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Accountant Salary in Sydney

Finance

Accountants manage financial records, prepare tax returns, and provide financial advice.

Average Salary
$93,500
per year
Take-Home Pay
$71,857
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$61-143k
$94K
$61K$143K

Job Market Outlook

High AI Risk

Knowledge work with significant AI applicability

Balanced

Job supply roughly matches candidate availability

+5% growth

Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Accountant Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Sydney

Based on the average Accountant salary of $93,500 in Sydney, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$93,500$93,500
Income Tax-$18,838-$18,838
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,870-$1,870
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$3,273
Superannuation (11%)+$10,285+$10,285
Annual Take-Home$71,857$68,585
Monthly Take-Home$5,988$5,715
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,764$2,638

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$94,000
Take-home$71,857
Tax-$18,838
Super+$10,285

How to Become a Accountant

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Accountant in New South Wales.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Commerce, or Business
  • Completion of CPA or CA program (or working towards)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master of Professional Accounting (for career changers)
  • Additional qualifications in taxation or financial planning
Relevant Certifications
CPA Australia membershipChartered Accountants ANZ (CA) membershipInstitute of Public Accountants (IPA) membershipTax Agent registration with TPB

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$65KEntry$94KMid$117KSenior$150KLead
Entry Level

Graduate Accountant

$65,450
estimated in Sydney
0-2 years
Mid Level

Accountant

$93,500
estimated in Sydney
2-5 years
Senior Level

Senior Accountant

$116,875
estimated in Sydney
5-8 years
Leadership

Finance Manager / Partner

$149,600
estimated in Sydney
8+ years

Skills in Demand

Cloud accounting software (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks)Data analytics and visualizationAustralian taxation expertiseBusiness advisory servicesAutomation and AI tools for accounting

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1Complete your CA or CPA as early as possible - it significantly increases earning potential
  2. 2Gain experience in both public practice and industry roles
  3. 3Develop advisory skills beyond compliance to add more value
  4. 4Stay current with tax law changes and technology trends
  5. 5Consider specializing in high-demand areas like tax, forensic accounting, or M&A

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Accountant Hourly Rate in Sydney

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$31/hr
Average
$47/hr
Senior
$72/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Accountant earn in Sydney?

The average Accountant salary in Sydney is $93,500 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. Salaries range from $60,500 to $143,000 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Accountant in Sydney?

A Accountant earning $93,500 in Sydney takes home approximately $71,857 per year after tax, or $5,988 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $68,585 per year.

How much do Accountants make per hour in Sydney?

Accountants in Sydney earn approximately $47 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $31/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $72/hour.

Is Sydney a good place to work as a Accountant?

Sydney offers Accountant salaries among the highest in Australia at $93,500. The city has a cost of living index of 100 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are similar to Sydney.

About Accountant Salaries in Sydney

The average Accountant in Sydney, New South Wales earns $93,500 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. Salaries typically range from $60,500 for entry-level positions to $143,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Accountant earning the average salary in Sydney can expect to take home approximately $71,857 per year, or $5,988 per month.

Sydney is home to approximately 5.3 million people and has a cost of living index of 100 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Sydney are similar to Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Accountant Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $60,500, while senior roles can reach $143,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Accountant roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Sydney's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Accountants earn $$31-$72 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.