Pilates Instructor Salary: Award Rates and National Minimum Wage Guide
Under the Fitness Industry Award 2020, a Level 3 pilates instructor earns at least $27.97 per hour ($1,062.90 per week) as of 1 July 2026, plus 12% super.
Understanding the Pilates Instructor Salary in Australia
When researching a pilates instructor salary, it is important to separate the legal minimum from what the market pays. The legal minimum is set by the Fitness Industry Award 2020 (MA000094), which covers most pilates instructors working in fitness businesses. The award provides a series of classification levels based on qualifications, experience, and duties. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates range from $25.74 (Level 1) to $34.89 (Level 7). A qualified pilates instructor typically falls at Level 3 or above, meaning a minimum of $27.97 per hour or $1,062.90 per week for full-time work.
Legal Minimum vs Survey Averages
The legal minimum is the floor. Actual earnings can be higher. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for Fitness Instructors (the occupation group that includes pilates instructors) was $1,500, with a median hourly rate of $38. However, this figure is a survey average for all fitness instructors and does not represent a legal entitlement. Many pilates instructors work part-time or casually, and the award provides casual loadings (25% on top of the base rate) and penalty rates for weekends and public holidays.
Award Coverage and Classification
The Fitness Industry Award applies to employers in the fitness industry and their employees in classifications such as instructor, trainer, or coach. Pilates instructors are generally classified at Level 3 or Level 3A if they hold a Certificate III or IV in Fitness (or equivalent) and conduct group or individual sessions. The award also includes junior rates (for employees under 21), supported wage rates for employees with disability, and trainee rates under the National Training Wage. An enterprise agreement can set higher rates, but never lower than the award minimum.
Superannuation and Other Entitlements
All salary figures mentioned are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay the super guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) on top of ordinary time earnings. For a full-time Level 3 instructor earning $1,062.90 per week, the employer would contribute an additional $127.55 per week to super. Other entitlements under the award include annual leave, personal leave, and overtime pay.
How the Figures Work
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee not covered by an award. The Fitness Industry Award sets higher minimums for most classifications. If you are award-free (rare for pilates instructors), the national minimum applies. Always check your specific award coverage using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s tools. For more detail on how rates are calculated, see our How the figures work guide. You can also browse Rate tables for award and national minimum comparisons.
Key Takeaways
- The legal minimum pilates instructor salary under the Fitness Industry Award is at least $27.97 per hour (Level 3) from 1 July 2026.
- Actual pay can be higher; the ABS median for fitness instructors is $38 per hour.
- Superannuation (12%) is paid on top of the salary.
- Junior, trainee, and supported wage rates may be lower.
- Enterprise agreements can set higher rates, but never lower than the award.
Always verify your classification and pay with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Questions people ask next
What is the minimum hourly rate for a pilates instructor in Australia?
The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification level under the Fitness Industry Award 2020. For a Level 3 instructor (typical for qualified pilates instructors), the rate is $27.97 per hour as of 1 July 2026. Lower levels start at $25.74 per hour (Level 1). Junior employees receive a percentage of the adult rate based on age.
Does the Fitness Industry Award cover all pilates instructors?
Most pilates instructors working in gyms, studios, or fitness centres are covered by the Fitness Industry Award 2020 if their employer operates in the fitness industry. However, some instructors may be covered by an enterprise agreement or be award-free. Check the award coverage rules at the Fair Work Ombudsman website or consult your employer.
Is superannuation included in the pilates instructor salary?
No, superannuation is paid on top of the salary. Employers must contribute at least 12% of ordinary time earnings into a super fund for eligible employees. The award rates and national minimum wage figures quoted do not include super.
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