FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 97/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Accountant Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$126,060/yr
Typical range: $101,441 – $117,281
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in Sydney
Accountant Salary Progression in Sydney
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $48,245 | $4,020 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $62,252 | $5,188 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $72,627 | $6,052 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $87,464 | $7,289 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $126,060 | $10,505 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $171,504 | $14,292 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $182,865 | $15,239 | +279% |
Current Salary
$126,060
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$171,504
Principal · 14
+$45Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Accountant salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Accountants in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $126K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Accountant make per hour in Sydney, Australia?
Based on $126K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Accountant in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in Sydney, Australia earns $101K–$117K/yr.