Salary sweet spot: Aussies reveal what marks the start of a ‘good’ wage

Australians have shared what they believe constitutes a 'good' salary in 2025, according to new research by Finder.

A Finder survey of 1,012 respondents revealed the average person believes a 'good' base salary starts at $152,775 per year.

Younger Australians have considerably higher salary expectations than their counterparts. Gen Z ($177,212) perceive a 'good' salary to be significantly higher than baby boomers ($126,938) – a discrepancy of more than $50,000.

According to the ABS, the average annual salary for full-time workers is a little over $100,000, which is 14% more than the median salary for full-time workers at just over $88,000.

Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said the cost of living has redefined what Australians consider to be a good salary.

"A $100,000 salary, once a benchmark for comfortable living, now often feels more like a necessary starting point, especially in major cities.

"Persistent inflation and a dramatic surge in property prices have reshaped perceptions and many people now feel that a low six-figure income no longer provides the same level of financial stability it once did.

"A pay packet of $130,000 might represent significant financial comfort in some areas, whilst barely covering essential expenses in others.

"There are stark regional disparities in the cost of living."

People in New South Wales have the highest salary expectations, deeming $168,160 a 'good' income, while those in South Australia have the lowest, at $140,334.

Queenslanders expect $148,779, compared to Victorians ($148,308), and Western Australians ($147,408).

Megginson said a sufficient income isn't simply about the number on your payslip.

"It's about how hard that money works for you, your spending habits and the money leaks that are draining your wallet, and how your income aligns with the life you want to live.

"You can have one person earning a solid six-figure income who is living pay to pay and is constantly stressed about money, while someone else is earning $50,000 a year and paying all their bills on time and feels financially in control."

Earning a "good" salary and earning enough to "live comfortably" are two different things, with Finder data revealing that Aussies think you'd need to earn more – $164,577 per year on average – to live comfortably, rather than the $152,775 that makes up a "good" salary.

Gen Z say they'd need the highest annual income on average to be comfortable ($198,808), followed by millennials ($176,150). This is compared to baby boomers ($106,747) and gen X ($161,231).

Megginson said no matter how much money you make, you can always make it work harder for you.

"If you feel like your money isn't going far enough, it's time to take charge.

"Start by looking at your bank account and credit card statements to see where you spend your money and what you can cut back on. Simple things like stopping subscriptions you don't use, less impulse buys, and cooking at home more can save you money quickly.

"The best thing to do is check if you're paying too much for things you need, like electricity, insurance, and your phone plan.

"If you haven't changed companies in the last year, you're probably paying too much and there's a good opportunity to save some money there."

In your opinion, what annual income marks the start of a "good" salary in Australia (base salary, i.e. not including superannuation)?

Gen Z	$177,212
Millennials	$152,402
Gen X	$148,602
Baby Boomers	$126,938
Average Australian	$152,775
Source: Finder survey of 1,012 respondents, January 2025

What annual income would be enough for you to live comfortably?

Gen Z	$198,880
Millennials	$176,150
Gen X	$161,231
Baby Boomers	$106,747
Average Australian	$164,577
Source: Finder survey of 1,012 respondents, January 2025

Methodology

• Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
• Figures in this release are based on 1,012 respondents from January 2025.
• The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
• The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.