Average Full Time Wage in Western Australia as Q2 2016: $88,327 Really?

Aerith-Waifu on 21/08/2017 - 11:45
Last edited 21/08/2017 - 12:06 by 1 other user

Came across this article, says Average Full Time Wage in Western Australia as second quarter of 2016 is: $88327

https://www.livingin-australia.com/salaries-australia/

I work in Retail which is one of the lowest industry, I am currently getting $34598 a year working 35 hours a week. I have been trying to saving money for a deposit for a house but at the moment I am only manage to save around $5000 a year after all expenses. Although I have friends that are highly paid, which is in IT and Banks, they are only low to medium level employee so the most I know is around $70000. No one I know cracks $80000 as far as I know.

So to see the average wage in Western Australia been $88327 is a bit of surprise to me.

What other industries can earn some decent money without needing some special skills? (a good friend was making close to $75000 a year at Crown dealing but he was recently let go, now he is gone back to Singapore to look for work as he cant find anything in Perth at the moment)

Thoughts? Anyone?

One thing to add: I did have some face to face interviews and some phone interviews with some good companies but I was not hired on all occasions. A friend thinks because of this: http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/managing/work-in-progre… <———— I am not sure, what your thoughts?

Poll Options

  • 92
    Yeap I earn about that much!
  • 134
    Nah! Dont believe what the governments are saying
  • 61
    Change to a different industry or find a second job
  • 44
    You are screwed if you staying in Perth
Education & Work

Comments

  • StevenUniverse on 21/08/2017 - 21:37

    You should really try to get into a corporate company and switch companies every two years, maybe do one course a year or so to up skill — the easiest and laziest way to make big leaps with your wage.

    If you're looking for a job at a bank, you could try applying at one less central. Maybe you would have better luck there.

    • Aerith-Waifu on 21/08/2017 - 22:20

      Tried 3 banks, all got into the phone interview stages but not successful, I am pretty good at selling but cant past the phone interview stages. My friend its because of this: http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/managing/work-in-progre… <———— I am somewhat not too sure

      • StevenUniverse on 21/08/2017 - 22:29

        Hmm, not sure what it's like in Perth. But it's seems like it's the opposite at banks here in VIC, assuming you have an accent because you're able to speak more than just English.

        If your friends work at banks, are they able to refer you? You're much more likely to get a face-to-face interview through that route.

        • Aerith-Waifu on 21/08/2017 - 22:34

          I have 2 friends working at the banks, already asked them, so far nothing. Will keep waiting:)

        • StevenUniverse on 21/08/2017 - 23:11
          +1

          @house2015: You could find a short course in finance or banking from a reputable school to study at in the mean time. Maybe take 1 or 2 papers at a university and do it extramurally. Next time the same bank sees your CV they will notice that you've put some effort into furthering your skill set.

          I did this while at my old position and ended up getting a substantial pay rise at my next job, within 4 months of completing a 8 week course.

        • Aerith-Waifu on 21/08/2017 - 23:13

          @StevenUniverse: Does finishing Financial Cert IV counts? As I did finish both Financial Cert 3 and Cert IV.

        • StevenUniverse on 21/08/2017 - 23:15

          @house2015: I'm not sure to be honest, I'd assume so but I'm not in banking. But is there anything else you can add to that in the mean time?

        • Aerith-Waifu on 21/08/2017 - 23:16

          @StevenUniverse: I can do some short course for sure. I will ask my banking friends what to take on to give me a better chance. With many industries, its hard to get into the door. Once into the door, I am certain I can do pretty well.

        • StevenUniverse on 21/08/2017 - 23:17

          @house2015: Yep — banking is a good career, pays a lot and a lot of room for promotions. Good luck!

        • Aerith-Waifu on 21/08/2017 - 23:26

          @StevenUniverse: Thanks, let me get into the door first. Or get into another higher paying jobs:)

  • wisc on 21/08/2017 - 23:42

    Get into realestate, I used to work for one of the big 4, the agents used to tell us, "its what you do when you leave it (a career) to late, and have no qualifications…" Man average wage for sales was hundreds of thousands…I was not part of that for crowed unfortunately!

