Employees in the mining industry continue to be highest paid of any sector in Australia, as demonstrated by the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures.
The industry attracts the highest average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults at $2,592.00 per week (Earnings; Persons; Full Time; Adult; Ordinary time earnings; Mining – A85002073F).
The average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults in Australia in May 2018 was $1,585.30, representing an increase of 1.0 per cent over the past six months and an annual increase of 2.7 per cent.
It shows mining industry employees are earning more than 60 per cent above the national average.
Bruce Hockman, Chief Economist at the ABS, said Australia was still experiencing low average earnings growth, however the six months to May 2018 were stronger than the six months to May 2017, when it was just 0.6 per cent.
Over the year, average weekly ordinary time earnings for full-time adults in the private sector increased by 2.7 per cent and public sector by 3.2 per cent, with the average earnings in the public sector remaining higher than in the private sector.
Gender pay gap lowest in 20 years
The latest ABS figures also show the national gender pay gap has reached its lowest level in 20 years at 14.6%.
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has calculated the national gender pay gap as 14.6% for full time employees, a difference of $244.80 per week, using the latest Average Weekly Earnings data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Libby Lyons, Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, said it is great news that the gender pay gap is at its lowest point in 20 years.
“This great result is recognition of the work employers have done in addressing issues such as pay equity,” she said.
“By collecting and analysing data, employers know where their gender equality hotspots are and can take action to improve them.
“However, we cannot become complacent as there is still much work to do. All employers need to continue to ensure their employees are paid equitably. Do a pay gap analysis.”
