Fire fighter salary: minimum rates under the Fire Fighting Industry Award

Understanding the fire fighter salary under the Fire Fighting Industry Award

When researching a fire fighter salary in Australia, the first step is identifying the correct industrial instrument. Most firefighters are covered by the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020 (MA000111), which sets minimum pay rates for both public and private sector employees. The Fair Work Commission determines these award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance and enforcement.

Public sector vs private sector rates

The award distinguishes between public and private sector employees. Public sector rates include a 30% shift loading and an average 40‑hours loading, resulting in higher total weekly rates. Private sector rates are base rates, with separate penalty rates for shiftwork, weekends, and public holidays.

For example, a Qualified Firefighter in the public sector has a total weekly rate of $1,607.97 (hourly $42.32) from 1 July 2026. In the private sector, the minimum weekly rate is $1,119.10 (hourly $29.45). These are the legal minimums; actual pay may be higher under enterprise agreements.

How to check your pay against the award

A practical check: compare your hourly rate to the award classification that matches your duties. If you are a private sector Qualified Firefighter, your base hourly rate should be at least $29.45. If you work shifts, you are entitled to a higher ordinary hourly rate of $38.29 (including the 30% shift loading). Overtime and penalty rates also apply – for instance, a private sector day worker on a public holiday receives $73.63 per hour for a Qualified Firefighter.

For public sector employees, the total weekly rate already includes shift and overtime loadings, so your ordinary hourly rate is higher. The award also covers recruits, firefighters at levels 1–3, leading firefighters, station officers, senior station officers, and fire service communications controllers – each with its own minimum.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee (currently 12% of ordinary time earnings) on top of the fire fighter salary. This is not deducted from the wage. For a private sector Qualified Firefighter earning $29.45 per hour, the employer contributes an additional $3.53 per hour to a super fund. The award requires contributions to a fund that avoids the super guarantee charge.

Award rates are the floor

The Fire Fighting Industry Award sets the minimum pay for covered employees. Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can provide higher rates. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026) is a backstop for award‑free employees, but most firefighters are covered by the award which has higher rates. Always check your classification and sector to ensure you receive at least the award minimum.

For more guidance on which pay floor applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies and explore the Rate tables for other classifications.

Important notes

• The award rates above are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
• Private sector rates do not include loadings for shiftwork or overtime – those are paid separately when the conditions are met.
• Public sector rates include shift loading and average overtime loading, so no additional penalty rates apply for ordinary hours.
• The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates; the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them.

If your employer is covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates. Always compare your pay to the award first, then to any applicable agreement.

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