Social Workers in Brisbane earn a median salary of $125,000 in 2026,
with most advertised roles falling between $100,000 and $132,904.
That sits 47% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $85,000.
Figures are based on 24 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.
— Moderate demand27th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane
💰 Social Worker · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$100,000 – $132,904
Median: $125,000
Senior level
$112,500 – $133,044
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.
Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.
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Bottom 10% $100,000Median $125,000$132,904 Top 10%
Understanding the Brisbane Market
The listing data for Brisbane social workers skews senior: the only level band captured is senior-level (median $125,000), which lifts the overall median to $125k, running 47% above the city's $85k all-roles figure. That is a strong premium for the field and suggests the roles hiring this month were experienced and specialist rather than entry-level. Brisbane is the only city with enough listings to report. With 24 listings this is a small sample, treat as directional.
Take Home Pay (based on median $125,000)
Weekly (net)
~$1,754
Monthly (net)
~$7,599
Annual (net)
~$91,183
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%)$139,375
Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency.
Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good starting salary for a junior Social Worker in Brisbane?
The data here captures experienced and senior roles, not graduates, so entry pay sits below the $100,000 band floor shown. A new social worker typically starts lower on public-sector or community-org award scales. The lift toward the senior figures comes from a defined field (child protection, mental health, hospital social work), post-graduate qualification, and case-management responsibility.
Is $125,000 a good salary in Brisbane?
Yes, on this data. At $125k the median earns 47% above Brisbane's all-roles median and nets about $91,200, strong take-home for the city, stretched further by Brisbane's lower housing costs. The caveat is real: this median reflects a senior-skewed sample rather than typical entry pay, so a graduate should not expect to start here. For experienced practitioners, though, it is well-paid work.
How much does a Senior Social Worker make in Brisbane?
Senior social workers in Brisbane show a median of $125,000, with the band reaching about $133,044. Getting there means a specialised field, a team-leader or senior-practitioner role, and often statutory or hospital-based work. A post-graduate qualification, AASW accreditation, and responsibility for complex casework or supervising other social workers are what lift pay into the senior band.
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.