It pays to live in New South Wales

MELBOURNE: A new report has shown Sydney is superior to Melbourne - at least when it comes to the earning potential of textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) workers.

The Fashion Industry Salary Review Report, conducted annually by fashion recruitment firm Epoch, showed pre-production staff based in New South Wales earn on average up to $9000 more per annum than their Victorian counterparts.

The report found a similar story among those involved in retail operations where a merchandise manager based in Sydney could expect to earn $17,500 more than one based in Melbourne. Meanwhile, a Victorian-based planer or analyst could expect to earn $15,200 less per year than one based north of the border.

Victorian-based fabric buyers and quality controllers also got the short end of the stick when it came to salaries earning $6100 and $5600 less respectively than those employed in similar positions by New South Wales based firms.

However the disparity was most pronounced among designers where the New South Wales median salary was $80,000 - $20,000 more than in Victoria. Paid an average of $40,000 per annum Victorian-based assistant designers managed to close the gap slightly but still wound up with $2500 less in their pocket at the end of the financial year.

The findings follow a report by TFIA Business Services that found Australian TCF workers are among the most poorly paid of all employees in the manufacturing sector with the sector's 52,000 workers paid at least $11,000 less per year than most others working in a similar field.

Based on information collected in February this year, the survey is based on statistical information provided anonymously by more than 70 apparel and textile organisations from Victoria and New South Wales.

The salary information takes into account the total annual base salary for employees but excludes superannuation, overtime payments, allowances, bonuses and provision for a company vehicle.

Epoch managing consultant Fernando Rodriguez, who has authored the report since 1996, said the survey confirmed perceptions that salaries had always been higher in New South Wales.

Rodriguez, whose firm is based in Melbourne, said it was unlikely this would change in the near future.
"[The findings] support perceptions that salaries and therefore the standard of living in New South Wales are higher. Judging by past performances, I would have to say Sydney compensation will always be higher than in Melbourne."
He was keen to point out the news was not all bad for Victorians with design technicians and trim coordinators earning $2500 and $1500 more respectively than their New South Wales equivalents.

By Tracey McEldowney