Australian recruitment consultants earn a base salary plus an agreed commission. The overall earnings in Australia vary significantly based on your experience, the sector, and the city you choose.
Base Salaries
The average annual base salary for a Recruitment Consultant in Australia generally ranges from $75,000 to $90,000 AUD. For experienced recruiters, like those moving from the UK/NZ, this can be higher, with experienced professionals earning over $115,000 AUD (total compensation, often including commission).
Base salaries tend to be highest in the major metropolitan hubs. Rec to Rec Sydney and Rec to Rec Melbourne typically command the highest base salaries, aligning with the higher cost of living and volume of business. Rec to Rec Brisbane offers competitive base salaries but with the added benefit of a comparatively lower cost of living and massive growth potential.
IT & Tech Recruitment Consultants with 3+ years of experience are among the top earners, averaging around $105,000 AUD (base).
Commission Structures
The real earning potential lies in the commission, which is often uncapped. This variable component is typically paid as a percentage of the revenue you generate (the placement fee charged to the client).
Commission is usually based on a very simple method. You need to bill three times your salary, and once you reach that point, your commission will then kick in. Commission rates are generally between 30% and 40%. Some agencies do pay slightly more, but this gives you a good sense of the industry average.
If you join a larger agency, the threshold will still sit at three times your salary, but the commission percentage is usually lower. The trade-off is that you’ll gain access to bigger accounts, well-known corporate brands, and higher-volume recruitment. It really depends on where you are in your career as to which commission structure will suit you best.
These are broad examples, but they provide a clear overview of how commission structures typically work in Australia.
Tips on Negotiating Your Package
Don’t settle for the first number. High-quality recruiters are in high demand, and you should negotiate the full package.
- Do Your Research: If you engage a really good Rec to Rec, they will negotiate this on your behalf. There are many different ways a final package can be shaped, and if you have a strong billing history, you’ll have far more leverage in those final negotiations. If your history is weaker, it can be more challenging to secure the perfect package — but strong historical billings give you a significant advantage when it comes to final salary discussions.
- Highlight Your Value: Use your UK/NZ experience (KPI-driven work, consultative skills) to justify a higher base salary. You can transfer all your skills and heighten your career easily here.
- Focus on the Total Package: Negotiation isn’t just about base salary. Ask about the non-financial benefits, like flexible hours, development opportunities, and extra leave.
- Leverage Your Rec to Rec Consultant: Use Connecting Recruiters as your advocate! I have the inside knowledge of what the employer is willing to pay and can negotiate the best terms (base and commission split) on your behalf, reducing the awkwardness of direct salary discussions.
Ready to Maximise Your Earning Potential?
You bring the discipline and experience—we bring the market knowledge and the high-quality clients. It’s time to stop leaving money on the table in the UK/NZ and start earning what you’re truly worth in Rec to Rec Australia.
Click here to connect with Andrea Collins at Connecting Recruiters and let’s structure a compensation package that reflects your value!