What is the minimum pharmacist salary in Australia under the Pharmacy Award?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Pharmacist is $41.74 per hour ($1,586.30 per week for full-time). An Experienced Pharmacist receives $45.72 per hour, a Pharmacist in charge $46.80, and a Pharmacist manager $52.15. These rates include the gender undervaluation increase and the Annual Wage Review rise. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.

How does the pharmacist award rate compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). The pharmacist award rate of $41.74 is significantly higher. Because the Pharmacy Industry Award covers most community pharmacy employees, the award rate is the legal minimum for pharmacists, not the national minimum wage. An employer cannot pay a pharmacist less than the award rate.

Can a pharmacist be paid less than the award rate?

No, the award rate is the legal minimum for employees covered by the Pharmacy Industry Award. However, an enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement can set a higher rate. Junior rates do not apply to pharmacists (only to pharmacy assistants under 21). Apprentices and trainees have separate rates. If you are award-free (rare for pharmacists), the national minimum wage applies, but that is lower than the award.

Pharmacist Salary Australia: Award Minimums and What They Mean for Your Pay

The minimum hourly rate for a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Award is $41.74 per hour, with superannuation on top.

Pharmacist salary Australia: the legal floor

When researching a pharmacist salary in Australia, the first figure to check is the minimum rate set by the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020. This award covers most employees in community pharmacies, including pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy assistants. The Fair Work Commission sets the rates after its annual wage review and any special adjustments, such as the recent gender undervaluation increase for pharmacists. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these minimums.

The Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 minimum rates

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the award minimums for pharmacists are:

Pharmacist: $41.74 per hour ($1,586.30 per week)
Experienced Pharmacist: $45.72 per hour ($1,737.40 per week)
Pharmacist in charge: $46.80 per hour ($1,778.40 per week)
Pharmacist manager: $52.15 per hour ($1,981.60 per week)

These rates incorporate the second stage of a 14.1% gender undervaluation increase (applied from 30 June 2026) and the 4.75% Annual Wage Review increase (applied from 1 July 2026). Pharmacy interns also have their own rates: $33.99 per hour for the first half of training and $35.14 for the second half. All rates are for ordinary hours of work (38 hours per week for full-time).

How the national minimum wage fits in

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, this is a backstop for award-free employees. Because the Pharmacy Award covers most pharmacists, the award rate overrides the national minimum. An employer cannot pay a pharmacist less than the award rate. The award rate is the legal floor for that classification.

What about averages and market rates?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average weekly earnings for all full-time adults: $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That figure includes all occupations. For pharmacists specifically, no precise ABS average is available in this guide. Actual pharmacist salaries can be higher than the award minimum due to enterprise agreements, individual contracts, or location. The award minimum is not a market median; it is the minimum you must receive unless a higher rate applies.

Separating minimum from negotiated salary

It is important to distinguish the legal minimum from a negotiated salary. The award sets the minimum. An enterprise agreement or an individual flexibility arrangement can set a higher rate. If you are covered by an agreement, check that agreement for your classification. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool to help you work out your entitlements.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on ordinary time earnings. This is paid on top of the hourly or weekly wage. For a pharmacist earning the award minimum of $41.74 per hour, the super contribution is an additional $5.01 per hour (12% of $41.74). Super is not part of the wage; it is an additional employer cost.

Internal links

Which minimum wage applies Rate tables

Practical check for your pay

If you are a pharmacist, check your classification against the award. Look at your pay slip: your ordinary hourly rate should not be below the award rate. If it is lower, you may be underpaid. If it is higher, that is fine. Remember that casual employees receive a casual loading (usually 25%) on top of the minimum hourly rate. The award also includes penalty rates for evening, Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday work. The rates in the award tables include those penalties for certain hours.

Final note

This guide is for orientation. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and modern awards. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information and enforcement. If you need specific advice, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional.

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