What is the minimum wage for a logistics manager?

If a logistics manager is not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week) applies from 1 July 2026. However, many logistics managers are covered by an award or agreement that sets a higher rate. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to check your specific situation.

Does the Road Transport and Distribution Award cover logistics managers?

The Road Transport and Distribution Award covers transport workers and distribution facility employees, but it does not explicitly include managerial classifications. A logistics manager may be classified under a different award (such as the Clerks Award or the Managers and Administration Award) or may be award-free if their duties are genuinely managerial. Always check the award coverage with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How does a logistics manager salary compare to the national average?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. A logistics manager's salary may be above or below this figure depending on experience, location, and employer. The national minimum wage is the only guaranteed floor.

Logistics Manager Salary: Understanding the Pay Floor in Australia

The legal minimum for a logistics manager is at least the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but the actual rate depends on award coverage or enterprise agreement; no specific award rate for logistics managers was found in the search.

Understanding the logistics manager salary floor

When searching for a "logistics manager salary" in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. The pay floor that applies to any employee depends on whether they are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free. This guide explains the key distinctions and what the research shows.

The national minimum wage as a backstop

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage 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. These rates apply to award-free and agreement-free employees in the national system. However, juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates may be paid less. For example, an award-free 18-year-old receives $18.06 per hour, and an introductory award rate (first six months) cannot fall below $25.74 per hour.

For a logistics manager, if no award or agreement applies, the national minimum wage is the legal floor. But most logistics managers are likely covered by an award or have a negotiated salary above this level.

Award coverage for logistics roles

The web search did not return a specific award classification for "logistics manager." The Road Transport and Distribution Award (MA000038) covers transport workers and distribution facility employees, with grades from Transport worker grade 1 ($26.87 per hour) to grade 10 ($31.55 per hour). These rates are higher than the national minimum, but they apply to drivers and warehouse staff, not necessarily to managers. A logistics manager may be covered by the Clerks Award, the Managers and Administration Award, or may be award-free if their role is genuinely managerial. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help determine the correct award.

If a modern award does cover the role, the minimum pay rates in that award (including penalty rates and allowances) apply instead of the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides the calculated rates, but the award itself prevails in case of inconsistency.

Enterprise agreements and negotiated salaries

Many logistics managers are employed under enterprise agreements that set higher pay and conditions than the underlying award. These agreements must be approved by the Fair Work Commission and cannot undercut the award minimum. If no agreement exists, the award rate (or national minimum if award-free) is the minimum. Negotiated salaries above the minimum are common, but they must still meet the superannuation guarantee obligation.

How superannuation fits in

All pay rates discussed are before tax. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. So if a logistics manager earns $1,200 per week, the employer must contribute an additional $144 into their super fund. This is not part of the salary figure but is an important part of total remuneration.

Common misconceptions

A common mistake is to confuse the national minimum wage with a "living wage" or to assume every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, and employees on introductory award rates can be paid less. Another misconception is that the Fair Work Ombudsman sets the minimum wage – in fact, the Fair Work Commission sets it, and the Ombudsman explains and enforces it.

For a logistics manager, the pay floor is not a single number. It depends on award coverage, age, and employment type. The ABS average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026) is a useful benchmark but not a legal requirement. Always check the specific award or agreement that applies to your role.

For more information, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

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