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 00:00
      +1

      My old college now works for a Real estate Agency in Perth, around Jointment Area, 7 months and have not sold a thing. He told me his boss said to him if he cant sell anything by the end of September, he will have to let him go. The guy used to be the number 1 in Sales in my old job while I worked with him. So he can sell for sure. Just not in the property market we are in. Some interesting facts about Perth Real estate Market to read by the way:

      http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-01/perth-has-weakest-real…

      In the article above: 'Perth house prices have only increased by 2.3 per cent in the past 10 years'

      If I am not wrong, Perth's realestate is actually falling if you including the annual inflation. While the difference between Sydney and Perth was only around 8-9% 10 years ago, now is worlds apart.

      So although you suggestion is very good. It wont work in Perth which is falling everywhere at the moment in terms of house prices and jobs. Just go the the Perth CBD and you will notice the amount of closed shops. Depression is the word to describe it really.

      • John on 22/08/2017 - 12:00
        +1

        Funnily enough my other friend just got into real estate (was a pastry chef background - not even a sales experience), she's now top #1 emerging sales agent in her real estate group. Sells about 2-3 a month, that would earn her at the very least $5k (if not more) per month.

        There's always a market in everything. Your friend might just not find the right market or maybe he's just not the right person for the market.

        • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 15:23

          Is your friend in Perth? If so She is doing really well

        • John on 22/08/2017 - 21:48

          @house2015: yes in Perth. She took everyone by surprise, we didn't see her as a sales person before this. Having said that, her mentor is no 1 sales in whole WA in his real estate agency. So she learnt from the best.

          But just to point out that the market is there. You just have to be the right person at the right place.

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 00:54
      -1

      Something to back up my comments above:

      http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-26/perth-housing-slump-a-…

      'One of the key drivers of the market is an oversupply of housing partly caused by the huge population shift over the last four years, according to Bankwest chief economist Alan Langford.

      "The year to 2012, 56,000 people came to WA from other countries and 14,000 from the rest of Australia," he said.

      "But in 2015-16, only 14,000 people came to WA from other countries and we actually lost almost 10,000 people to other parts of Australia.

      "We're actually seeing new dwelling construction falling away so that oversupply will gradually be absorbed."

      Mr Langford said WA was also experiencing a record rate of "underemployment" which was exacerbating the squeeze on households.

      "That's at a historical high, almost 10 per cent, more than a full percentage point above the national rate," Mr Langford told 7.30.

      "Of course, underemployment means the household isn't getting quite the income growth to when they were fully employed during the boom.

      "So, yes there is definitely an income problem with affordability in WA at the moment."'

  • taser on 22/08/2017 - 01:32
    +2

    I am Factory supervisor in Midland (WA) I took home $132000 last year working 60 hr week. This year only on 40 hr week + overtime $110000.
    most of the operators are on $70k to $80k

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 02:39

      Interested in what products you guys are making?

  • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2017 - 04:59

    I feel bad working in retail for 20$ an hour and the employers fighting to cut our penalty rates and contracts.

  • Brianqpr on 22/08/2017 - 07:09

    Look up the difference between average and median. The huge earners skew the average figures. Median income much lower.

  • JIMB0 on 22/08/2017 - 07:30
    +5

    Yet another thread for people to brag about how much they earn.

  • deadcat on 22/08/2017 - 11:49
    +4

    No one I know cracks $80000

    Really?

    Most permie software developers I know in Brisbane earn $80k - $120k. The contractors earn $100k - $200k.

  • John on 22/08/2017 - 11:55
    +3

    I earn $100k+ pa in engineering industry with mostly 9-5 roles. I also do side job as in wedding industry. When I used to take my own clients, it would generate me another $20k+ pa. For a occasional weekend job it really is not bad. These days, I couldn't find time to serve my own clients, so just working for a friend.. it still generates me about $10k pa.

    A colleague of mine used to be a truckie. He invested time and money getting engineering degree. Now he earns at least 4 times what he used to.

