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Local Councillor salary in Australia
The median full-time salary for a local councillor is $52,000 per annum, before tax, up $10,800 since 2018.
Councillor pay is set by a remuneration tribunal or panel in each state and territory rather than by negotiation, so it varies with the size of the council and with the role you hold, since a mayor or chair is paid more than an ordinary councillor. Many councillors treat it as a part-time income alongside another job, and allowances for travel, technology or childcare sit on top in some councils. Check your state body's current determination rather than relying on a national figure.
Roles that pay more than local councillor
The largest typical pay rise is $182,000 a year, moving into Member of Parliament.
- Member of Parliament+$182,000/yr
- Social Worker+$60,900/yr
- Liaison Officer+$42,600/yr
How to negotiate a higher local councillor salary
- Know the market rate before you ask. The median full-time local councillor salary is $52,000; use that, not a guess, as your anchor, and adjust for your experience and employer.
- Lead with what's scarce, not just tenure. Skills like Community engagement and Policy analysis and advice tend to command a premium over general local councillor experience, name them specifically when you ask.
- Bring a real alternative to the table. Member of Parliament pays a typical $182,000 a year more and draws on similar skills, even mentioning you're weighing it up is a legitimate data point in a pay conversation.
- Time it deliberately. Reviews, the end of a project you delivered, or taking on responsibility beyond your job description are stronger moments to ask than an arbitrary date on the calendar.
- Ask for a number, not a raise. "Based on the market rate and [specific contribution], I'd like to move to X" gets a clearer answer than "I think I deserve more."
Local Councillor salary questions
How much do local councillors earn in Australia?
The median full-time salary for a local councillor is $52,000 a year before tax. Seniority, specialisation, sector and the award or agreement you're employed under all move it.
Is local councillor pay rising or falling?
The median local councillor salary is up $10,800 since 2018. Figures from 2025 onward on this page are a projection, not a measured result.
What pays more than local councillor?
Member of Parliament pays a typical $182,000 a year more and draws on similar skills to local councillor.