What is the minimum firefighter salary in Australia?

The minimum firefighter salary depends on the sector and classification. Under the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020, a private sector recruit or Level 1 firefighter earns at least $26.45 per hour, while a qualified firefighter earns $29.45 per hour. Public sector rates are higher because they include shift loading and an average overtime component. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, so award rates are slightly above that for most classifications.

Do public sector firefighters earn more than private sector?

Yes, public sector firefighters have higher minimum rates under the award because their total weekly rate includes a 30% shift loading and an additional payment for an average of 2 hours overtime per week. For example, a qualified firefighter in the public sector has a total weekly rate of $1,607.97, compared to $1,119.10 in the private sector. However, private sector firefighters may receive penalty rates and overtime that increase their actual pay.

Is superannuation included in the firefighter salary rates?

No, superannuation is paid on top of the salary. Employers must contribute at least 12% of ordinary time earnings to a super fund. For a private sector qualified firefighter earning the minimum hourly rate of $29.45, the super contribution adds about $3.53 per hour. The total employment cost is higher than the base salary.

Firefighter salary: award rates and minimum pay in Australia

The minimum firefighter salary under the award ranges from $26.45 per hour for a recruit or Level 1 private sector firefighter to $39.35 for a senior station officer, with public sector rates including loadings.

Firefighter salary: award rates and minimum pay

When researching a firefighter salary in Australia, the first thing to understand is that the legal minimum is set by the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020, not by the national minimum wage alone. The award covers both public and private sector firefighters across all states and territories, and it provides detailed minimum rates for each classification from recruit through to senior station officer.

National minimum wage vs award rates

The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. However, most firefighters are covered by the award, which sets higher minimums. For example, a private sector recruit or Level 1 firefighter earns $26.45 per hour – just one cent above the national minimum. More experienced classifications earn significantly more. The award also includes penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, and overtime, as well as shift loadings for shiftworkers.

Public sector firefighters

Public sector firefighters employed by state fire services have their minimum rates calculated differently. The award includes a 30% shift loading and an average 2 hours of overtime per week built into the total weekly rate. For instance, a qualified firefighter in the public sector receives a total weekly rate of $1,607.97, which equates to $42.32 per hour. A station officer earns $1,994.48 per week ($52.49 per hour), and a senior station officer or fire service communications controller earns $2,148.65 per week ($56.54 per hour). These rates already include the loadings, so additional penalty rates for overtime and public holidays are paid on top.

Private sector firefighters

Private sector firefighters – those working for private fire protection companies, industrial fire brigades, or similar – have separate minimum rates. The award sets a minimum hourly rate for ordinary hours, plus separate penalty rates for shiftwork, overtime, and weekend work. A qualified firefighter in the private sector earns a minimum of $29.45 per hour for ordinary time, or $38.29 per hour as an ordinary hourly rate for shiftworkers (including the 30% shift loading). Leading firefighters earn $33.70 per hour ($43.81 shiftwork), station officers $36.53 per hour ($47.49 shiftwork), and senior station officers $39.35 per hour ($51.16 shiftwork). These are the legal floors; many enterprise agreements or individual contracts pay higher.

Superannuation and take-home pay

All firefighter salary rates quoted are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a private sector qualified firefighter earning $29.45 per hour, the employer adds about $3.53 per hour to super. The total cost to the employer is higher than the base salary. After tax and the Medicare levy (2% once income exceeds $30,000), the take-home pay will be less than the gross figures. Use the Rate tables on this site to see after-tax estimates for different classifications.

How to find your correct rate

The award minimums are a starting point. Your actual firefighter salary may be higher if you are covered by an enterprise agreement or an individual contract. Always check your classification and sector. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a pay guide and a Pay and Conditions Tool to help you work out your entitlements. For award-free employees, the national minimum wage applies, but most firefighters are award-covered. See Which minimum wage applies for more on coverage. Remember that junior rates, apprentice rates, and supported wages can be lower than the adult minimum, but the award specifies when those apply.

Summary

A firefighter salary in Australia is governed by the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020, with different minimums for public and private sectors. The lowest paid classification (recruit or Level 1) earns just above the national minimum wage, while senior officers earn significantly more. Superannuation is paid on top, and actual salaries often exceed award rates through enterprise bargaining. For precise figures, refer to the award or your employer’s agreement.

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