    If you cannot get out of retail, I recommend finding/creating a business or some sort on the side. If you work only 35 hours a week, that's not enough at all. You need to put in more hours, preferably to either build your biggest asset (yourself) by getting qualificactions & skill.. or build your own business. Don't just rely on a boss to pay your bill.

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 15:30
      +1

      Some good advise here, thanks

    • AlienC on 24/08/2017 - 13:46

      What is your specialisation?

  • cintamami on 22/08/2017 - 12:27
    +2

    Hi OP

    $19/hr for retail is about right for WA.

    Retail workers have always have to rely on weekends' penalty rate.

    Unfortunately, from the sound of it, you do not get any of it?

    I rarely see any retails that dont open on weekends, perhaps start asking for a weekend shift?

    One of my client owns a pharmacy, its floor staff is getting paid around $22-$23, and it goes berserk on the weekends. It used to be 1.5x on Saturday and 2x on Sunday. But I think the govt has scaled that down now, it comes to 1.25x on Saturday and 1.75x on Sunday (If I am not mistaken, you also have to double check whether you fall under state or federal award).

    But on general, my client's floor staffs get paid an average of $45k-50k (rotational weekend shift).

    Short term solution:
    - Perhaps find other employment that gives you weekend shift;

    Long term solution:
    - if you have a degree, try to find employment with the banks, they will start you on customer service (teller, etc) and work your way up with further study if necessary (with banks, most of my friend got in because they have friends already working there, but to be fair, they do take a fair bit of new bloods every now and then);
    - if you do not have a degree, start doing those online degree courses, or push yourself to get a degree done.

    Yes, a degree is not a guarantee and it may/not helps pave the stairs, but it is just one of those thing where you are better off having than not.

    I work in tax and generally, a household will be able to live comfortably (very subjective for everyone), if you have about $100k joint income (preferably $50k each for husband and wife). That will give the family a disposable net income of around $7,000/mth.

    If you are on single income, then the breadwinner have to bring more than $100k to balance the tax off.

    Cheers

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 15:25

      No I dont get any weekend work as my set hours are monday to friday. We do open on Saturdays but I never manage to get any of the hours. The penalty rate is 50% which is still ok if working on Saturday the whole day.

  • rogue5 on 22/08/2017 - 12:41

    @pastry if you don't mind me asking, i'm in perth, mid 40's and considering a career change to physio
    I know that i'd need to bridge first, in order to apply to curtin, let alone be accepted for their 4 year full time degree

    is it worth it? is it satisfying? is it doable? is it a stupid idea?

    thanks in advance!

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 15:34

      I would like to know also

    • Coatesy on 23/08/2017 - 01:18

      If you dont get a reply I can speak from medical student background :)

      • rogue5 on 23/08/2017 - 10:16

        thanks Coatesy yes i'd appreciate that :)

        • Coatesy on 23/08/2017 - 21:26
          +1

          So, I'm a medical student in Perth but, I'm actually from a commerce background.

          The best part of medicine and the health care profession is people come from such a variety of different backgrounds and it creates a very well rounded learning environment. I have people in my course from all walks of life;law, accounting, nursing, cooking and loads more.

          In addition to this, the age of students range from 21 to 50 so, you definitely wouldn't be the oldest. In terms of other professions, I've met at the hospital, I met someone who worked as a sparky for 20 years before going into nursing. A police officer for 15 years that became a paramedic and more.

          Health professions are incredibly rewarding and I don't think its ever too late to change careers if its something you've always wanted to try. If money is a concern, look at the sponsorships available from the ADF.

          Hope that helps :) happy for you to flick me a pm if you wanted to discuss anything further

    • arrowroot on 23/08/2017 - 11:46
      +1

      Hi

      I am former physio.

      From my observation physio has an increasingly highish rate of people moving to different industry - primarily medicine/dentistry and then a bunch into more managerial jobs (e.g. hospital management). There are probably a lot of reasons for this - I'd say the key reason is that physio attracts quite bright people, who are then faced with flat career progression and pay that is on the low side. On the plus side the working hours can be very good and/or quite flexible (more within private practice). Also, you more or less never bring work home.

