There are two income thresholds that apply to 186 nominations, and which one applies depends on the nature of the role.
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is currently AUD $76,515 per year. This is the minimum annual earnings that must be paid to most 186 visa applicants and is adjusted periodically. The salary must be a genuine reflection of the market rate for the role – not simply the threshold figure assigned to meet the minimum.
In addition to these thresholds, the salary must also meet the Annual Market Salary Rate – meaning it must be comparable to what an Australian worker in the same role, location, and industry would earn. This requirement exists to prevent employers from using visa sponsorship to undercut local wages.
If the Annual Market Salary Rate for an occupation is less than the CSIT, even if the nominee is paid over the CSIT, they are not eligible for 186 nomination. Similarly, if the base salary offered is below the market rate for the occupation, the nomination is likely to be refused regardless of whether it meets the CSIT technically.