Accountants manage financial records, prepare tax returns, and provide financial guidance to businesses and individuals across Australia. This guide provides a general educational estimate of typical take-home pay based on average reported salaries.
$90,000
Average annual salary
$68,483
Est. annual take-home
SALARY RANGE EDUCATION
Graduate accountants typically start around $60,000–$70,000. With CA or CPA qualification and 3-5 years experience, salaries typically range $80,000–$100,000. Senior accountants and Financial Controllers often earn $110,000–$150,000, while CFOs at larger organisations can exceed $200,000.
Educational Take-Home Estimate — $90,000 Salary
Gross Annual Salary$90,000
Super Guarantee (12% — employer pays)+$10,800
Estimated Income Tax-$19,717
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,800
Estimated Annual Take-Home$68,483
Estimated Weekly Take-Home$1,317
CAREER PROGRESSION EDUCATION
A common career path moves from Graduate Accountant through to qualified CA/CPA, then Senior Accountant, Financial Controller, and potentially Chief Financial Officer. Many accountants also pursue specialisation in tax, audit, or advisory services, each with distinct career trajectories and earning potential.
FACTORS AFFECTING ACCOUNTANT SALARIES
- Location: Capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra) typically offer 10–20% higher salaries than regional areas, partly offsetting higher living costs
- Experience level: Salary typically increases significantly with years of relevant experience and demonstrated track record
- Sector: Public vs private sector, and specific industry, can create meaningful salary variation
- Qualifications: Additional certifications, postgraduate study, or specialisations often command salary premiums
- Employer size: Larger organisations and multinational companies often pay above-market rates compared to small businesses