MAY KEY FIGURES

The following table contains the key Average Weekly Earnings figures for the May 2017 reference period.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Earnings survey is designed to measure the level of average earnings in Australia at a point in time. Movements in average weekly earnings can be affected by changes in both the level of earnings per employee and in the composition of the labour force. Factors which can contribute to compositional change include variations in the proportion of full-time, part-time, casual and junior employees; variations in the occupational distribution within and across industries; and variations in the distribution of employment between industries.

Table 1: Average Weekly Earnings, Key Figures, Australia, May 2017
		May 2017	May 2016 to May 2017
		$	% change
Trend(a)
	Full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings	1 543.80	1.8
	Full-time adult average weekly total earnings	1 608.40	2.1
	All employees average weekly total earnings	1 177.70	1.6
Original
	Full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings	1 543.20	1.8
	Full-time adult average weekly total earnings	1 605.60	2.1
	All employees average weekly total earnings	1 179.00	1.6
(a) For further information regarding Trend estimates, please refer to paragraphs 62 to 68 of Explanatory Notes.

TREND ESTIMATES

In the twelve months to May 2017, Full-Time Adult Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings increased by 1.8% to $1,543.80.

The Full-Time Adult Average Weekly Total Earnings in May 2017 was $1,608.40, a rise of 2.1% from the same time last year.

To access the time series spreadsheets related to the measures presented above, please refer to the to the downloads tab at the top of the page.


FORTHCOMING ISSUES

ISSUE	Release Date
November 2017 May 2018	22 February 2018 16 August 2018

SAMPLE REDESIGN

Sample redesigns are undertaken periodically for all ABS business surveys to ensure the survey design continues to be optimal. The next sample redesign for the Survey of Average Weekly Earnings is scheduled for implementation with the release of the November 2017 publication on 22 February 2018.


NOTES ON ESTIMATES

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED ESTIMATES

A review of the seasonal adjustment parameters was undertaken for the November 2016 release. A number of the AWE seasonally adjusted series were updated as a result. See paragraphs 59-61 of the Explanatory Notes for further details.


RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

• A Guide to Understanding Average Weekly Earnings Statistics. The article outlines the purpose of the Average Weekly Earnings collection and use of the data. The article also explains the relative strengths and limitations of AWE to ensure appropriate interpretation of the statistics.
• Average Weekly Earnings and Wage Price Index - What do they measure? The article outlines the purpose and key uses of Average Weekly Earnings and Wage Price Index collections, and explains how the two surveys can respond differently to economic events using hypothetical examples.

INQUIRIES

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