Locksmith Salary: Legal Minimum Pay and Award Coverage in Australia

Understanding the locksmith salary floor

When researching a locksmith salary in Australia, the first question is usually about the legal minimum. The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is the ultimate pay floor. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. However, most locksmiths are covered by a modern award, which can require a higher rate than the national minimum.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, locksmiths (ANZSCO 323313) are precision metal trades workers who install and maintain locks and security systems. The occupation employs about 2,700 people, with a median age of 38 and a female share of just 4%. While the ABS does not publish a specific median weekly earnings figure for this 6‑digit occupation, the broader category of precision metal trades workers may have data available. The most reliable way to determine a locksmith’s pay floor is to identify the correct award.

Award coverage for locksmiths

The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that a locksmith’s award depends on the industry of their employer. For example:

• A locksmith working in a retail hardware store is covered by the Retail Award.
• A locksmith in a vehicle repair business is covered by the Vehicle Award.
• A locksmith on a construction site is covered by the Building and Construction Award.
• If no industry award applies, the Manufacturing Award covers locksmiths on an occupational basis. This is common for mobile locksmiths.

Each award has classification levels that set minimum hourly rates, penalties, and allowances. These rates are updated annually following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review. From 1 July 2026, modern award minimum wages rose by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. An introductory rate (limited to the first six months) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

To find the exact rate for a locksmith, you need to look up the classification in the relevant award. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database provides the calculated minimum rates, but you must read the award itself for full details. Which minimum wage applies can help you start the process.

Legal minimum vs. award rate vs. negotiated salary

It is important to separate the legal minimum from an award rate and a negotiated salary. The legal minimum is the national minimum wage – the absolute floor. A modern award sets a higher minimum for a specific industry or occupation. An enterprise agreement can set rates above the award. Finally, a negotiated salary is whatever an employer and employee agree, provided it is not below the applicable minimum.

For locksmiths, the award rate is likely higher than the national minimum, especially for qualified tradespeople. For example, the Manufacturing Award’s classification for a locksmith (likely at a C10 or C9 level) would be above $26.44 per hour. However, without looking up the specific award classification, we cannot give a precise figure. The key point is that the national minimum is the backstop, not the typical rate.

Superannuation and total remuneration

When discussing a locksmith salary, remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. For an employee earning $26.44 per hour, the employer must pay an additional $3.17 per hour into a super fund. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay; it is an extra cost to the employer. Total remuneration therefore includes both the cash wage and the super contribution.

Practical check: comparing your hourly rate

If you are a locksmith or an employer, you can check whether a rate meets the legal minimum. Start by identifying the award that applies. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s tools or consult Guides on this site. Then find the classification that matches the employee’s duties and qualifications. Compare the hourly rate (including any applicable loadings) to the award minimum. If no award applies, the national minimum wage is the floor.

Remember that junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may be paid less than the adult rate. For award‑free juniors, the percentages range from 36.8% for under 16 to 97.7% for 20‑year‑olds. Apprentice rates for award‑free employees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages.

Summary

The locksmith salary floor is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), but most locksmiths are covered by a modern award that sets a higher minimum. To know the exact rate, identify the correct award and classification. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. For more detail on how these figures are calculated, see How the figures work.