What is the minimum wage for a human resources assistant?

The minimum wage depends on award coverage. If the assistant is covered by an industry award (e.g., Clerks Award), the award rate applies. If award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the floor. Junior rates may apply if under 21. Always check the applicable award first.

Do human resources managers get penalty rates?

Human resources managers are generally award-free and therefore not entitled to penalty rates under an award. Their minimum is the national minimum wage, but most earn significantly more. If covered by an enterprise agreement, check that document for any penalty provisions.

How is superannuation calculated on my human resources salary?

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, paid on top of your salary. For example, if your base salary is $75,000, your employer must contribute an additional $9,000 into your super fund. This is separate from your take-home pay.

Human resources salary: how to check your pay against the legal minimum

The legal minimum for award-free HR employees is $26.44 per hour (as of 1 July 2026), but many HR professionals earn well above that, with a median of $75 per hour for Human Resource Managers.

Understanding the human resources salary landscape

When you search for a human resources salary in Australia, you quickly find a wide range of figures. That’s because pay for HR roles depends on award coverage, the level of the position, and whether you are a manager or specialist. This guide helps you separate the legal minimum from survey averages and negotiated rates, so you can check your own hourly rate against the floor.

The legal minimum for human resources employees

The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that human resources employees may be covered by an industry award, the Clerks Award, the Miscellaneous Award, or be award-free. For example, an HR officer working in a bank may be covered by the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award, while an HR manager in a large private company is often award-free. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage applies: from 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

However, not every HR employee must receive $26.44 an hour. Junior employees (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and those on introductory award rates may be paid less. For award-free juniors, the percentages range from 36.8% for under 16 to 97.7% for 20-year-olds. Always check whether an award or enterprise agreement sets a higher rate – the national minimum is only the floor.

Survey averages: what the ABS reports

For a broader picture, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collects earnings data through the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median weekly earnings for full-time Human Resource Managers (ANZSCO 1323) are $2,768, which translates to about $75 per hour. This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. It reflects the pay of experienced managers, not entry-level HR assistants or coordinators. The median age of HR managers is 44, and 59% are women.

These figures are useful for benchmarking but should not be confused with the minimum wage. Many HR roles, especially at junior or administrative levels, pay less than the median. The ABS data also shows that 89% of HR managers work full-time, averaging 45 hours per week.

How to compare your rate to the floor

A practical check: take your hourly rate (before tax) and compare it to $26.44. If you are award-free, that is your legal minimum. If you are covered by an award, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to find the correct classification rate. For example, a clerical HR officer under the Clerks Award may have a higher minimum than the national minimum. Remember that superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings – it is not part of your hourly rate.

If your rate is below the floor, your employer may be underpaying you. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help you understand your rights. For more details on which minimum wage applies to you, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse Rate tables for award classifications.

The role of superannuation

Superannuation guarantee is an employer payment on top of your salary. For most employees, it is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if your base human resources salary is $70,000, your employer must contribute $8,400 into your super fund. This is separate from your take-home pay and is not included in the hourly rates discussed above.

Award rates and enterprise agreements

A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum. For example, the Health Services Award may set a higher minimum for HR officers in hospitals. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year, while the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. If you are covered by an agreement, check that document for your pay rate. Do not assume the national minimum applies if an award covers you.

Final thoughts

Your human resources salary is not a single number. It depends on your award status, experience, and employer. Use the national minimum as your safety net, but aim to understand the award or agreement that applies to you. For more information, visit our Guides section or Topics page.