Do casual graduate engineers get paid more?

Yes. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a 4‑year degree graduate, that is $43.21 per hour. Casual loading replaces entitlements like paid leave.

Can a graduate engineer be paid more than the award rate?

Absolutely. The award sets the minimum. Many employers pay above the award, especially in high‑demand sectors. Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can also provide higher salaries.

Graduate engineer salary: award minimum rates and comparisons

Q: What is the minimum graduate engineer salary under the Professional Employees Award?

From 1 July 2026, the minimum for a graduate with a 4‑year degree is $68,538 per year ($34.57 per hour). For a 3‑year degree it is $66,825 ($33.71/h). These rates include the 4.75% increase from the 2026 Annual Wage Review.

The minimum graduate engineer salary under the Professional Employees Award is $68,538 per year ($34.57/h) for a 4‑year degree, plus 12% super.

Graduate engineer salary: what the award says

The term "graduate engineer salary" often refers to the minimum pay set by the Professional Employees Award 2020, which covers many engineering roles. Under this award, a graduate engineer with a 4‑year university degree recognised by Engineers Australia is classified at Level 1, Pay Point 1.1. From 1 July 2026, the minimum annual wage is $68,538, which works out to $34.57 per hour for a 38‑hour week. A graduate with a 3‑year degree receives $66,825 ($33.71/h). These rates are the legal floor; actual salaries can be higher depending on the employer, industry, or enterprise agreement.

How the minimum compares to the national minimum

The national minimum wage for adults is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026. The graduate engineer award rate is about 31% above that, reflecting the professional qualification required. However, the award rate is not a survey average or a typical starting offer – it is the minimum that must be paid under the award. Many employers offer more, especially in competitive fields.

Casual loading and superannuation

If a graduate engineer is employed casually, they receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a 4‑year degree graduate, that means $43.21 per hour ($34.57 × 1.25). In addition, employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on ordinary time earnings. This super is paid on top of the hourly or annual salary, not deducted from it.

Award coverage and other pay arrangements

The Professional Employees Award applies to employees who perform professional engineering duties and meet the definition of graduate engineer, professional engineer, or experienced engineer. If your employer is covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates. Similarly, individual contracts can offer more than the award minimum. The award is the safety net; you cannot be paid less than the award rate for your classification.

Where to find more information

For a full list of pay points and allowances, see our Rate tables. If you are unsure which award applies to your role, visit Which minimum wage applies. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides and tools to check your correct classification.

What about survey averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes average earnings for all employees, but not a specific "graduate engineer salary" figure. The ABS May 2026 data shows full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, but that includes all occupations and experience levels. A graduate engineer's actual pay will depend on the industry, location, and employer. The award minimum is the only legally enforceable floor.

Summary

Minimum annual salary (4‑year degree): $68,538
Minimum hourly rate: $34.57
Casual hourly rate: $43.21
Super guarantee: 12% on top
National minimum wage: $26.44/h

Always check your classification and any applicable enterprise agreement. The award rate is a starting point, not a ceiling.

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