Payroll Officer Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Payroll Officers in Sydney earn a median salary of $100,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $80,000 and $125,000. That sits 5% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 91 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 11% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +30 listings vs last month
💰 Payroll Officer · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$80,000 – $125,000
Median: $100,000
May $93k
Jun $100k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $80,000 – $115,000
Senior level $98,500 – $140,000
Overall $80k–$125k Mid $80k–$115k Senior $98k–$140k $77k $90k $104k $117k $130k $144k
High confidence 91 listings (+30 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

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%  $80,000 Median  $100,000 $125,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Listings surged from 61 to 91 in a month, a 49% jump, the biggest demand increase in this batch, and the median rose $6k to $100k alongside it, a genuine pay-and-demand climb. It sits 5% above Sydney's all-roles median, unusual for a processing-finance role. The split is clear: mid-level at $90.5k, senior at $116.25k. Sydney matches Melbourne's $100k rate. Rising volume with rising pay is the strongest signal in this set.

Take Home Pay (based on median $100,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,443
Monthly (net)
~$6,253
Annual (net)
~$75,033
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $111,500

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 Payroll Officer in Sydney?
A mid-level payroll officer in Sydney earns a median of $90,466 (p10 near $80k), so the entry point is solid. Reaching the top of the mid band comes from complexity and systems: multi-state payroll, award interpretation, and mastery of a major platform (SAP, Chris21, Preceda) rather than a single small-business system. Compliance knowledge, not tenure, is what employers pay for here.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $100k the median is 5% above Sydney's $95k all-roles median and nets roughly $75k after tax, strong for a finance-operations role and rare in that it beats the city median. Award-interpretation and compliance skills are genuinely scarce, which is why payroll out-earns comparable processing roles like accounts payable. The surging demand makes this a favourable time to move.
How much does a Senior Payroll Officer make in Sydney?
Senior payroll officers in Sydney reach a median of $116,250, with the top of the senior band at $140k. The step from mid to senior is about scope and risk: running end-to-end payroll for a large or multi-entity organisation, owning award compliance and audit, and often supervising a payroll team. Deep system expertise and STP or compliance ownership are what carry pay into the senior band.

Other roles in Sydney

Payroll Officer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $100,000 —
Melbourne $100,000 ~same
Perth $94,156 -6%
Brisbane $92,500 -8%

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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.