Labourer Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Labourers in Sydney earn a median salary of $80,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,033 and $90,751. That sits 12% below Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 32 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 53th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +11 listings vs last month
💰 Labourer · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,033 – $90,751
Median: $80,000
Apr $65k
May $80k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $60,033 – $90,751
Overall $60k–$90k Mid $60k–$90k $58k $65k $72k $79k $86k $93k
Moderate confidence 32 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.

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Bottom 10%  $60,033 Median  $80,000 $90,751  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney Labourers earned $80,000 at the median in May, up $15,000 from April: a large single-month jump. Listings also rose by 11 to 32, suggesting increased demand is partially driving the wage movement. At 11.8% below Sydney's all-roles median, labouring remains a below-market role in the city's cost context, but the upward salary trend is a signal worth monitoring. The 38% spread from $60,033 to $90,751 reflects the spectrum from casual labour hire to structured project-based roles with union rates and allowances.

Take Home Pay (based on median $80,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,191
Monthly (net)
~$5,161
Annual (net)
~$61,933
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $89,200

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 Sydney?
Labourers starting in Sydney earn around $60,033 at the p10 of current listings, typically in casual or day-hire arrangements. Reaching the $80,000 median is achievable with a combination of consistent employment, a White Card, and supplementary tickets such as traffic control, EWP, or forklift. Sydney's construction activity sustains demand for ticketed labourers at premium rates.
Is $80,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Partially. At $80,000, a Sydney Labourer earns 11.8% below the city's all-roles median. Sydney is Australia's most expensive city, and this income level covers basics without leaving significant capacity for savings or ownership. The $15,000 jump from April is encouraging, but whether it holds depends on whether the listing increase reflects structural demand or a temporary surge in project activity.
How much does a Senior Labourer make in Sydney?
Experienced Labourers in Sydney reach $90,751 at the p90. Roles at this level tend to involve consistent employment with a single construction contractor, leading hand responsibilities, or specialised work in confined space, asbestos removal, or demolition. The most direct path above this ceiling is a trade apprenticeship or a move into plant operation, where median salaries are meaningfully higher.

Other roles in Sydney

Labourer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $80,000 —
Brisbane $69,160 -14%

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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.