A salary that is too low may discourage qualified candidates from applying, while a salary that is too high may create unnecessary costs or attract candidates who are not the right fit. A well-designed salary package helps businesses attract suitable talent, improve transparency, and create a stronger employer brand.
At ACElinks.jobs, we believe successful recruitment starts with clear communication between employers and candidates. Providing accurate salary information helps create better matches and reduces unnecessary applications.
1. Understand the Australian Employment Market
Before advertising a position, employers should research current market salary expectations for similar roles.
Consider:
• Industry standards
• Location
• Business size
• Candidate experience level
• Required qualifications
• Skills shortage in the industry
For example, the salary expectation for an administration officer in Sydney may differ significantly from an administration manager in a regional area.
Employers should ensure their advertised salary reflects realistic market conditions.
2. Decide the Appropriate Salary Structure
Australian employers commonly advertise positions using different salary formats.
Annual Salary Package
Most professional full-time roles are advertised as annual salaries.
Example:
Salary: $75,000–$85,000 per annum + superannuation
This clearly communicates expected earnings and is common for office, professional, and management positions.
Hourly Rate
Hourly rates are commonly used for:
• Casual employment
• Hospitality roles
• Retail positions
• Temporary work
• Student jobs
Example:
$30–$35 per hour + superannuation
Employers should consider applicable penalty rates, weekend rates, and public holiday requirements.
Salary Range
Providing a salary range is often the best approach.
Example:
$70,000–$80,000 + superannuation, depending on experience
Benefits include:
✓ Attracting candidates with different experience levels
✓ Providing flexibility during negotiations
✓ Showing transparency
3. Consider Superannuation Requirements
Australian employers must consider superannuation when advertising salaries.
Employers should clearly state whether superannuation is included.
Examples:
Including Superannuation
$80,000 package inclusive of superannuation
This means the total employment cost includes super.
Plus Superannuation
$80,000 per annum + superannuation
This means the employee receives $80,000 salary plus employer super contributions.
Clear wording prevents misunderstandings during recruitment.
4. Match Salary with Skills and Experience
A common recruitment mistake is offering one salary level regardless of candidate capability.
Consider creating salary levels based on experience.
Example:
Entry Level
Suitable for graduates or candidates developing skills.
$55,000–$65,000 + super
Experienced Professional
Candidates with proven industry experience.
$70,000–$90,000 + super
Senior Specialist
Candidates with leadership responsibilities.
$100,000+ + super
A structured approach helps employers attract candidates at different career stages.
5. Include Other Benefits Beyond Salary
Salary is important, but it is not the only factor candidates consider.
A competitive employment package may include:
• Flexible working arrangements
• Training and professional development
• Career progression opportunities
• Performance bonuses
• Additional leave benefits
• Employee discounts
• Health and wellbeing programs
Clearly communicating these benefits can help smaller businesses compete with larger organisations.
6. Avoid Unrealistic Salary Advertisements
Some employers advertise extremely low salaries hoping to negotiate later. This often creates problems:
• Experienced candidates will not apply
• Application quality decreases
• Employer reputation may be affected
• Recruitment takes longer
A realistic salary attracts candidates who understand the value of the role.
7. Use Salary Information to Attract Better Candidates
Candidates increasingly expect transparency during job searches.
A clear salary advertisement helps candidates quickly understand:
• Whether the role matches their expectations
• Whether they should apply
• Whether the position fits their career goals
This reduces irrelevant applications and saves time for both employers and candidates.
8. Use ACElinks.jobs to Improve Recruitment Outcomes
At ACElinks.jobs, we help employers create clearer, more effective recruitment campaigns.
By providing accurate salary information together with:
✓ Detailed job descriptions
✓ Required skills and qualifications
✓ Workplace benefits
✓ Employer branding information
businesses can attract candidates who are genuinely suitable for the role.
Our AI-powered recruitment tools also help improve candidate matching by connecting job requirements with applicant skills and experience.
Build Better Matches Through Better Job Advertising
Recruitment success begins before the first interview.
A well-written job advertisement with a clear salary range, realistic expectations, and detailed role information helps employers attract higher-quality candidates and build stronger teams.
At ACElinks.jobs, our goal is to make recruitment smarter, more transparent, and more efficient for Australian employers.
Set the right salary. Attract the right talent. Build the right team with ACElinks.jobs.