Labourer Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Labourers in Brisbane earn a median salary of $69,160 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $55,000 and $86,500. That sits 23% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 38 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 54th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +11 listings vs last month
💰 Labourer · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$55,000 – $86,500
Median: $69,160
Apr $69k
May $69k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $57,568 – $87,000
Overall $55k–$86k Mid $57k–$87k $53k $60k $67k $75k $82k $89k
Moderate confidence 38 listings (+11 vs last month) · 01/06/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $55,000 Median  $69,160 $86,500  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Labourers in Brisbane earned $69,160 at the median in May, unchanged from April despite listings rising by 11 to 38. That volume increase without wage movement is a defining signal: demand is growing, but supply is keeping pace. The median sits 23.2% below Brisbane's all-roles benchmark, consistent with labouring being a gateway trade role rather than a premium-paying one. The 45% spread from $57,568 to $87,000 reflects the difference between casual traffic control and construction labour at the floor versus specialised or ticketed labouring roles at the ceiling.

Take Home Pay (based on median $69,160)

Weekly (net)
~$1,054
Monthly (net)
~$4,569
Annual (net)
~$54,833
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $77,113

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Labourer in Brisbane?
Labourers starting out in Brisbane earn around $57,568 at the p10, typically on casual engagement. Reaching the $69,160 median generally requires a White Card plus a second ticket (traffic control, elevated work platform, or a machinery endorsement). Steady full-time employment with a single contractor rather than day-labour hire typically increases weekly earnings by 15-20%.
Is $69,160 a good salary in Brisbane?
No, not against Brisbane's broader market. At $69,160, a Labourer earns 23.2% below the city median. However, within the manual trades tier, this is a reasonable entry-level trade income in Queensland. The path to significantly higher earnings runs through certificate qualifications: a Cert III in a specific trade doubles or triples the median salary over five to seven years.
How much does a Senior Labourer make in Brisbane?
Experienced Labourers in Brisbane reach $87,000 at the p90. This ceiling typically reflects specialised labouring in confined space or high-risk work, leading hand responsibilities without formal supervisory classification, or consistent overtime on major infrastructure projects. Moving into an apprenticeship or trade pathway is the most reliable way to break past the labourer salary ceiling.

Other roles in Brisbane

Labourer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $69,160 —
Sydney $80,000 +16%

Uncover hidden salary ranges on Seek

Paste any job URL to bypass the "competitive salary" text and see the exact employer budget instantly.

Check a Listing Install Extension

Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.