Admin Assistant Salary in Australia: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

Understanding the Admin Assistant Salary in Australia

When searching for an "admin assistant salary" in Australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum pay floor and the actual rates set by awards, enterprise agreements, or market conditions. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year, while the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these minimums. For most administrative assistants, the applicable minimum is found in a modern award, not the national minimum wage.

The National Minimum Wage as a Backstop

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee working 38 ordinary hours. This rate applies only to employees who are not covered by any award or registered agreement. However, many administrative assistants are covered by the Administrative and Clerical Award (MA000099) or the Clerks Award (MA000002), which set higher minimum rates. The national minimum wage acts as a floor: no award rate can fall below it, except for introductory rates limited to the first six months (which cannot fall below $25.74 per hour as of 1 July 2026).

Award Rates for Administrative Assistants

The Administrative and Clerical Award, published by the Fair Work Ombudsman, contains specific classifications for administrative assistants. As of the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for an administrative assistant at pay point 1 is $28.64 per hour for full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $35.80 per hour. There are four pay points within the administrative assistant classification, each with progressively higher rates. For example, administrative assistant pay point 4 is $31.14 per hour. These rates are higher than the national minimum wage, reflecting the skill and responsibility required.

What People Often Mix Up

A common confusion is assuming the national minimum wage applies to all workers. In reality, most private-sector employees in Australia are covered by a modern award. If you are an administrative assistant, your employer must pay at least the award rate for your classification. Another mix-up is between the award minimum and a "market rate" or "salary survey average." The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, but that figure includes all occupations and experience levels. An admin assistant salary may be lower or higher than that average depending on location, experience, and duties. The legal minimum is the award rate; anything above that is negotiated.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if an admin assistant earns $28.64 per hour, the employer must also pay an additional 12% into a super fund. The salary figure quoted in awards or job ads is before tax and before super.

How to Check Your Pay Floor

To determine the correct minimum for your role, start by identifying the award that covers your industry or occupation. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates. For award-free employees, the national minimum wage applies, but be aware that junior rates, apprentice rates, and supported wages can be lower. For example, an award-free 18-year-old admin assistant would be entitled to 68.3% of the national minimum, or $18.06 per hour.

For more guidance, visit our Which minimum wage applies page or check the Rate tables for award-specific figures.

The Role of Enterprise Agreements

Some workplaces have an enterprise agreement approved by the Fair Work Commission. These agreements can set pay rates higher than the award, but they cannot undercut the award minimum. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, your admin assistant salary will be the rate specified in that agreement. Always check your employment contract and the applicable industrial instrument.

Summary

The admin assistant salary in Australia is not a single figure. The legal minimum is set by the Administrative and Clerical Award at $28.64 per hour for entry-level positions, rising with pay points. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is a backstop for award-free workers. Market averages and negotiated salaries may be higher. Always confirm which award or agreement applies to your job to ensure you are receiving at least the minimum pay you are entitled to.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.