      Of course much of this depends on your motivations. I found physio (and I suppose health care in general) can be very rewarding, but that goes both ways - you have wonderful patients you can assist but also those the opposite of that.

      • rogue5 on 23/08/2017 - 12:43

        thanks arrowroot, may I ask why you left physio?

        • arrowroot on 23/08/2017 - 17:31
          +1

          The same reasons as above - it was primarily the lack of perceived career progression. What you do as physio say, 3 years out of uni, can be exactly the same as a physio 20 years out. I found that a little disheartening. It's also a very specialized profession and I wanted to be able to work more broadly and apply a non-specialist skillset across different industries.

    • John on 23/08/2017 - 11:50
      +2

      It depends, but I love Jack Ma (Alibaba) advise.

      Between 10-20 years old study hard
      Between 20-30 years old, follow somebody (work for someone and learn)
      Between 30-40 years old, decide if you want to be entrepreneur or not
      Between 40-50 years old, do the things you're really good at (dont try something new)
      Between 50-60 years old, work for the young people (invest in them)
      Over 60 years old, enjoy yourself

      So, its probably not a good idea. Unless you are financially stable and don't have the stress of bills to pay or family to raise at this age - ie. you do this purely for personal satisfaction

    • Trying2SaveABuck on 23/08/2017 - 20:56
      +1

      Hi sorry i never got the notification next time just PM

      My initial through was hell no dont do it!

      But Physiotherapy is great for some and horrible for others it is extremely competitive but no way near a lucrative as other similar competitive fields like Med or Dentistry.

      It can be great but you need the personally it for it also Physios can be quite egotistical which can make you feel like half the profession is full of (profanity).

      I'd say if you are doing it for $$$ you're barking up the wrong tree but if you have a passion for helping people and making a difference you should certainly chase it.

      I would say Arrow is right there is a real lack of career progression it is what holds the profession back if you open your own business you can make big money but if you work a 9-5 like me it isn't anything special. But considering how 'smart' for lack of a better word you have to be the profession has a really 'dumb' structure, it is growing fairly quickly and i will say depending on when Arrow left the profession he might have a difference experience to me

      There is loads of work and work life balance is pretty good is there anything specific you want to know? ask me anything ill give you the honest truth.

      OH and salary ranges between 60k-120k (Its probably higher in perth they have a pretty good award) for most if you ask me thats working anywhere between 38-50 hours a week (not including super i hate when people do that).

  • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 15:34

    Someone just mentioned to me Car Sales. Second hand cars or new cars. Any car sales here like to share the work involved and how hard is it to get into this industry? Is the sales target achievable? First year salary etc? thanks many

    • cintamami on 22/08/2017 - 15:40

      This is a very broad and subjective comments.

      I think for car salesman, you get a very small retainer and commission. Most probably you will have a minimum sales target to pay back the small retainer they pay you.

      One of my client runs a private car yard, all his salesman runs on commission.

      The car scene for him can be considered as dead market.

      As there are a lot of those warehouse type used car dealer coming into the market.

      But if you are talking about new car sales, perhaps there is a better chances there.

      • rogue5 on 22/08/2017 - 15:43

        you also need to be licensed to sell cars (much like real estate) and then there is the stigma/reputation associated with selling cars

      • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 16:46

        thanks for the advise

  • Shwayne on 22/08/2017 - 16:17
    +1

    Just remember for each person earning a million dollars, 10 people can be paid 10k to keep the average over 88k.

  • harkoliar on 22/08/2017 - 16:32

    OP, I worked in the merchandising/ marketing space which on its own, it's a fast pace industry. Combine both and it was a monster, hectic and toxic environment. I got out of it after two years, it really wasn't worth what I was getting paid for which was $55k. Surprised I stayed as long as I did.

    If you are an opportunity, move out of retail you'll be surprised how slow the pace is in other industries and pay is similar,if not more.

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 16:47

      Thanks for your insight:)

  • VBO on 22/08/2017 - 16:55

    Wage distribution is skewed distribution, so median is a better measurement for wage.

