Business manager salary: what the pay floor and typical earnings look like in Australia

What the research says about the business manager salary

When searching for a “business manager salary” in Australia, the first thing to understand is that there is no single government‑published figure. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides minimum wage information but does not list a specific rate for business managers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings, but those are broad averages, not a guaranteed salary. This guide separates the legal minimum from typical earnings and explains how awards and agreements can set a higher rate.

The legal minimum: the national minimum wage

Every employee in Australia is entitled to at least the national minimum wage unless they are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate. As of 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. For casual employees, the minimum is $33.05 per hour (including the 25% casual loading).

These figures come from the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review 2026. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces the rules. If a business manager is award‑free and agreement‑free, this is the absolute floor. However, most business managers will be covered by an award or an enterprise agreement that requires a higher rate.

Award coverage for business managers

Many business managers work in industries covered by modern awards. For example:

• Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020 – often covers office‑based managers who supervise clerical staff.
• Managers and Professionals Award 2020 – covers managerial roles in certain industries.
• Various industry awards – such as the General Retail Industry Award 2020 or the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, which may include business manager classifications.

If an award applies, the minimum pay rates (including classification levels, allowances, overtime, and penalty rates) in that award must be paid. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates for each award. Employers and employees should check the specific award that covers the role.

Enterprise agreements can also set pay rates. If a business manager is covered by a registered enterprise agreement, the rates in that agreement apply, provided they are not less than the relevant award or the national minimum wage.

Typical earnings: what the ABS says

The ABS’s May 2026 survey of average weekly earnings shows that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. That equates to roughly $108,352 per year (before tax). This is an average across all occupations and industries, not a median or a figure specific to business managers. Many business managers earn more or less depending on their industry, location, experience, and responsibilities.

It is important not to confuse this average with a legal entitlement. The average is a statistical measure, not a pay floor. A business manager’s salary should be negotiated based on the role, the applicable award or agreement, and market conditions.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing any salary, remember that superannuation guarantee contributions are paid by the employer on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, if a business manager’s salary is $100,000, the employer must contribute an additional $12,000 into super. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay.

How to find the right rate

Because the “business manager salary” is not a single figure, you need to determine which pay floor applies:

1. Check if a modern award covers the role. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database.
2. If no award applies, the national minimum wage is the minimum.
3. If an enterprise agreement applies, check the agreement for the classification and rate.
4. Negotiate a salary that reflects the role’s responsibilities, industry benchmarks, and your experience.

For more detail on which minimum wage applies to you, see our guide Which minimum wage applies. You can also browse Rate tables for current national minimum wage and junior rates.

Important caveats

• The national minimum wage is not a universal rate. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees with disability may be paid less under specific rules.
• Award rates can include introductory rates that are lower than the national minimum for a limited period (e.g., first six months). The lowest ongoing classification in an award cannot fall below the national minimum.
• This information is for guidance only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always check the relevant award or agreement and consult a professional if needed.

Summary

There is no official “business manager salary” published by the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Fair Work Commission. The legal minimum is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week). Most business managers earn significantly more, with the ABS average full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings at $2,083.70 per week. The actual salary depends on the applicable award, enterprise agreement, or individual negotiation. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.

For further reading, see How the figures work and Topics.