Where Do People Earn the Most in Gippsland? The Results Are In

Ever wondered which Gippsland towns bring home the biggest pay packets?

We’ve dived into national Census data to find out where incomes are highest — and the results might surprise you. Some big towns make sense, but a few smaller places are quietly climbing the ranks.

This isn’t about millionaires or CEOs — we’re talking about median weekly personal income, which gives a snapshot of what your average local worker earns.

The Top 10 Highest Paid Towns in Gippsland 🥇

Here’s how things stack up across the region. We’ve included population figures too, just to show which places are punching above their weight.

1. Traralgon (Population: 27,628) – $770/week

A strong mix of public health, local business and retail keeps Traralgon comfortably at the top of the list.

2. Warragul (Population: 19,134) – $750/week

One of Gippsland’s fastest-growing towns. Education, healthcare and community support roles keep the pay flowing.

3. Stratford (Population: 2,185) – $708/week

A small town with big numbers. Steady jobs in healthcare, community services and engineering are driving incomes here.

4. Sale (Population: 14,100) – $698/week

Defence, education and healthcare are the backbone of Sale’s economy — and the wages reflect it.

5. Inverloch (Population: 6,046) – $693/week

A sea-change hotspot with strong ties to education and medical services. Scenic views and a solid paycheck.

6. Drouin (Population: 14,764) – $693/week

Close to Warragul and growing fast, Drouin’s income levels are fuelled by local healthcare, community services and retail.

7. Mirboo North (Population: 1,752) – $646/week

Small, scenic and steady. Education, health and local care services are leading the way.

8. Leongatha (Population: 5,618) – $640/week

Dairy and farming roots run deep, but strong retail and health employment keep incomes competitive.

9. Bairnsdale (Population: 13,734) – $637/week

One of East Gippsland’s biggest centres. Healthcare, retail and social services play a major role.

10. Maffra (Population: 4,548) – $634/week

A tight-knit rural town where education, health and small business help locals earn a steady living.

More Than Just Numbers

Let’s be honest — income isn’t everything. Some towns have more part-time workers, retirees, or young people still building their careers. Others might have a higher cost of living or fewer full-time roles.

But looking at median income is a helpful way to see where certain industries are thriving, where people are earning a bit more, and how the job landscape is shifting across the region.

So What’s Driving Gippsland’s Wages?

There’s one clear trend: healthcare leads the way in nearly every town. From hospitals and aged care to community health services, it’s Gippsland’s biggest and most reliable employer.

Other common drivers include:

• Education – schools, TAFEs and early childhood centres
• Community and social services – including disability support, youth work, aged care, and NDIS-related roles
• Retail and hospitality – especially in coastal and tourist towns

These industries are the engine rooms of Gippsland’s economy — and they’re helping locals earn solid, consistent incomes.

Work Local. Earn Local.

At Gippslander, we believe the heart of a community is its workforce, and the heart of any business is its people. Whether you’re looking for your next job or your next hire, we’re here to help make local work.

👉 Browse jobs across Gippsland

👉 Post a job and reach local talent

Source: Income and employment data referenced in this article is based on publicly available figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, compiled by Gippslander using the most recent national dataset.