  • Danthemanz on 22/08/2017 - 19:52

    Age plays a part in this too.
    Let me guess, you and your friends are under 30?

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 21:33
      +1

      My friend is 34, I am 35………

  • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2017 - 20:23

    I don't know anyone who earns less than $90k

    • Aerith-Waifu on 22/08/2017 - 21:34
      +6

      I am very happy for your and the people you know:)

    • djmm on 22/08/2017 - 22:36
      +1

      I don't know anyone who earns less than $91k.

    • doctordv8 on 17/09/2017 - 08:35

      I don't know anyone that earns any where near that.

  • rmamila on 23/08/2017 - 00:13
    +1

    You should find a mate working in Construction or mining industries. They would earn multiples of what you can believe at the moment as an average salary. If you are happy to move out from office job or warehouse jobs there are many opportunities to make decent money. I know a brick layer who used to work 6 days a week continuously for couple of years (except couple overseas holidays a year) during 2009 and 2010. He was young at the time and was averaging over 2k a day just for his workmanship for a day and all cash jobs. Do your math and see what he was making at that peak. He wanted to retire before 35 and pay off for few houses he already had. He said he had to earn his money when he is young as that job is hard on your back. Couple years back I tried to contact him for a brick job and he's retired at 37. I too paid him $2400 one day of bricklaying job at front fence just for his workmanship. My work colleagues said that was too high but that was the cheapest I could find in 2010 after so many quotes.

    Why not do a TAFE course part time on the side and then get into a Trade job where you can make far better. If you are young, fit and happy to work outdoors it should not be a problem getting skilled up for those jobs.
    I am not sure how mining industry is in Perth now. Thought it has gone down. If so why don't you consider moving the states and find a place with better opportunity for you.

    • virhlpool on 27/01/2018 - 23:22

      I too paid him $2400 one day of bricklaying job at front fence just for his workmanship.

      Don't tell me this was after Airtasker and HiPages were born..

      • rmamila on 05/02/2018 - 00:45

        I don't think Airtasker was around at that time. I haven't tried that yet. However I tried HiPages few times for a plumbing job and a decking job to find out it was very unreliable. I just wasted time wasting for some of the tradies and they never showed up for the quote. The couple guys showed up gave ridiculous quotes. for example around $5000 for a merbau deck on a flat concrete which is 3 x 3 m. Again this was the best price found through HiPages. Ended up finding one cheaper from local news paper. I would never waste time on HiPages again.

  • lostn on 23/08/2017 - 08:44
    +1

    It's the average, not the median. Rich people are skewing the data. The divide is huge.

  • mranderson978 on 23/08/2017 - 08:49

    There are lots of mines in Western Australia.
    Every single person working the mines would be on 80k or more.
    This is skewing the results.

  • Randxyz123 on 23/08/2017 - 12:23

    What skills do you have?

    • Aerith-Waifu on 23/08/2017 - 18:20

      I am a good painter. I can paint not just on paper, I can paint on Glass too. Church windows, wine glasses, mirrors. I used to own my business as a specialist glass painter. Did it for 10 years, finally I got really sick one day and fainted, couldnt with stand the smell of paints and was advised by my doctor best to stop it if I want to a healthy life. After the business is closed I find myself all of a sudden no one wants to employ me, so I started with low level jobs in retail. And has been stuck with it since. I would like to get into business again if possible. At the moment, I am trying to save some money and buy a house first. I do have some cash, but I honestly dont want to risk it on business which may not succeed. Especially in the retail environments in Perth at the moment.

      • Randxyz123 on 23/08/2017 - 19:30

        If I were you the house would be least of my concerns. I'd look to get out of retail asap. Maybe out of Perth as well because there doesn't seem to be much in the way of work there…

        Are you good with computers? You could try to move into IT?

