Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that median weekly earnings for female employees rose by 4.3 per cent, while male employees’ earnings rose by 1.3 per cent in the 12 months to August 2019.

Bjorn Jarvis, head of Labour Statistics at the ABS, said: “Median weekly earnings for male employees rose by less than that of female employees, partly because of the growing number of males working part-time hours, and the industries and occupations that men and women are working in.”

Combined Australian wages have continued to stagnate below long-term growth rates, as they grew by 2.3 per cent.

Given Australia’s inflation rate is currently 1.7 per cent, males whose salaries grew by 1.3 per cent have gone backwards.

Overall, Australian wage growth, while remaining stagnant and well below low term trends beat inflation by 0.6 per cent. 

The figures also show gradual changes in working arrangements over time. 

There was an increase in the proportion of employed people with access to flexible working hours (34 per cent in August 2019, up from 32 per cent in August 2015) and who regularly worked at home (32 per cent, up from 30 per cent).

There was a decrease in the proportion of employed people who usually worked overtime (34 per cent in August 2019, down from 36 per cent in August 2015), or were on call or standby (22 per cent, down from 24 per cent).

About the author

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

About the author

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

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