?

If the employer cannot move on base pay, ask about other terms:

Questions about salary negotiation in Australia

Is it normal to negotiate in Australia?

Polite negotiation after an offer is common in many private sector roles. Some roles have less room: award-based roles and public sector classifications often set pay within defined steps.

What if the job ad lists a salary range?

Use the range as your starting point. Ask where in the range the offer sits and what would place you higher, based on the requirements of the role.

Should I tell them my current salary?

You do not have to. You can say you are looking for a role in your stated range based on the responsibilities of this position.

Can an offer be withdrawn because I negotiated?

It is uncommon when the request is reasonable and polite. Keep the conversation professional and be ready to accept or decline the final offer.

Where can I prepare my evidence?

Keep your achievements and results in one place so you can cite them quickly. OfferUnderway's job intelligence view summarises a role's requirements, which helps you link your evidence to what the employer values.