      • 007-jacko on 18/09/2017 - 09:37

        mate , with the housing and building boom out here in the Eastern states and mostly around the country, sounds like you should be doing something with the Trades instead of retail (plus type of people you meet in retail). Could go do renovations / tiling business / bathrooms and kitchens for a new business idea if you're good with your trades and tools. No fumes at least with tiling

  • Pacify on 23/08/2017 - 15:01

    Median is a much better representation of wages than the average

  • imahapyboy on 23/08/2017 - 15:57

    am i the only one earn <$50000 in brisbane? so sad………….. what should/can i do….

  • StarletGT21 on 23/08/2017 - 18:12
    +3

    183k in IT sales - with 2 kids and a wife. but don't really have a work life balance

    • Aerith-Waifu on 23/08/2017 - 18:20

      Very happy for you. Well Done:)

      • StarletGT21 on 23/08/2017 - 18:25

        I too started in retail long time ago and was on around 35k but for today worth I would think that it would have gone up. I Use retail as a stepping ground to move into IT Tech and then from there got into IT sales and have been ever since.

        • Aerith-Waifu on 23/08/2017 - 18:31

          Good for you. Do you mind I ask how did you manage jump from retail industry to IT Tech? Did the IT company just hiring someone without prior knowledge's?

        • StarletGT21 on 23/08/2017 - 18:48

          @house2015:

          Sure mate - I worked @ Dicksmith Electronics in the Computers Department doing sales and also did the technical support and from there I used the skills to move into entry level IT role, then moved to entry sales role as I got bored with tech and sales paid more. I also have a degree as well in Business IT that also help.

        • Aerith-Waifu on 23/08/2017 - 19:18

          @StarletGT21: Thanks for that. How many years in total did you work in the entry level IT before moving higher?

        • StarletGT21 on 23/08/2017 - 20:03

          @house2015:
          about 1 year it IT Tech ( first company) and then moved to Entry IT sales (another company for 1 year ) and then back to IT ( @ the 2nd company for another 1 year) and then back to sales (professional level with 2nd company - additional 2 years) and then jumped to 3rd company in Sales (where I am now). Good luck with your career and don't give up

        • Aerith-Waifu on 23/08/2017 - 23:15

          @StarletGT21: Thank you again:)

        • RocketSwitch on 24/08/2017 - 11:41
          +1

          @StarletGT21: Thanks for sharing your experience :)

  • sillyguy on 23/08/2017 - 20:16
    -1

    Is it that low?

  • Aerith-Waifu on 24/08/2017 - 00:42

    Thanks guys, great reading and some great advice. Wishing everyone the best. I will try my best also. Mod: Please close the discussion.

    • StevenUniverse on 24/08/2017 - 01:03

      You could try to move into head office at your retail job?

  • trevbreak on 24/08/2017 - 07:52

    This is the classic mean vs median comparison they like to put out.
    Median is much lower.

    That said, some industries are much stronger than others.
    For example, I work in a cutting edge tech company - and i'd say 70%+ of our entire workforce is over $100k

  • AlienC on 24/08/2017 - 13:49
    +3

    I earn 600k writing Ozbargain comments and doing IT stuff developments.

    • virhlpool on 27/01/2018 - 23:27

      Can you elaborate on 'IT stuff developments'? I got the first part of the comment though.

      • AlienC on 28/01/2018 - 02:11

        I play mobile games and wish that one day I will make some cool mobile game but really I am just playing them all and not really learning anything just playing.

        • virhlpool on 28/01/2018 - 02:15

          So how 600k then?

        • AlienC on 28/01/2018 - 02:16

          @virhlpool: oh sorry it was a joke a very bad joke

        • virhlpool on 28/01/2018 - 08:14

          @AlienC:

          Lol. I knew 600k was a joke but didn't know that the whole 'earning' thing itself was a joke. :)

  • Baghern on 07/10/2017 - 18:44

    Age as well… remember this is across all ages.

  • hasher22 on 11/02/2018 - 01:11
    +2

    I earned 20k last financial year. I went back to uni to do what I love most, Design. I went from a dead-end 80k corporate job to chase what I love doing.

    Do I regret it? No
    Do I miss the money……… crying yes

    • JIMB0 on 11/02/2018 - 08:46

      At least you wouldn't have paid much tax. Not to mention being able to claim all sorts of student discounts.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join