Does the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour apply to mechanical engineers?

Not necessarily. Most mechanical engineers are covered by a modern award, such as the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020, which sets minimum rates higher than the national minimum. For example, a Level C10 tradesperson must be paid at least $29.45 per hour from 1 July 2026. The national minimum only applies if no award or registered agreement covers the employee.

Is superannuation included in the mechanical engineering salary figures?

No. The minimum rates shown in awards and the national minimum wage are before tax and do not include superannuation. The super guarantee requires employers to pay an additional 12% on top of ordinary time earnings (as of 2026-27). So a $29.45 hourly award rate means the employer must also contribute $3.53 per hour to super.

How do I find the correct classification for a mechanical engineering role under the Manufacturing Award?

The Manufacturing Award has classification levels from C14 (entry) to C2 (senior). Mechanical engineering roles often fall under C10 (tradesperson), C9 (engineering technician), or higher if supervisory. You must match the duties and skills to the definitions in Schedule A of the award. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help, or you can check the award directly on the Fair Work Commission website.

Mechanical engineering salary: which Australian pay floor applies and what people mix up

A mechanical engineer covered by the Manufacturing Award must be paid at least the classification rate (e.g. C10 $29.45/h from 1 July 2026), but enterprise agreements or market rates may be higher.

Mechanical engineering salary: separating the legal minimum from averages and awards

When people search for a "mechanical engineering salary" in Australia, they often want a single number. In reality, the figure depends on whether you are looking at the legal minimum, an award classification rate, a survey average, or a negotiated salary. This guide explains which pay floor applies and what the official sources say.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage vs award rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. However, this rate only applies to employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement. Most mechanical engineers are covered by an award, most commonly the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (the Manufacturing Award).

The Manufacturing Award, as consolidated by the Fair Work Commission to 1 July 2026, sets minimum weekly and hourly rates for various classification levels. For example:

C14 (entry level): $978.10 per week / $25.74 per hour
C13: $1,004.90 / $26.44 (same as national minimum)
C10 (tradesperson): $1,119.10 / $29.45
C9 (engineering technician): $1,154.30 / $30.38
C8: $1,189.40 / $31.30
C7: $1,221.10 / $32.13
C6 (technical officer): $1,283.10 / $33.77
C5: $1,309.50 / $34.46
C4: $1,344.50 / $35.38
C3: $1,415.00 / $37.24
C2(a): $1,450.20 / $38.16
C2(b): $1,513.70 / $39.83

These are minimum rates only. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate, but never lower. The award also includes penalty rates, allowances, and overtime that can increase actual pay.

What about survey averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes average weekly earnings, but not a specific "mechanical engineering salary" figure in the provided search results. The ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week and all employees average total earnings of $1,579.20 per week. These are broad averages across all occupations and industries. Without a dedicated survey, any claimed average for mechanical engineers would be an invention. This site does not guess.

Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements

Many mechanical engineers are employed under enterprise agreements that set pay above the award minimum. These agreements must be approved by the Fair Work Commission and cannot undercut the award. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, check the agreement for your classification and rate. You can find enterprise agreements on the Fair Work Commission's website.

Superannuation is on top

All minimum rates discussed are before tax and do not include superannuation. The super guarantee requires employers to pay 12% of ordinary time earnings into your super fund. For example, if your award rate is $29.45 per hour, your employer must also contribute $3.53 per hour to super. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to the employer.

Common confusions

National minimum vs award minimum: The national minimum is a backstop. If an award covers you, the award rate applies, even if it is lower than the national minimum? Actually, the Fair Work Ombudsman notes that some award introductory rates can be below the national minimum, but only for a limited period (e.g., first 6 months). After that, the award rate must be at least the national minimum.
Junior, apprentice, and trainee rates: Not every employee gets $26.44 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wage employees have lower minimum rates. For award-free juniors, rates range from $9.73/h (under 16) to $25.84/h (age 20). Apprentice rates under the Manufacturing Award are set in clause 21.
Casual loading: Casual employees covered by an award receive a casual loading (usually 25%) on top of the base rate. The national minimum casual rate is $33.05 per hour.

How to find your correct minimum

Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate your minimum pay based on your award, classification, and circumstances. You can also check the Modern Awards Pay Database on the Fair Work Commission website for the latest rates. For more guidance, see Which minimum wage applies and our Rate tables.

Summary

A mechanical engineering salary in Australia is not a single figure. The legal minimum is set by the Manufacturing Award (or another applicable award) at a classification level that matches your duties and skills. Enterprise agreements and market rates can push pay higher. Survey averages are not available from the official sources used here. Always check the relevant award or agreement, and remember that super is an extra 12% on top.

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