Construction Project Manager Salary: Minimum Pay and Award Rates in Australia 2026-27

Understanding the Construction Project Manager Salary Floor

When you search for a "construction project manager salary" in Australia, you are likely looking for a benchmark to compare your pay. The legal minimum you must receive depends on whether you are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission applies. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for full-time adult employees. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings.

Legal Minimum vs Award Rates vs Negotiated Salary

It is important to separate the legal minimum from award rates and negotiated salaries. The national minimum wage is the absolute floor. However, many construction project managers are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum. For example, the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020) provides minimum rates for on-site building and construction workers. The highest classification in that award (Level 9) is $34.46 per hour from 1 July 2026. But this award typically covers tradespeople and labourers, not project managers. Project managers are often classified under professional or managerial awards, or they may be award-free. If you are unsure, check your employment contract or ask your employer which award applies.

The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces these minimums. If your award or agreement does not cover you, the national minimum wage is your safety net. Remember that junior employees, apprentices, and trainees can be paid less than the adult rate, but a construction project manager is almost always an adult employee.

What the Data Shows

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, construction project managers (ANZSCO 133111) work an average of 47 hours per week, with 90% working full-time. The median age is 42, and only 14% are female. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours collects median weekly earnings for occupations, but the specific figure for construction project managers was not available in the search results. If you have an hourly rate, you can compare it to the national minimum or to the relevant award rate for your classification.

For award-free employees, the national minimum is straightforward: $26.44 per hour. If you are paid less than that, your employer may be underpaying you. However, if you are covered by an award, the minimum hourly rate for your classification could be higher. For instance, the Building and Construction General On-site Award rates range from $26.67 for the lowest Level 1 to $34.46 for Level 9. But again, these may not apply to project managers.

Superannuation and Other Entitlements

Your construction project manager salary is not just the hourly rate. Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional contribution. Also, if you work overtime, you may be entitled to penalty rates under your award or agreement. The national minimum wage does not include penalty rates; those are set by awards.

Practical Check

To check if your pay is legal, take your hourly rate (before tax) and compare it to the national minimum of $26.44. If you are award-covered, find your classification in the relevant award. You can use the Which minimum wage applies guide to determine your coverage. For a quick reference, see our Rate tables for the latest national minimum and award rates.

Remember, the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides tools to calculate your entitlements. If you believe you are being underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

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