What is the minimum wage for a bookkeeper in Australia?

Most bookkeepers are covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award. The minimum hourly rate from 1 July 2026 is $26.97 for Level 1 year 1. If no award applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week) is the floor. Junior, apprentice and supported‑wage employees may be paid less.

How does the median bookkeeper salary compare to the national average?

The ABS reports median full‑time bookkeeper earnings of $1,400 per week, which is below the all‑occupations median of $1,852 and below the all‑employees average total earnings of $1,579 per week. The median hourly rate is $37, compared to $47 for all occupations.

Is superannuation included in the bookkeeper salary figures?

No. All salary figures on this page are before tax and do not include the superannuation guarantee. Employers must pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into the employee’s super fund on top of the quoted rate.

Bookkeeper Salary Guide 2026: Award Rates, Median Pay and the Legal Minimum

The legal minimum for a bookkeeper covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award is at least $26.97 per hour (Level 1 year 1), while the ABS median full-time bookkeeper salary is $1,400 per week before tax.

Understanding the bookkeeper salary in Australia

When you search for a bookkeeper salary in Australia, the figure you see can come from several different sources: a legal minimum set by an award or the national minimum wage, a survey average published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, or a specific rate negotiated in an enterprise agreement. This guide separates those layers so you can work out which pay floor applies and how a typical rate compares.

The legal minimum: award or national minimum wage

Most bookkeepers are classified under the Clerks – Private Sector Award [MA000002]. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for this award. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates are:

Level 1 year 1: $26.97 per hour ($1,024.70 per week)
Level 1 year 2: $28.24 per hour ($1,073.10 per week)
Level 1 year 3: $29.11 per hour ($1,106.20 per week)
Level 2 year 1: $29.45 per hour ($1,119.10 per week)
Level 2 year 2: $29.45 per hour ($1,139.90 per week)
Level 3: $31.11 per hour ($1,182.10 per week)
Level 4: $32.67 per hour ($1,241.40 per week)
Level 5: $33.99 per hour ($1,291.80 per week)

If a bookkeeper is not covered by any award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adults. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, trainees and employees on introductory rates can be paid less – see our Rate tables for the full schedule.

An enterprise agreement or a specific contract can set a higher rate than the award or national minimum, but never a lower one. Always check which instrument covers the job.

Survey averages: what the ABS says about bookkeeper pay

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, through the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), reports a median full‑time bookkeeper salary of $1,400 per week before tax. The median hourly rate is $37. These figures are for full‑time non‑managerial adult employees paid at the adult rate. They exclude people paid unusually high or low amounts, such as managers, part‑time employees and youths.

By comparison, the median for all occupations is $1,852 per week and $47 per hour. Only 40% of bookkeepers work full‑time hours, compared to 69% across all occupations. The average full‑time week for bookkeepers is 41 hours. The median age of a bookkeeper is 52 years, and 89% are women.

The weekly packet: tax, Medicare and super on top

When you see a quoted bookkeeper salary, remember that the employer must also pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% of ordinary time earnings into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an extra payment on top.

For the 2026‑27 tax year, resident tax rates apply with the full tax‑free threshold (up to $18,200 tax‑free) and the Medicare levy of 2% once annualised ordinary gross income reaches $30,000. The low income tax offset and other offsets can reduce tax, but this guide does not calculate individual tax outcomes.

How to find the right rate for your situation

If you are an employer or employee trying to determine the correct pay, start with the Which minimum wage applies tool. For a full breakdown of award classifications and junior rates, see our Guides. Remember that the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. This site provides independent information only – it is not a pay determination or legal advice.