Average salaries increasing across Australia, new research finds

IF YOU’VE been putting it off, now’s the perfect time to tap your boss on the shoulder and have that slightly awkward conversation.

NEW data has revealed average Australian salaries are on the rise.

According to jobs website adzuna.com.au, salaries have recorded a 6.25 per cent year-on-year growth — despite a period of record flat wage growth.

And the news is particularly good if you work in NSW, with a 6.88 per cent improvement in the year to April meaning the average advertised wage in NSW sits above the national average at 6.25 per cent.

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Adzuna Australia CEO Raife Watson said a clear trend had emerged over the past 12 months, with advertised salaries “steadily moving upward”.

He said with that in mind, workers had more leverage to negotiate a rise.

“The consistent message out there is that wages are flat and I think Australians are feeling

deflated and, as a result, are not working harder in those pay negotiations,” Mr Watson said.

Average salaries in Australia are starting to show signs of sustained growth despite a period of record flat wage growth. Picture: Adzuna

“You must stay up-to-date with what is currently being offered in the market for your current role.

“Take a look at the current advertised salaries and use them as a benchmark in your pay negotiations.”

Meanwhile, new research from comparison site finder.com.au has revealed almost two in three Australians who ask their boss for a payrise actually end up getting one.

The figures show 25 per cent of workers have hit up their boss for more money over the past two years, with the average employee receiving an extra $3817.

However, ABS figures show wages across Australia rose by only 2.1 per cent in 2017.

Worryingly, women were far more reluctant to ask for a pay rise, with only 18 per cent having sought a pay bump, compared with 32 per cent of men.

Money expert Bessie Hassan said the research proved employees still have some bargaining power.

“This research shows that wages are more negotiable than many expect,” she said.

“More people get a rise when they ask rather than being knocked back — so the odds for being successful are promising.

“A $3800 pay rise could have a big impact on households — definitely enough to ease the living pressure costs for some families.”

HOW TO ASK FOR A PAY RISE:

Build rapport — We are better able to influence others when they like us, so show your boss you’re loyal and trustworthy.

Be prepared — Highlight your unique skills and contributions to the organisation. Gather information about what someone with your skills and experience is getting elsewhere — you can use this to show you are currently being underpaid and you’re looking to reconcile that.

Be realistic — Asking for too big a pay rise can put employers off-side.

Have options — If a pay rise is out of the question, explore non-economic ways to boost your overall remuneration package

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