Is $65,000.00 a Good Salary?
Find out where a $65,000.00 salary ranks in Australia, what you take home after tax, and how far it goes in different cities.
Last verified: 1 July 2025The Verdict
Below averageA $65,000.00 salary puts you in the 40th percentile of Australian full-time workers. You earn more than approximately 40% of full-time employees. After tax, you take home $53,412.00 per year ($2,054.31 per fortnight).
After-Tax Take Home on $65,000.00
Annual
$53,412.00
Monthly
$4,451.00
Fortnightly
$2,054.31
Weekly
$1,027.15
Effective tax rate: 17.8% (includes income tax + Medicare levy, 2025-26 rates)
Where You Rank Among Australian Workers
Based on ABS Employee Earnings data for full-time adult workers. The median full-time salary in Australia is approximately $78,000.
How Good Is $65,000.00 For Your Age?
At 25, this is typical for entry-level or part-time roles.
At 35+, this is below the full-time median. Upskilling, changing industries, or negotiating a raise could help.
How Far Does $65,000.00 Go in Each City?
Sydney: Sydney is most expensive. A 2-bed apartment averages ~$3,200/month in rent (72% of your take-home), making it very stretched.
Melbourne: Melbourne is second most expensive. A 2-bed apartment averages ~$2,400/month in rent (54% of your take-home), making it very stretched.
Brisbane: Brisbane is mid-range. A 2-bed apartment averages ~$2,500/month in rent (56% of your take-home), making it very stretched.
Perth: Perth is mid-range. A 2-bed apartment averages ~$2,600/month in rent (58% of your take-home), making it very stretched.
Adelaide: Adelaide is more affordable. A 2-bed apartment averages ~$2,000/month in rent (45% of your take-home), making it very stretched.
Hobart: Hobart is affordable. A 2-bed apartment averages ~$1,900/month in rent (43% of your take-home), making it very stretched.
Salary Comparison
| Salary | After Tax | Percentile | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000.00 | $43,212.00 | 25th | Below average |
| $55,000.00 | $46,612.00 | 30th | Below average |
| $60,000.00 | $50,012.00 | 36th | Below average |
| $65,000.00 ← You | $53,412.00 | 40th | Below average |
| $70,000.00 | $56,812.00 | 45th | Average |
| $75,000.00 | $60,212.00 | 50th | Average |
| $80,000.00 | $63,612.00 | 55th | Average |
Want a Complete Financial Health Check?
The Money Check tool analyses your salary, super, savings, property, and debt to give you a personalised financial health score with a 10-year forecast.
Run Your Full Money Check →Frequently Asked Questions
Is $65,000.00 a good salary in Sydney?
$65,000.00 puts you in the 40th percentile nationally. In Sydney, Australia's most expensive city, this salary can be challenging due to high rent and living costs. After tax, you take home $53,412.00 per year ($4,451.00/month).
Is $65,000.00 enough to live on in Australia?
$65,000.00 before tax gives you $53,412.00 after tax ($4,451.00/month). This is enough to cover essentials in most cities, though you'll need to budget carefully in Sydney or Melbourne.
What percentile is a $65,000.00 salary in Australia?
A $65,000.00 salary puts you in approximately the 40th percentile of Australian full-time workers. This means you earn more than about 40% of full-time workers. The verdict: Below average.
How much is $65,000.00 after tax in Australia?
On a $65,000.00 gross salary, your take home pay is approximately $53,412.00 per year ($2,054.31 per fortnight) after income tax and Medicare levy at 2025-26 rates. Your effective tax rate is 17.8%.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.