There used to be a rule that, in polite society, one should not discuss politics, sex or money. Today, many of us speak freely about swingers, sex toys and/or troubles between the sheets; and are often open about our political leanings and opinions. However, as these two taboos have been slashed, the third has only become more stringent.
If you’ve found you’re more likely to chat with friends about sex than salary, you’re not alone. Particularly in a cost of living crisis, conversations about money can tough to navigate, and many of us feel uncomfortable disclosing how much we make.
While this is understandable and frankly, totally fair, it may leave you feeling uncertain—or even just curious—as to where your wages sit in comparison. Luckily, you don’t *actually* need to nosy about your friend’s finances to find out how much other full-time workers your age are earning.
Canstar has released new data which lays out how the average full-time wage of Australian workers per age bracket. Please note that these figures only include the median gross income of full-time workers—it doesn’t include the incomes of part-time or casual workers. With that in mind, scroll on to see the cold hard… facts.
Related: These Are the Highest-Paying Jobs In Australia Right Now
average australian salaries....
How much should you be making as a teenager?
In your teens, you may be working full time, starting a trade or still studying. If you’re working part-time, your $$$ won’t be reflected here.
According to the Canstar data, the average salary for a full-time working teenager (aged between 15-19) is between $40k and $42k each year.
How much should you be making in your early 20s?
Our 20s is where many of us begin our careers and, as the decade trucks on, find our feet.
The average yearly income of a full-time working Australian in their early 20s (aged 20-24) is $60k-$62k per year, according to the same data.
How much should you be making in your late 20s and early 30s?
The Canstar data shows a significant jump in median gross income between our early 20s and early 30s.
The average Australian aged 25-34 makes between $78k-$83k per year. Among this demographic, men make around $5k more than women, on average.
Related: Fancy a Career Change? Here Are 5 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well
How much should you be making in your late 30s and early 40s?
The average full-time Aussie worker aged 35-44 makes between $83k-$103k each year.
This age bracket is where the gender pay gap is underscored. Full-time working women in this age bracket make a median salary of $83,200, whereas men take home $103,955 on average.
How much should you be making in your late 40s and early 50s?
Full-time Australian workers aged 45-54 bring home between $85k-$101k per year.
Again, there is a sizeable gap between the median salaries of men and women, with men earning around $15k more on average.
How much should you be making in your late 50s?
According to the Canstar data, Australian workers in their late 50s (aged 55-59) make between $83k-$96k per year, on average.
How much should you be making in your early 60s?
The median gross income of full-time workers aged 60-64 is between $72k-$86k per year.
How much should you be making when you're over 65?
Last but certainly not least, the median gross income for those over the age of 65 is between $78k-$80k per year.
Related: Go Ahead, Ignore Your Work Emails
